A German company has produced a new rapid-prototype machine that its U.S. distributor says provides a “significant” advancement over other similar technologies.

“PERFACTORY” is the name of the new modeling system, produced by EnvisionTec GmbH of Elbestrasse Germany. Automated Model Systems, Rye, N.H., is the exclusive distribution partner for the US jewelry industry. The machine is used for the creation of physical models from CAD software used in fine jewelry and other precision manufacturing applications.

Steve Adler of Automated Model Systems says the machine has a low acquisition cost, few moving parts, and provides a significant advancements over other similar technologies. But mostly what it provides is the ability to produce different jewelry models simultaneously and quickly.

“It’s fast,” he said. “It will produce up to 30 rings a day. An average ring could take two to three hours to build, or you could build eight rings in the same period of time … This is bordering on rapid manufacturing.”

The new system was unveiled at the JCK Show ~ Las Vegas 2003, and Adler said the crowds of people around their booth was so great that impeded access to the booth across the aisle.

“We were overwhelmed,” he said. “Traffic was very high and interest was very high.”

The firm plans to host open houses to demonstrate the machine’s capabilities in New York and Los Angeles in July.

JCK