In recent months we have seen how the additive manufacturing industry continues to grow. This has happened in many ways, ranging from acquisitions and collaborations of major companies in the sector to increased globalization and the search for even more applications for the technologies. This is particularly the case of the Asian manufacturer RAYSHAPE, known for developing high-precision DLP 3D printers. He recently announced two major groundbreaking developments. The first is the launch of the Shape 1+ series of 3D printers, which includes the Shape 1+, Shape 1+ HD and Shape 1+ Dental machines. With the latest updates, these new DLP 3D printers should be more powerful, accurate and reliable than any other solution. At the same time, the second is the opening of RAYSHAPE to the European market through a new subsidiary in London, which positions the brand on the ideal path towards international expansion.

All of this exciting news highlights the current state of the 3D industry which, after experiencing a significant downturn in 2020, is slowly making a comeback. We have already seen this in the Wohlers 2022 report, which showed that the additive manufacturing market saw higher growth and a more widespread maturation of the sector compared to the previous year. This is particularly important, not only in terms of technological and material advances, but also in terms of the openness it means for many companies seeking internationalization. Today we come to talk specifically about RAYSHAPE, how this expansion was possible and where the company is in developing new solutions, such as the Shape 1+ series.

Photo credits: RAYSHAPE

Shape 1+ Series Features

As mentioned, the new Shape 1+ series from RAYSHAPE consists of three 3D printers. The machines in the range use DLP resin technology, which projects an LED light source through the so-called DMD (digital micromirror device) chip. The 7″ touch screen with a powerful built-in computer provides a simple and reliable experience, making the Shape 1+ series truly intuitive and simple for the user to use. The printers also have an air filter inside to control the closed environment during the manufacturing process. Note that the three 3D printers in the Shape 1+ series work with ShapeWare software, a slicer allowing you to start modeling solid objects and prepare 3D printing parts. On a more technical level, the Shape 1+ series includes an industrial-grade linear guide module that helps ensure greater precision in layer thickness as well as high surface quality. In this way, RAYSHAPE has developed high-strength, high-quality 3D printing solutions that can withstand long-term mass production use.

If we focus on the characteristics of the three DLP machines, we can see that overall they are quite similar. However, each of them is specifically designed to meet the most demanding industrial needs in different ways. First, we have the Shape 1+ 3D printer, the most standard of this range. With a maximum build volume of 192 x 108 x 200 mm and a pixel thickness (on their website it says “Pixel Size”) of 100 microns, this machine offers great advantages in terms of precision, efficiency , quality and maintenance costs. Then, the Shape 1+ HD model differs from the previous version by the print volume (144 x 81 x 200 mm) and the thickness of the pixels (75 microns). This solution is particularly interesting for applications requiring extremely precise surface finishes. With the Shape 1+ HD, the pieces obtained stand out for their good quality and great attention to detail. Finally, there is the Shape 1+ Dental which, as its name suggests, is intended for the dental sector. With a production volume and resolution similar to the HD model, this machine is ideal for the production of dental parts such as aligners, crowns or implants. In addition, it is compatible with ShapeMaterials dental resins, developed by RAYSHAPE for this industry, as well as with third-party resins.

The Shape 1+ series includes the Shape 1+, Shape 1+ HD and Shape 1+ Dental 3D printers (photo credits: RAYSHAPE)

RAYSHAPE expands on the international market

The launch of the Shape 1+ series once again demonstrates the Asian manufacturer’s intentions to continue to innovate in the field of resin 3D printing. And not only by offering new solutions, but also by making their machines accessible to more people around the world. For this reason, they recently officially opened a new branch in the capital of the United Kingdom, with the aim of opening up to European territory. The London branch has been operational since early June 2022 and is tasked with offering sales support across Europe, including pre-sales and post-sales support. The formalization of this branch has also allowed RAYSHAPE to be present at major industry events, such as TCT 3Sixty, held earlier this month in Birmingham, UK.

Zhen Liu, founder of RAYSHAPE, adds: “The expansion of the international market this year is natural for us due to the high demand for resin 3D printers. The advantages of RAYSHAPE products lie in reliability and ease of use, and we believe that our solutions can solve the problems of many users.

The new UK subsidiary of RAYSHAPE

Finally, it remains to mention that the company’s projects do not stop there. RAYSHAPE plans to continue expanding its availability across different continents; in fact, it is currently in the process of expanding and seeking new distributors and partners to expand its operations in European and North American markets. You can find more information about the company and its new line of 3D printers on its website HERE.

What do you think of RAYSHAPE and its range of Shape 1+ 3D printers? Let us know in a comment below or on our LinkedIn, Facebookand Twitter pages! Don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter here, the latest 3D printing news straight to your inbox! You can also find all our videos on our Youtube channel.

*Cover photo credits: RAYSHAPE