Solidscape

Key takeaways

Solidscape belongs to science; place it in that map before memorising details.
Learn the definition first, then one example that makes the definition concrete.
Connect Solidscape to a quantity you can measure, compute or draw — that is where exam questions come from.
Reproduce the core statement of Solidscape from memory before moving on to harder problems.

Reference excerpt

Solidscape, Inc. is a company that designs, develops and manufactures 3D printers for rapid prototyping and rapid manufacturing, able to print solid models created in CAD.

History Solidscape was founded under the name Sanders Prototype, Inc. in 1993 by Royden C. Sanders to build PC-based 3D wax printers for rapid prototyping and creating master molds used for investment casting. Sanders Prototype was originally headquartered in Wilton, New Hampshire and later moved to its current location in Merrimack, New Hampshire, USA. In early 1998, a new management team was installed, and a substantial reorganization ensued. Sanders Prototype renamed itself Solidscape, Inc. in the Fall of 2000. The first product was the Model Maker which was a DOS-based desktop printer able to create high-resolution three-dimensional wax objects created in CAD software packages. This machine was accurate to less than 1 thousandth of an inch, allowing operators to create very small, very detailed models. The wax models could then be cast without the need of a master pattern or rubber mold. Solidscape’s machines established themselves as a favorite among custom jewelers, who appreciated the ability to create custom designs for customers and deliver finished goods faster and more consistently than creating them by hand. Solidscape's first machine was the Model 6 PRO. In addition to a vacuum cleaner, it shipped with a desk-size tower containing an Intel 486DX processor on a standard motherboard, a 15-inch CRT monitor and keyboard. Also installed in the PC was a proprietary interface card which interacted with the printer. The computer ran MS-DOS. The computer was required to prepare the CAD models (converting them from STL file to a proprietary format that the printer can utilize) and operate the printer. Conversion for most files required several hours to complete and printing required several more. Depending on the model to build, the whole process from file to finished output often required 24–30 hours. Most of these units were developmental models, and very few were sold. In 1997, the 6 PRO was revised to become the Modelmaker. In 2004, Solidscape introduced the BenchTop series of 3D printers (T66BT and T612BT), a benchtop-ready solution. The BenchTop series were DOS based and did not require an external PC. The control software could run on the printer processing unit and the front-end software ModelWorks could be installed on the customer PC. Along with the BenchTop 3D printers, Solidscape launched the model-making materials InduraCast and InduraFill model-making materials. In 2006, Solidscape introduced the higher performance BenchTop printers (T66BT2 and T612BT2). In 2007, Solidscape introduced the benchMark series of printers (T76, R66) based on the Windows platform including touch screen functionality. In 2009, Solidscape introduced the preXacto series of printers (D76+, D66+) dedicated to dental applications, incorporating the proprietary SCP technology and DentaCast material. In 2010, Solidscape introduced the benchMark (T76+, R66+), incorporating the proprietary SCP technology. In 2011, Solidscape was acquired by Stratasys, Inc (SSYS) the world market leader in 3D printing and Rapid Manufacturing systems "Wohlers Report". In 2017, Solidscape introduced the S-series wax 3D printers. The family of printer expanded to various models including S325, S350, S360, S370, S360, S390 and S3Duo. The family leverages SCP and Solidjet technologies depending on the models In 2018, Solidscape was acquired by Prodways Group (EPA:PWG) a major player in digital manufacturing In 2024, Solidscape was acquired by a privately held company

Products Solidscape manufactures 3D printers, 3D materials and 3D software.

3D Printers receive digital input from three-dimensional data files (STL, SLC) and create solid, three-dimensional wax master patterns through an additive, layer-by-layer process with a layer thickness [mm] from .0127 to.0762 and a resolution of [dpi] 5,000 × 5,000 × 8,000 XYZ. Build envelope of [cm] 15.2W × 15.2D × 10.1H. The machine footprint is [cm] 54.9W × 49.0D × 40.9H. 3D Materials are non-toxic thermoplastic materials featuring lost wax casting properties: fast melt out, no ash or residue, no thermal expansion. 3D Software are designed to process 3D open source files (.STL,.SLC), set up the printer's resolution as well as control the motion algorithms.

Technology Vector Printing : The proprietary printing technology in which 2 jets, build and support, move in both directions (x and y) simultaneously while depositing droplets on the build plate. "A Vector is a curve which is defined by two endpoints and a radius of curvature. This vector is consistently recreated by linking these three data-points and drawing the line". Vectored jetting is guided by the same principle. A start point, endpoint and radius of curvature is defined by the control software and the jet follows this path. With rasterized jetting, each point on the curve is strictly defined, so to make a complete curve, the print-head must move to each specifically defined spot, deposit material and move on. By its very nature, it must move, then stop, then move again. By utilizing a vectored path, the print-heads need not stop each time it deposits material onto the build area which results in smoother features. SCP (Smooth Curvature Printing) : trademark for Vector-Jetting algorithm based on motion control technology allowing to deliver continuous and smooth curves Solidjet: A high volume jetting technology allowing to increase print speed for vector printing DoD printing (Drop on Demand) : trademark for 3D printing technology whereby 6000-12000 droplets of a wax-like material are deposited onto a build plate to create 3D models. DWax (Dewaxing) : the proprietary technology to remove the support material from the built model. It employs a liquid solution that at the target temperature dissolves the support material.

Applications Production of wax master patterns for mold making and investment casting applications. Production of small parts and assemblies that require high precision and castability. Applications such as jewelry and watch-making, personal consumer electronics, toys, automotive, aerospace, bio-medical, and dental restorations.

See also Direct digital manufacturing Rapid prototyping 3D printing Desktop manufacturing Lost-wax casting

References Wohlers, Terry (2008). "Wohlers Report 2008". Wohlers Associates.

… excerpt ends here. Continue reading the full article.

Worked examples

Example 1 — a first encounter with Solidscape

Start with the simplest possible case. Write down what Solidscape claims or describes in one sentence, then invent the smallest concrete situation in which that sentence is true. In science, the smallest case is usually a single object, a single equation or a single measurement. Check that every symbol or term in your sentence has a meaning in that case.

Example 2 — changing one variable

Take the situation from Example 1 and change exactly one quantity: double it, halve it, or set it to zero. Predict what should happen to Solidscape before you calculate. Comparing your prediction with the result is the fastest way to find out whether you understand the idea or only the words.

Example 3 — an exam-style question

Typical questions about Solidscape ask you to (a) state it precisely, (b) apply it to given data, and (c) explain a limitation. Practise writing all three answers in under five minutes; the third part is what separates a full-mark answer from an average one.

Applications of Solidscape

In research: Solidscape appears in science research whenever the underlying quantities have to be modelled precisely. Papers usually cite it as a starting assumption and then explore where it breaks down.
In technology and industry: Engineering practice reuses Solidscape in design rules, simulations and safety margins. Knowing the idea lets you read a specification sheet and understand why the numbers look the way they do.
In the classroom: Solidscape is common in secondary-school and first-year university syllabi. It links to neighbouring topics 3D printer companies, Casting, Companies based in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, so understanding it makes those chapters shorter.
In everyday life: Look for Solidscape outside the textbook — in sport, cooking, traffic, electronics or the sky above you. An example you found yourself is remembered far longer than one you were given.

How to study Solidscape in 20 minutes

Read the reference excerpt below once, without taking notes.
Close the page and write down what Solidscape means in your own words.
Compare your version with the excerpt and mark what you missed.
Work through the three examples above with pen and paper.
Explain Solidscape out loud to somebody else — or to Teacher Smith in the lgStudy chat.

Frequently asked questions

What is Solidscape in simple terms?

Solidscape, Inc. is a company that designs, develops and manufactures 3D printers for rapid prototyping and rapid manufacturing, able to print solid models created in CAD. History Solidscape was founded under the name Sanders Prototype, Inc. in 1993 by Royden C.

Why does Solidscape matter?

Because it connects several science ideas at once: it gives you a definition you can apply, a quantity you can calculate, and a way to check whether a result is plausible.

How should I study Solidscape?

Read the excerpt, restate it from memory, then work through the examples and applications listed on this page. The five-step study plan above takes about twenty minutes.

What does this page cover?

It gives you a compact reference excerpt plus original lgStudy explanations, examples, applications and study material on Solidscape.