Innovative Horizons in 3D Printing: A Conversation with Sally Tipping of Photocentric

In an age where technology continually reshapes industries, Photocentric stands as a beacon of innovation in the realm of 3D printing. I had the pleasure of speaking with Sally Tipping, New Business Director at Photocentric, to delve into the cutting-edge advancements and industry applications of their groundbreaking 3D printing technologies.

A Pioneering Force in 3D Printing

Photocentric, a UK-based manufacturer, has cemented its position as a trailblazer in 3D printing and photopolymer resins. Specializing in LCD resin printers, the company prides itself on being the first to develop a printer utilizing an LCD screen—a technology that has since been embraced by many in the industry. As Tipping pointed out, “We believe we were the first company in the world to make a printer using an LCD screen, and now there are many, including Formlabs, which recently introduced their own MSLA printer.”

The company’s latest marvel, the LC Titan, epitomizes their commitment to innovation and excellence. Boasting the largest LCD printer on the market, the LC Titan offers a Z height of 1.2 meters and an XY resolution of 695 by 385 millimeters with an 8K screen. This combination allows for high-resolution printing with a pixel pitch of 91 microns, enabling the creation of intricate and large-scale parts with remarkable precision.

LC Titan: A Giant Leap Forward

The LC Titan is not merely a printer; it’s a comprehensive manufacturing solution designed to cater to a wide range of industries. Tipping explained, “The great thing about LCD screens is that you’re making the whole layer at a time. For industries like prop making, large prototyping, automotive, and furniture, this means saving time and money by printing large parts in one piece.”

In addition to its impressive size and resolution, the LC Titan comes equipped with a suite of support systems including a wash unit, cure unit, and platform handler. These features ensure seamless transitions from printing to post-processing, enhancing efficiency and reducing manual intervention. “We offer a full system,” Tipping emphasized. “Some companies sell a printer, but you have to figure out how to wash and cure the parts. Our solution includes everything, making it easier for our customers.”

A Commitment to Customer Success

Photocentric’s dedication to customer support is evident in their approach to service and training. “It’s really important to us that customers get the most out of their printers,” Tipping said. For the LC Titan, this means providing on-site installation and training, as well as ongoing remote support. The company’s team is always ready to assist with design guidance and technical advice, ensuring that customers can maximize the potential of their 3D printers.

The company’s flagship printer, the LC Magna, has already set a high standard in the market. “The LC Magna is our workhorse printer,” Tipping noted. “It’s designed for manufacturing a lot of parts quickly, and we have customers like Merit 3D in the US who regularly showcase their production capabilities on LinkedIn.”

Daylight Resins: A Unique Advantage

A standout feature of Photocentric’s 3D printing technology is their use of daylight resins. This choice stems from the company’s innovative use of LCD screens, which react to visible light. Tipping elaborated, “Our first printer used resin that worked in the visible light spectrum, and we’ve stayed with daylight resins because of their benefits in light penetration for certain applications.”

Daylight resins also contribute to the longevity of the printers. Unlike UV printers, which often treat the screen as a consumable, Photocentric’s screens are designed to last. “The screen is part of the printer, under warranty, and not a consumable,” Tipping explained, highlighting the cost-efficiency and reliability of their products.

Versatility Across Industries

The versatility of the LC Titan opens doors to a myriad of applications across diverse industries. From prop making for films and exhibitions to automotive prototyping and art sculpture, the printer’s capabilities are vast. “We have customers using the LC Titan for making large electrical bins and other parts that are difficult and expensive to produce with conventional means,” Tipping shared.

Photocentric’s presence at industry events like Rapid and TCT further underscores their influence and reach. Although the sheer size of the LC Titan makes it challenging to exhibit, the company ensures that prospective clients can see the printer in action through open days and showcases. This August, Photocentric will host an open day in Denver, Colorado, providing an opportunity for interested parties to witness the LC Titan’s capabilities firsthand.

A Personal Touch

Beyond her professional role, Tipping brings a personal passion for gardening and a love for dogs into her daily life. “I have a vegetable patch where I grow peas, beans, tomatoes, cauliflower, and zucchini,” she shared. Her five-year-old Cavapoo, a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a poodle, also brings joy and companionship.

Tipping’s journey with Photocentric spans over 17 years, a testament to her dedication and the company’s dynamic environment. A lesser-known fact about her is that she passed her driving test in France after an initial setback in the UK—a quirky anecdote that adds a personal touch to her professional persona.

Conclusion

Photocentric’s relentless pursuit of innovation and customer-centric approach sets them apart in the competitive landscape of 3D printing. With the LC Titan leading the charge, the company continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible, offering advanced solutions that cater to the evolving needs of various industries. As Sally Tipping aptly summarized, “We want to be a company that offers the best support to our customers, ensuring they can achieve remarkable results with our printers.”

Tags: Photocentric, Resins

Categories: 3D Printers, Video Interview

This entry was posted on Friday, June 21st, 2024 at 11:24 am. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.