Just a few years ago the 3D landscape in New Zealand looked pretty bleak. Locally, 3D printing was considered somewhat of a hobbyist novelty. Even where it was making commercial inroads, the range, support and service was virtually non-existent, and parts could take months to arrive. Due to these factors 3D was a high-risk proposition for businesses, but the potential of the technology was undeniable.
Yet, overseas, 3D printing had become a Gartner Group certified multibillion dollar industry.
Enter Fuji Xerox New Zealand as the partner for the ‘world established market leader’ 3D Systems. 3D Systems are credited with inventing 3D printing and are the only company offering the “full digital thread” of design, manufacturing, software, hardware and scanning solutions. Their portfolio is the most comprehensive on the market, encompassing seven technologies and 120 different materials. With 3D Systems behind them, it’s no surprise that Fuji Xerox has the largest range of 3D devices available in the current local market.
Over the last two years, says Alexis Parker, Fuji Xerox New Zealand’s National Business Development Manager, the company has made a huge commitment to applying structure and order to the world of 3D for businesses. “We’ve invested in building and equipping the largest 3D showroom in the AP region, developed new markets and won two global 3D Systems awards. And of course, we made sure there’s an on-call service and support infrastructure to back everything up. We’re now in the dominant position when it comes to 3D for business in New Zealand.”
The Landing
Called ‘The Landing’, Fuji Xerox’s new state-of-the-art technology and logistics centre, based alongside Auckland International Airport, is a showcase for the company’s 3D devices. From jewellery to dental, education to architectural, prototyping to medical, and of course manufacturing, the display of 3D Systems technology clearly proves that ‘if you can dream it, you can build it’.
You can see many of the 3D Systems devices and samples displayed on the Fuji Xerox stand at EMEX 2016.
Delivering 3D for business
Fuji Xerox New Zealand focuses on supplying 3D devices that support local innovation, making significant inroads into industries including tertiary education, architecture, manufacturing, and research and development. Prototyping and rapid tooling remain popular applications for the devices, and the wide variety of materials delivered by the 3D Systems range appeal to many industries. Major customers include the New Zealand Defence Force, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, Fisher & Paykel Appliances and Weta Workshop.
Fuji Xerox New Zealand’s ability to successfully penetrate and dominate the local market, was recognised internationally at the 3D Systems Global Summit in both Las Vegas in 2016 and Hong Kong in 2015.
A supportive service
Starting from scratch, Fuji Xerox New Zealand now has a network of 3D engineers across the country to keep up with market demand. Their 3D support infrastructure reproduces the same well-oiled machine that ensures all Fuji Xerox print devices run smoothly nationwide.
Support includes a full stock of consumables, and critically, the ability to provide customers with valuable advice and guidance.
The Rodin Project
David Dicker, the hugely successful businessman behind Dicker Data, recently purchased a 3D Systems ProX DMP 320 from Fuji Xerox to ensure the success of his latest enterprise, Rodin Cars.
This production grade metal printer was the perfect complement to his state-of-the-art factory and test facility, which features its own race track, robotic machinery, and large autoclaves for carbon fibre parts.
Launched in January of this year, the ProX DMP 320 is designed for high precision, high throughput manufacturing. It’s optimised for critical applications requiring complex, chemically-pure titanium, stainless steel or Inconel parts. The ProX DMP 320 has interchangeable manufacturing modules, for quick material changes, recycling and replenishment. Build parameters developed from nearly half-a-million builds ensure predictable and repeatable results. With centralised control of multiple machines, reduced argon consumption and serialised workflows, manufacturers can keep pace with demanding production cycles and budgets.
The large 275mm x 275mm x 420mm build volume means the machine can easily support industrial applications from R&D to the production line, from the aerospace industry to healthcare services.
Rodin Cars is the first company in New Zealand to invest in the ProX DMP 320. “I’ve always wanted to build a car – a fast one,” said Dicker. “Now I have the capability, time and money to make a super lightweight carbon fibre and titanium track-day car. It won’t be cheap, but it’ll be as fast, or faster, than a Formula 1 car. The ProX is critical to its production and design.”
David Dicker can dream it, and with the help of his ProX DMP 320 from Fuji Xerox New Zealand, he is building it.
