Dimension Elite 3D Printer Specifications

introduce

In the field of professional 3D printing, Stratasys’ Dimension Elite demonstrates the pursuit of functional polymer part production. For engineers, designers and manufacturers who rely on this iconic system, its fusion of rugged construction, soluble support technology and engineering-grade thermoplastics enables the creation of durable prototypes, tooling and low-volume end-use parts. While newer technologies have emerged since the discontinuation, understanding the capabilities of the Dimension Elite can provide valuable insights into the evolution of industrial FFF (fused filament fabrication) platforms. Let’s dig into the specs that define this workhorse machine and explore where it excels.

Dimension Elite Key Specs

1. Printing technology: Advanced fused deposition modeling (FDM) using dual extrusion.
2. Build volume: 203 x 203 x 305 mm (8 x 8 x 12 inches) – Large enough to accommodate a variety of functional prototypes and end-use parts.
3. Build materials:

   • model: Available in Ivory ABSplus thermoplastic only. ABSplus offers significantly improved mechanical properties compared to standard ABS, such as higher tensile, flexural and impact strength, mimicking the behavior of real engineering plastics.
   • support: Separate Support Technology (BST) materials. Elites often appear Dual model material capabilities and soluble support As a key option, truly complex geometries and complex lumens can be achieved.

4. Layer resolution:

   • Standard mode: 0.330 mm (0.013 in)
   • High resolution mode: 0.254 mm (0.010 in) – Provides a smoother surface and finer detail.

5. Accuracy and repeatability: Industry-leading accuracy of its time. Typically achieves accuracy of ±0.10 mm (±0.0039 in.) or better on dimensions up to 100 mm. Known for excellent system repeatability.
6. software: Stratasys CatalystEX software suite. Provides intuitive tools for part manipulation, nesting, support generation, slice preview and production queue management. Includes automatic support structure generation, optimized for solubility or Detachment removal.
7. Connectivity and Network: Built-in Ethernet connectivity enables seamless networking, server queuing and job monitoring.
8. Physical Footprint and Environment:

   • Dimensions (printer): Approximately 813mm wide x 737mm deep x 1219mm high (32 x 29 x 48 inches)
   • Weight: Approximately 227 kg (500 lbs) – Indicating rugged industrial construction.
   • Operation: Dedicated circuit (220V or 110V depending on region), operating temperature range 15-25°C (59-77°F).
   • Soundproof hood: Standard full door hood reduces noise levels to approximately 55-60 dBA (typical office levels) and controls temperature for optimal ABS printing.

9. Material box system: Integrated smart box system for ABSplus and soluble support materials ensuring correct material handling and usage tracking. Cartridge compatibility: M20 ABSplus (Ivory only), T20 soluble support.
10. Model Core Material Dimensions: Use large spools within the integrated cassette system.

Technical Highlights and Features

• Soluble Support Revolution: Dual model material capability with soluble support (commonly used as Elite) is a game changer. A prolonged soak in a cleaning solution provided by Stratasys completely dissolves the support, leaving intricate features, undercuts, and fluid/gas flow channels unobstructed—something that would not be possible by simply manually detaching the support.
• Engineering-focused materials: ABSplus is more than just standard ABS. Its enhanced material properties (higher tensile, flexural and impact strength compared to standard ABS) allow the part’s functionality to go beyond visual presentation. They can withstand testing, snap-fits, jigs, fixtures and low-stress end-use applications.
• Reliability and repeatability: Dimension printers are known for their industrial reliability. Elite is designed for production environments, delivering consistent performance and minimal downtime.
• Integrated, controlled environment: The rugged casing not only allows for quiet operation; It plays a vital role in maintaining a stable, heated build environment, which is critical to preventing warpage of large ABS parts and ensuring dimensional accuracy.
• Precision motion system: Gantry and motion controls are designed for industrial precision, contributing significantly to its reputation for accuracy and repeatability.

Conclusion: The Dimension Elite Legacy and the Bridge to Metal

Stratasys Dimension Elite has carved out its own niche by offering predictable, functional polymer parts with unique soluble support capabilities that expand design freedom. While focusing on thermoplastics such as ABSplus, the company set the benchmark for industrial FFF reliability and production-oriented performance during its active period. Understanding systems like Dimension Elite is key to understanding the evolution from reliable polymer platforms to today’s metal additive manufacturing capabilities.

For projects with higher requirements High-strength, precision metal partspolymer systems like Dimension Elite have inherent limitations. This is what professional manufacturers like huge light Be your indispensable partner. Leverage Advanced direct metal laser sintering (DMLS/SLM) and binder jetting technologyGretel has the industrial-grade equipment, materials science expertise and comprehensive post-processing capabilities (including heat treatment, HIP, CNC machining, polishing and coating) to turn complex metal part designs into reality. Whether you need aerospace alloys, biocompatible titanium, rugged tool steels or custom materials solutions, GreatLight provides cost-effective, fast and scalable metal additive manufacturing. In addition to polymers, durable metal prototypes or series production? Trust GreatLight to deliver superior end-to-end metal 3D printing technology. [Contact GreatLight today to discuss your custom metal part requirements.]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Dimension Elite

1. What materials does Dimension Elite mainly use?

   Mainly use Dimension Elite ABS+an engineering-grade thermoplastic that is significantly stronger than standard ABS. It also requires support material, primarily breakaway (BST) or optionally soluble support.

2. What are the main advantages of Dimension Elite over Dimension BST 1200es?

   The most significant technical advantage is Dual model material capabilities with soluble supports. While the BST 1200es only use breakaway supports, the Elite offers soluble supports that allow for more complex geometries without the need for manual support removal. The Elite also offers higher resolution (0.254mm vs 0.330mm) and a slightly larger build volume.

3. Can you get parts in different colors using Dimension Elite?

   The official configuration of Dimension Elite is to use ABSplus only ivory.

4. Does Stratasys still support Dimension Elite?

   The Dimension Elite model reaches End of life status in 2015 Stratasys is no longer manufactured or sold as new product. Third-party providers or Stratasys may offer limited service and support options to legacy customers with specific service agreements, but primary hardware support is generally unavailable.

5. What replaces Dimension Elite?

   Stratasys strategically merged the Dimension and Fortus product lines. Dimension Elite is actually inherited by higher level products Fortus 380mc carbon fiber version Equivalent polymer functionality (using ABS and soluble support) was later integrated into products such as the Fortus 450mc (using ASA or ABS-ESD7 and soluble support SR-110). These newer systems offer enhanced materials, higher resolution and more advanced software.

6. What is the surface finish of Dimension Elite?

   The surface has characteristic FFF layer lines. High-resolution mode produces smoother surfaces and finer details than standard mode. Most parts will require post-processing (sanding, steam smoothing – although sizing, filling, painting are more risky) to get a truly smooth aesthetic. Soluble support surfaces are much cleaner than breakaway support surfaces.

7. Dimension Elite is suitable for plastics. What about printing metal parts?

   Systems like Dimension Elite are optimized for high-performance thermoplastics. for Functional metal parts Requires high strength, heat resistance or electrical conductivity, professional Metal Additive Manufacturing is essential. company likes Honglaite is focusing on this fieldproviding advanced Metal 3D printing Use DMLS/SLM and binder jetting technology on a variety of alloys including titanium, Inconel, aluminum, stainless steel and tool steel. They offer a comprehensive service from material selection and printing to complex post-processing and finishing. For precision metal parts, ask about GreatLight’s capabilities today.