The Dimension Elite is a 3d printer that builds models up to 200 x 200 x 300 mm in white ABS thermoplastic.

It generates each layer of the model in a toothpaste style together with a support structure to hold it up.  This support material is snapped off or dissolved away in a separate water tank when the model is complete.

There can be a grooved / strata effect between printed layers – the effect is accentuated in this example as it was printed at an odd angle.  Had the model been printed standing up vertically the effect would have looked less pronounced (though it would have required more support material)

In maximum resolution each layer it prints is 0.178mm thick (the older powder style zCorp z450 can print 0.089mm thick layers).  Unlike the zCorp machine the models made by the Dimension are tough and hardwearing.

In the image above the ABS Plastic model is on the left and the zCorp powder version of the model is on the right (click to enlarge)

The consumables are more expensive for the Dimension, plus it is not just the model that is being printed, it is the supporting structure as well.  Whereas the z450 models are supported by powder than can be re-used, the Dimension support material cannot be used again and again.

The file format supported by the printer software is .STL – most 3d applications will export to this format (Sketchup Pro doesn’t export to STL; you’ll need to bring it into 3DS Max and export from there).

Pricing is at £5.oo per cubic inch (or 0.32p per cubic cm) – however the volume produced needs also to include the volume of the support structure.  The printing software will work out the volume and price before printing.  As an example, the face model above worked out at 0.5 cubic inches for the face and 1.3 cubic inches for the support material.  1.8 x 5 = £9.00.  The model is approximately 100mm high.