RAYSHAPE’s Shape 1+ Series: Pushing the Boundaries of High-Precision DLP 3D Printing and Global Expansion

The additive manufacturing industry is experiencing an unprecedented period of growth and innovation. In recent months, we’ve witnessed dynamic shifts, from strategic acquisitions and groundbreaking collaborations among industry giants to a pronounced push towards globalization and extensive research into diverse applications for 3D printing technologies. This surge is particularly evident in the high-precision DLP (Digital Light Processing) 3D printing sector, where Asian manufacturer RAYSHAPE has emerged as a significant player. Known for its commitment to developing advanced DLP solutions, RAYSHAPE has recently captured industry attention with two pivotal announcements. The first is the highly anticipated launch of its Shape 1+ series of industrial DLP 3D printers, encompassing the Shape 1+, Shape 1+ HD, and Shape 1+ Dental models. These new machines, featuring the latest technological updates, are engineered to deliver unparalleled power, accuracy, and reliability, setting a new benchmark for high-performance resin 3D printing. Concurrently, RAYSHAPE has solidified its commitment to international expansion by establishing a new subsidiary in London, strategically positioning the brand to cater to the burgeoning European market and accelerate its global reach.

This exciting news from RAYSHAPE underscores the robust recovery and burgeoning maturation of the broader 3D printing industry. After facing a notable slowdown in 2020, the sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience and is now on a clear upward trajectory. This positive trend was clearly articulated in the Wohlers Report 2022, which highlighted substantial market growth and widespread adoption of additive manufacturing compared to previous years. This resurgence is not merely a matter of technological and material advancements; it also signifies a crucial openness for numerous companies seeking internationalization and expanded market access. Today, we delve specifically into RAYSHAPE’s journey, exploring the strategic factors that have propelled its expansion and examining the innovative solutions, such as the new Shape 1+ series, that position the company at the forefront of additive manufacturing excellence.

Unveiling the Advanced Features of the RAYSHAPE Shape 1+ Series

The new Shape 1+ series from RAYSHAPE represents a significant leap forward in professional resin 3D printing, comprising three meticulously engineered machines designed to meet diverse industrial requirements. At its core, the series leverages advanced DLP resin technology, a method renowned for its speed and precision. This process involves projecting an LED light source through a sophisticated Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) chip, selectively curing liquid photopolymer resin layer by layer. Unlike other resin-based technologies, DLP offers consistent curing across the entire build platform, ensuring uniform part quality and faster print times, making it ideal for high-volume production and applications demanding intricate details.

User experience is paramount in the Shape 1+ series. Each printer is equipped with a responsive 7-inch touch screen, powered by a robust integrated computer. This intuitive interface simplifies operation, making the Shape 1+ series exceptionally user-friendly and accessible for both experienced professionals and new adopters. From initial setup to monitoring ongoing prints, the streamlined controls ensure a reliable and straightforward workflow. Furthermore, a built-in air filter system maintains a controlled and clean printing environment, effectively managing resin fumes and ensuring consistent print quality, which is vital for maintaining the integrity of parts and ensuring operator safety in industrial settings. All three Shape 1+ 3D printers are seamlessly integrated with ShapeWare software, RAYSHAPE’s proprietary slicer. This powerful software facilitates effortless solid object modeling and precise preparation of 3D printing files, offering a comprehensive suite of tools for optimizing print parameters and ensuring successful outcomes.

On the more technical front, the Shape 1+ series incorporates an industrial-grade linear guide module. This critical component is instrumental in achieving exceptional precision in layer thickness and superior surface quality, even during extended operation. This robust mechanical design ensures stability and accuracy throughout the printing process, allowing RAYSHAPE to deliver high-strength, high-quality 3D printing solutions that are built to withstand the rigors of long-term mass production and continuous industrial use. The combination of advanced DLP technology, user-centric design, intelligent software, and robust hardware ensures that the Shape 1+ series is not just a collection of printers, but a comprehensive solution for demanding additive manufacturing applications.

While sharing a common foundation of advanced DLP technology and user-friendly features, each machine within the Shape 1+ series is meticulously tailored to address specific industrial needs. The **Shape 1+ 3D printer** stands as the versatile standard model of this innovative range. Offering a generous maximum manufacturing volume of 192 x 108 x 200 mm and a pixel size (or pixel thickness, as sometimes referred to) of 100 microns, this machine provides an excellent balance of precision, efficiency, and quality, alongside cost-effective maintenance. It’s an ideal choice for general industrial prototyping, functional part creation, and small to medium-batch production where a larger build platform is advantageous.

For applications demanding even finer detail and superior surface finishes, the **Shape 1+ HD model** steps forward. It distinguishes itself with a refined printing volume of 144 x 81 x 200 mm and a significantly smaller pixel size of 75 microns. This higher resolution makes the Shape 1+ HD particularly well-suited for industries such as jewelry, intricate prototyping, and dental model creation, where the nuances of geometry and texture are critical. Parts produced with the Shape 1+ HD exhibit exceptional quality and an unparalleled attention to detail, enabling designers and engineers to realize complex designs with remarkable fidelity.

Rounding out the series is the specialized **Shape 1+ Dental**. As its name implies, this machine is purpose-built for the demanding requirements of the dental sector. With a production volume and resolution akin to the HD model, the Shape 1+ Dental is perfectly optimized for the rapid and accurate production of various dental parts, including clear aligners, durable crowns, precise bridge models, and high-quality surgical guides. A key advantage of the Shape 1+ Dental is its broad material compatibility, working seamlessly not only with RAYSHAPE’s own ShapeMaterials Dental resins, which are formulated specifically for dental applications, but also with a wide range of qualified third-party dental resins, offering unparalleled flexibility to dental laboratories and clinics.

RAYSHAPE’s Strategic Move: Expanding into the European Market and Beyond

The introduction of the Shape 1+ series powerfully reaffirms RAYSHAPE’s unwavering commitment not only to pioneering advancements in resin 3D printing technology but also to making these cutting-edge solutions accessible to a global audience. This strategic vision is exemplified by the company’s recent official establishment of a new branch in London, the capital of the United Kingdom, specifically aimed at opening robust channels into the expansive European market. Operational since early June 2022, the London subsidiary is tasked with providing comprehensive commercial support across the entire European continent. This includes crucial pre-sales consultation to help customers identify the ideal solutions for their needs, alongside dedicated after-sales support to ensure seamless integration and long-term satisfaction with RAYSHAPE’s advanced DLP 3D printers.

The formalization of this European presence has also enabled RAYSHAPE to actively participate in prestigious industry events, significantly boosting its brand visibility and engagement within the European additive manufacturing community. A prime example was their presence at TCT 3Sixty, a leading UK 3D printing exhibition held earlier this month in Birmingham. Such participation allows RAYSHAPE to directly showcase its innovative Shape 1+ series, engage with potential customers and partners, and demonstrate its capabilities firsthand.

Zhen Liu, the visionary founder of RAYSHAPE, eloquently articulated the rationale behind this bold expansion: “The international market expansion this year comes naturally for us due to the high demand for resin 3D printers. RAYSHAPE’s products’ advantages lie in reliability and ease of use, and we believe our solutions can solve many users’ problems.” Liu’s statement highlights RAYSHAPE’s core philosophy: a deep understanding of market needs and a steadfast dedication to delivering user-centric, dependable solutions. This focus on reliability and ease of use resonates strongly with European industries, where efficiency, consistency, and a low learning curve are highly valued in advanced manufacturing processes. The company’s expansion into Europe is thus a direct response to a clear market demand for high-quality, accessible DLP 3D printing technology.

Looking ahead, RAYSHAPE’s ambitious plans extend far beyond its initial European foothold. The company is actively pursuing continued global expansion, with a strong focus on increasing its availability across various continents. Currently, RAYSHAPE is strategically engaged in processes to identify and onboard new distributors and partners, particularly to amplify its operations and market penetration within both the European and North American markets. This proactive approach to building a robust global network of sales and service partners ensures that RAYSHAPE’s innovative DLP 3D printing solutions can reach a broader customer base, offering localized support and efficient delivery worldwide. By fostering these critical partnerships, RAYSHAPE aims to solidify its position as a leading provider of high-precision additive manufacturing technology, empowering more industries and users to leverage the transformative power of 3D printing. You can discover more comprehensive information about RAYSHAPE and its pioneering new line of industrial 3D printers by visiting their official website HERE.

What are your thoughts on RAYSHAPE’s exciting advancements and the capabilities of its new Shape 1+ range of industrial 3D printers? We invite you to share your insights in a comment below or engage with us on our LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter pages! Don’t miss out on the latest developments in additive manufacturing – sign up for our free weekly Newsletter here, delivering the newest 3D printing news directly to your inbox! You can also explore all our informative videos and technology demonstrations on our dedicated YouTube channel. 

*Cover Photo Credits: RAYSHAPE