11-24-2017: EnvisionTEC (ETEC) launched Aria
It was company's first entry-level DLP 3D printer
On November 24, 2017, EnvisionTEC introduced the desktop-grade ARIA 3D printer. This model aimed to combine the quality typical of EnvisionTEC’s professional devices with a more affordable price point. Although it wasn’t explicitly stated, this move was seen as the company’s response to the rising popularity of competitors like Formlabs and emerging players such as XYZPrinting, Liquid Crystal, and Anycubic.
The EnvisionTEC ARIA utilized DLP (Digital Light Processing) technology, featuring an industrial-grade UV LED light source. It was equipped with a dual Z-axis mechanism and a material tray made from optical glass, which offered greater durability and precision compared to the plastic trays used in other devices.
The layer resolution was adjustable, ranging from 25, 35, to 50 microns, depending on the material used. The 3D printer operated with proprietary software and firmware, allowing precise control over exposure and grayscale techniques, resulting in high-quality prints.
ARIA was compatible with four selected EnvisionTEC materials: EC500: high-resolution wax-casting material ideal for heavier jewelry, PIC100: casting resin offering exceptional detail, suitable for thin walls and intricate designs, QView: material dedicated to rapid prototyping, and RC90: high-temperature-resistant resin.
Although ARIA supported an open-material system, all resins had to be certified by EnvisionTEC.
The ARIA 3D printer was priced at $6,999. Additionally, an optional curing unit was available, featuring LEDs with wavelengths ranging from 390–420 nm and a rotating platform.
In January 2021, EnvisionTEC was acquired by Desktop Metal, aiming to foster growth for both companies and briefly creating the largest AM unicorn. As the result, the company was rebranded as ETEC. However, just two years later, Desktop Metal faced significant financial difficulties, leading to its acquisition by Israel-based Nano Dimension in May 2024. Given Desktop Metal’s troubled state and Nano Dimension’s extensive product portfolio, the future of EnvisionTEC/ETEC under its new ownership remains uncertain.
Source: www.facebook.com