There’s good news for manufacturers as Ricoh announced the release of its first branded 3D printer, the RICOH AM S5500P. The new printer is to be showcased at Formnext 2015 in Frankfurt this November and then put on general release by the middle of next year.  

The Development of 3D Printing

Whilst the technology is new to many of us, researchers and developers have been working on the concept of 3D printing for at least the last three decades. It is only in recent times however that the technology has developed to such a significant extent that it has become commercially viable and this change is now combining with a reduction in the cost of setting up a 3D printing solution (as well as the savings it provides for development in-house). With developments such as the RICOH AM S5500P coming onto the market, we could now see a surge in 3D printing, particularly across the manufacturing industry.

What is the RICOH AM S5500P?

According to Ricoh, it’s a high speed, high end product which has been specifically developed to help a range of businesses engage with their individual manufacturing and innovation needs. The printer will offer PA6 and PP materials support and will provide manufacturers with the tools they need to produce quality fabricated products in-house. Businesses that could benefit from the AM S5500P include the automotive industry where the printer can be used to develop new technology and explore design innovations.       

• The RICOH AM S5500P uses an additive manufacturing process called SLS®*1 which allows powdered material to be fused with a laser during the sintering procedure that forms the basis for much 3D printing activity.
• A range of materials including PA*2 11 and PA12 and PA6 and PP*3 can be used which means that parts can be built for fully functional tests.    
• The printer can handle larger parts as well as produce different smaller parts at the same time with a significant modelling area that measures 550 mm² .
• Ricoh have produced the printer in close collaboration with Aspect, Inc. and will continue to work with them developing and enhancing functions and materials for the future.

Up until this moment, Ricoh have only been selling third party 3D printers and a range of complementary services such as advice on 3D printing and fabrication processes. This step into the manufacturing of their own product is a big move forward for the company and could see major developments coming online in the future if the AM S5500P is a success.