May 2 2006
Dimatix has announced that it has added significant new software capabilities to its groundbreaking DMP-2800 materials deposition system. Aimed at providing technology professionals with increased flexibility for designing printed patterns, the Dimatix Drop Manager software adds the capability to print standard Windows bitmap (BMP) image files with an optional Gerber File Import (GFI) feature.
“We are constantly looking at ways to increase the effectiveness of our DMP-2800 system,” said Martin Schoeppler, vice president, strategic business development, Dimatix. “This software release dramatically increases the complexity of patterns that technology professionals can print. Developers of jetted electronics in particular will benefit from the easy-to-use Gerber converter. This added functionality is an example of Dimatix’s strategic commitment to making market-specific enhancements that address our customers’ real-life needs.”
The new capability to print standard Windows BMP files allows designers to utilize image editors, such as Adobe Photoshop or Microsoft Paint, to directly edit files for precise single drop placement. Third-party conversion programs can be used to create BMP files from AutoCAD, PDF or other vector-based applications.
With the GFI option, DMP-2800 users can print Gerber files from all popular PCB layout packages at resolutions up to 5080 dots per inch (5 µm droplet pitch). The GFI option also includes a copy of GerbMagic, a popular Gerber file viewer and manipulation tool. GerbMagic allows rotations, mirroring, panelization and compositing of multiple Gerber images into one.
The Dimatix DMP-2800 series printer is a versatile bench-top precision digital materials deposition system. It is the world’s first complete, low-cost solution for high-precision patterned jetting of functional fluids - including nanoparticle-based metallic and organic materials - on any type of surface, such as plastic, glass, metal sheets, silicon, membranes, gels and paper.
The groundbreaking system is an easy-to-use, cost-effective tool for corporations and research institutes to quickly develop and test processes and prototypes, as well as to conduct low-volume manufacturing of a broad range of products - from printed circuit boards, RFID tags and flexible or rigid displays to DNA arrays, optical microlenses and wearable electronics.
By directly printing on their substrates, customers can rapidly develop prototypes and keep process technology in-house. The printer’s small size and low price make it convenient and easy-to-use and -own. Customers can fill the single-use cartridges with any type of fluidic material to perform print and deposition functions without having to become fluid jet experts. The turnkey system enables customers to develop new materials and products, and to bring them to market faster, more easily and at a significantly lower cost.
Pricing and Availability The Dimatix Drop Manager software release 1.2 that adds the capability to print standard Windows BMP image files is available with the DMP-2811 (with drop watcher and heated platen) or the DMP-2831 (with drop watcher, heated theta platen and fiducial camera) system. The GFI option starts at $1,000. Existing customers can download the software from the Dimatix E-Commerce site.
http://www.dimatix.com