New and affordable 3D printers offer highly accessible learning tool for universities, colleges and schools 

Johannesburg, South Africa, 22 May, 2017 - RS Components (RS), the trading brand of Electrocomponents plc (LSE:ECM), the global distributor for engineers, has introduced a pair of high-reliability affordable 3D printers from Zortrax that are ideal for educational establishments to teach students about the possibilities offered by 3D printing. Universities, colleges and schools can use these machines as a key tool for teaching and learning about 3D design, enabling students to realise ideas, concepts and designs in highly accurate and quickly produced models. 

Employing single-extruder LPD (layer plastic deposition) printing technology, the reasonably priced Zortrax M200 and M300 3D printers are reliable, efficient and offer exceptional quality with high dimensional accuracy and repeatable precision. This enables the high-quality printing of detailed elements that duplicate models without any loss of the original appearance, as well as completing extensive print jobs with almost no maintenance.  

The M200 pack is fully integrated plug-and-play system that allows users to get up-and-running immediately and includes the 3D printer, starter kit, dedicated intuitive software bundle Z-SUITE, and compatible material. Specifications of the M200 include: workspace dimensions of 200 x 200 x 180mm; 90 to 400-micron resolution, wall thickness capability of 400 microns (minimum) to 800 microns (optimum); and single printable point resolution of 400 microns.

Other key specifications include material diameter of 1.75mm and a nozzle diameter of 0.4mm.  Physical dimensions of the printer are 345 x 360 x 430mm without the material spool and 345 x 430 x 430mm with the spool. In addition, there are a number of extra options available including the Hotend V2, perforated plate V2, and side covers, which keep a stable model temperature during the printing and cooling process to reduce the risk of warps and cracks. 

Materials are available in a wide selection of professional grades, qualities and colours to suit different design requirements, and include Z-ABS, Z-ULTRAT, Z-HIPS, and Z-PCABS. The Z-ULTRAT filament comes in pastel shades of yellow, pink, purple, blue and turquoise; Z-ABS in white and pure black; Z-PCABS is a polycarbonate ABS ivory filament; and Z-HIPS comes in black. The range also enables the selection of materials that offer high durability against mechanical stress or high resistance to temperatures or even chemicals.  

The Zortrax M300 3D printer builds upon the capabilities of the M200 and offers a larger workspace with dimensions of 300 x 300 x 300mm and 140 to 300-micron resolution, optimal wall thickness dimension of 800 microns, and single printable point resolution of 400 microns. The M300 is ideal for designs using the Z-HIPS material, and provides a spool preview to allow users to check the material usage and colour. The M300 pack comprises the printer, side covers, starter kit, key to Z-SUITE software, and two spools of material. 

Compatible with stl, obj, dxf and 3mf file types, both machines support Mac OS X/Windows 7 and newer versions, and have access to a helpful model library. Further accessories available for both machines include the Zortrax 40 x 40mm fan cooler and extruder cable with adaptor.  

The Zortrax M200 and M300 3D printers are now available from RS. These new 3D printers strengthen the existing comprehensive range of educational products and solutions stocked by RS: http://za.rs-online.com/web/generalDisplay.html?id=/education  -

About RS Components
RS Components is the market leader in the high service level distribution of electrical, electronic, mechanical, tools and industrial products. Operating in 26 countries whilst serving a further 100 through third-party distributors, RS serves every sector of industry in the procurement of their products relating to maintenance, repair, operations, low volume production, research and development.   With over 500 000 products across 2500 leading brands, the company is committed to ensuring that their 1,5 million customers have fast access to a broad, as well as deep range, of products and technologies, all under one roof. 

RS’s customers, whether ordering single or multiple items, experience a quick, easy, secure, painless and cost effective process. The RS catalogue, available at za.rs-online.com, offers full colour pictures with extensive clear product specifications.Free access to thousands of datasheets ensures the correct product choice. Order placement is easily facilitated through za.rs-online.com, the call centre, e-mail, fax and trade counter. Locally held stock is delivered to customers within 24 hours, and products held internationally, within four to six working days.    

It is proven that departments traditionally spend 80% of their time sourcing products that account for only 20% of their total procurement spend. RS is focussed on reducing the customers “total cost of product ownership” by reducing the need to make multiple calls to various companies to source products, reducing supplier related administration and allowing for the amalgamation as well as consolidation of supplier bases. 

Through this process, procurement efficiency is improved and time is freed up to concentrate on the more important business decisions. 

For more information, please visit the website at za.rs-online.com 

Press Office
Le-andra OlivierPR and Communication Specialist RS Components South Africa This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.+27 11 691 9345 Further information is available via these links:Twitter: @RSNewsSA; @RSElectronics; designsparkRSFacebook: facebook.com/RSSouthAfricaRS Components on LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/company/rscoms 

Relevant Links: RSProRS Components South Africawww.electrocomponents.comDesignSpark Magazine - http://www.designspark.com