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Stratasys tightens Adobe Photoshop links for 3D printing with Objet Connex 3

Stratasys is streamlined workflow from about 7 steps to two and added more color management tools via a partnership with Adobe.
Written by Larry Dignan, Contributor

Stratasys on Monday rolled out an updated Objet Connex3 that simplifies workflow and via a partnership with Adobe enables click to 3D print capabilities from Photoshop.

Objet Connex3 is a high-end prototyping system that's used for additive manufacturing. Stratasys is aiming to broaden the market to more enterprises and court more designers.

To make 3D printing more mainstream, Stratasys updated Object Connex3 with design to 3D print workflows and expanded the color spectrum via Adobe. Under an exclusive partnership with Adobe, Stratasys will use Adobe's 3D Color Print Engine.

Stratasys' Creative Colors Software uses advanced color management tools and combines workflows with Adobe Photoshop CC. Stratasys said the Creative Colors software enables multiple gradient colors, patterns and textures. Objet Connex3 is the only 3D printer using Adobe Color Management and could be a win for the Photoshop user base.

Via Photoshop CC, designs can also go to Stratasys' Direct Manufacturing on-demand service, which can take a design and Stratasys can overnight the part. Quotes, validation and previews are also integrated.

With the Objet Connex3, Stratasys is also simplifying its product line. The company will retire Connex1, a 3D printer without high-end material capability, and Connex2, which had multiple materials but not multicolor.

John Gould, president of North America, said the moves are designed to gain more mainstream adopting. Prototyping is a huge market, but 3D printing only has about a quarter of it. "We have to simplify the workflow. It has to be file, preview, print and go," said Gould. "The partnership with Adobe streamlines the entire process with support for more than 1,000 colors."

Here's how Stratasys has changed the workflows.

stratasys-workflow-objet-connex-3.png

Objet Connex3 fuses multiple systems into one and includes multi-color and multi-material support. The goal of the system is to enable designers and manufacturers to build parts with less time and capital. Stratasys also added two new materials. The first is VeroWhite, which is rigid, opaque white and has more brightness and UV resistance than the current version. The other material, VeroCyan, can manage multiple materials put together to create new ones.

Gould said that simplified processes and the partnership with Adobe can broaden the market. "We previously appealed to technical engineers," said Gould.

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