Tech Nukem

$20,000 for a printer might sound ridiculously expensive for you. However, if you are a professional designer or planner and need to do 3D printing from time to time, the updated version of Dimension uPrint Plus from Stratasys perhaps will fit your purpose and do the job for you.



Dimension uPrint Plus has shown significant improvements in terms of features compared to its predecessor. Similar to Dimension uPrint Personal, Dimension uPrint Plus has a small footprint for true desktop use, 25 x 26 in (635 x 660 mm). Comparatively, uPrint Plus is slightly bigger (about 33%) and faster than uPrint. The updated version of the 3D printer features two support-material enhancements that reduce material consumption and modeling time. The first, Smart Supports, is a software enhancement
that reduces material usage by 40 percent, cutting costs. The second, SR-30, is an improved soluble support material that dissolves 69 percent faster, to speed up the modeling process. Smart Supports is available for both uPrint and uPrint Plus.

The 3D printer can print in eight color Stratasys ABSplus material (red, blue, olive, black, dark gray, nectarine, fluorescent yellow, and ivory) and offers two resolution settings – 0.010 in (0.254 mm) and 0.013 in (0.330 mm) for more printing options.

“When the uPrint was introduced one year ago, it quickly became the best-selling 3D printer worldwide, with 1,000 units sold in the first 9 months,” says Dimension Product Manager Mary Stanley. “Based on its success and customer requests for expanded features, the uPrint Plus was created. Now designers, engineers and architects have expanded options for building models based on proven FDM technology.”

Epson has announced its new high-definition all-in-one photo printer - Epson Stylus Photo PX650, which specially designed for digital photography enthusiasts. The new Epson PX650 allows users to scan, copy and print photos that exceed lab quality. In addition, the printer comes with a 2.5-inch LCD screen which makes it an easy task for the user to perform minor edits before printing. Moreover, it also comes with a memory card slot, support PictBridge, printing photo in approximately 12 second. Apart from that, a 1200dpi resolution photo scanner captures the fine detail of original prints, whilst the Hi-Definition Epson Claria Photographic Ink creates high quality glossy photos which be able to prints that last up to 200 years. The PX650 can also print directly onto suitable CDs and DVDs.


Epson Stylus Photo PX650 All-in One Photo Printer

Features of Epson Stylus Photo PX650

* View and print photos directly from memory card using the 2.5-inch LCD screen
* Scan, copy, and print photos that exceed lab quality
* Personalize your CDs and DVDs by printing directly onto suitable discs
* Print 10×15cm photos in approximately 12 seconds
* Epson Claria Photographic Ink for glossy, long-lasting photos
* Save money with individual inks – only replace the color used
* ENERGY STAR® qualified

The new Epson Stylus Photo PX650 will be available on September 1st, 2009 from starting price $215 in the UK. Each purchase comes with a pack of photo paper.