At Paragon Visual, we love sharing real-world examples of how additive manufacturing is transforming traditional production. One recent success story comes from Ultimaker, showcasing a powerful application of 3D printing in the industrial sector: a custom sprocket wheel built for performance and precision.

Sprocket wheels are commonly used in food and beverage conveyor lines to engage with chains or belts and ensure continuous movement. Traditionally machined from stainless steel or high-strength polymers, these parts can be costly and slow to produce, especially when custom specs are required.

Why 3D Printing Makes Sense

Instead of relying on slow, expensive machining, manufacturers can now turn to 3D printing solutions to produce high-performance sprockets faster and at a fraction of the cost.

In this example, the sprocket was printed using:

• PET CF for rigidity and core strength (Show Me More!)
• UltiMaker Nylon CF Slide for excellent wear resistance and low-friction performance

The result? A durable, highly customized part designed to meet the demands of continuous industrial motion.

Key Benefits

• Exceptional Durability: The PET CF and Nylon CF Slide combination ensures long-lasting structural integrity and wear resistance.
• Precision Fit: Every dimension—from bore diameter to tooth profile—was customized for the application.
• Smooth, Quiet Operation: Precision 3D printing reduces vibration and noise, extending conveyor system lifespan.
• Flexible & Modular: Need to update or duplicate the part later? Additive manufacturing makes it easy.
• Time & Cost Savings:
  • ✅ €1,065 saved – an 89% cost reduction
  • ✅ 195 days saved – a 93% decrease in lead time

Is It Time to Rethink Your Supply Chain?

Whether you’re in food production, logistics, or advanced manufacturing, 3D printing can unlock new levels of agility and efficiency. Want to see how industrial printers like the Ultimaker Factor 4 or S8 Pro Bundle could fit into your workflow? Let’s connect—Paragon Visual is here to help.

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Source: Ultimaker.com – Read the original article

💧 What is Wet Strength Paper? Why It Matters for Signage & Posters

In the world of professional printing, not all paper is created equal. When you’re creating signage or posters for environments where durability is critical—like outdoor displays, transit advertising, or retail promotions—wet strength paper makes all the difference.

At Paragon Visual, we carry a full line of Sihl TriSolv™ wet strength media that combines outstanding print performance with the strength to withstand the elements.

👉 Explore All TriSolv™ Media Options »

💡 What is Wet Strength Paper?

Wet strength paper is specially engineered to maintain its structural integrity and resist tearing or disintegration when exposed to moisture. This is crucial for outdoor or humid environments, where ordinary paper would fail.

Unlike regular papers that absorb water and weaken, wet strength papers use reinforced fiber bonding, allowing them to hold up in rain, fog, or high-humidity conditions.

🧪 Why Choose Sihl TriSolv™?

The Sihl TriSolv™ product line offers professional-grade media with wet strength technology across various finishes and adhesive options. Each product is compatible with solvent, latex, and UV-curable printers, making it a go-to solution for wide-format print providers.

🖼️ TriSolv™ Poster 3684 – Semi-Gloss, 6 mil

• ✅ 6 mil thickness
• ✅ High scratch resistance
• ✅ Ideal for outdoor and transit signage

View Product →

🖼️ TriSolv™ PrimeArt 3686 – Semi-Gloss, 8 mil

• ✅ Outdoor durability + indoor elegance
• ✅ Water & scratch resistant
• ✅ Ideal for photo prints, awards, and promotional signage

View Product →

🖼️ TriSolv™ PhotoArt 3699 – Gloss, 9 mil

• ✅ Homogeneous gloss finish
• ✅ High-end color reproduction
• ✅ Suited for gallery-style prints and advertising

View Product →

🖼️ TriSolv™ PrimeArt BB PSA 3683 – Adhesive-Backed, 9 mil

• ✅ Self-adhesive + wet strength
• ✅ Scratch and water resistant
• ✅ Great for outdoor boards and walls

View Product →

🖼️ TriSolv™ PopArt PSA 3685 – Adhesive-Backed, 11 mil

• ✅ Thick and durable for print-and-cut workflows
• ✅ Weather and water resistant
• ✅ Acid-free and PVC-free

View Product →

🔍 Choosing the Right Wet Strength Media

When selecting wet strength paper, consider:

• ✅ Indoor vs. Outdoor usage
• ✅ Adhesive requirements
• ✅ Finish preference: Gloss, Satin, or Semi-Gloss
• ✅ Thickness needs for fold endurance or rigidity

Not sure which one fits your application? We’re here to help.

📞 Contact us anytime to get guidance on the right TriSolv™ media for your project.

✅ Why Wet Strength Media Adds Value

Using professional wet strength media:

• ✔️ Reduces reprints due to weather damage
• ✔️ Enhances print longevity and vibrancy
• ✔️ Ensures consistent brand visibility outdoors
• ✔️ Simplifies application with durable, foldable material

For brands and print shops that can’t afford to compromise on quality, Sihl TriSolv™ delivers print-ready performance that holds up under pressure.

📦 Ready to Print with Confidence?

Browse our full selection of wet strength photo and signage media here or contact us for a free sample or application guidance.

In high-speed manufacturing, even the smallest part can have a massive impact. One such example? Guide rails used in bottle packaging lines. These seemingly simple components play a critical role in keeping production moving smoothly—and now, 3D printing is transforming how they’re made.

At Paragon Visual, we’re seeing firsthand how additive manufacturing is enabling faster, more flexible solutions across industries. A perfect example comes from a recent case study featured by Ultimaker, where 3D printed guide rails helped streamline production in a hygiene product bottling facility.

Why Guide Rails Matter

Guide rails are used on conveyor lines to keep bottles in position as they move through the packaging process. Traditional manufacturing methods require custom rails to be machined—often with long lead times and high costs. When a new bottle shape is introduced or production changes, replacing or modifying these rails can delay output.

3D Printing to the Rescue

With industrial 3D printers like the UltiMaker Factor 4, guide rails can be printed in-house using high-strength polymers. Here’s what that means for your operations:

• 🕒 Rapid Turnaround: Print replacement rails in hours—not weeks.
• 💡 Customization: Adjust dimensions and designs on the fly to fit new product lines.
• 💰 Cost Savings: Eliminate expensive CNC machining or outsourcing.
• ♻️ Sustainability: Minimize waste by producing only what you need, when you need it.

Real-World Results

In the Ultimaker case study, a packaging company 3D printed custom guide rails tailored to a new hygiene product bottle. The result? Smooth bottle flow, reduced jams, and increased uptime—without waiting weeks for a new part.

This is the kind of agile solution that’s making 3D printing a must-have tool for manufacturers.

Is Your Line Ready for the Future?

If you’re managing high-throughput packaging or production systems, integrating 3D printing into your workflow can unlock massive efficiencies. Whether it’s custom rails, jigs, fixtures, or tooling—we can help you find the right printer and material for the job.

Explore our industrial 3D printer lineup, including the UltiMaker Factor 4, and see how Paragon Visual supports manufacturers with tailored additive manufacturing solutions.

📩 Let’s talk about how 3D printing can improve your packaging lines.

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UltiMaker Factor 4 Industrial 3D Printer – High-Performance Additive Manufacturing

$20,526.32 Original price was: $20,526.32.$19,500.00Current price is: $19,500.00.

The UltiMaker Factor 4 is a powerful and reliable 3D printer designed to make production easier and more efficient. With advanced features like dual-material printing and a temperature-controlled build chamber, it delivers consistent, high-quality results for even the most complex projects. Its automated material handling system ensures smooth operation, while its sturdy design makes it perfect for any professional workspace. Whether you’re creating prototypes or small production runs, the Factor 4 is built to keep your workflow seamless and hassle-free.

UltiMaker Factor 4 Industrial 3D Printer – High-Performance Additive Manufacturing quantity

Add to cart Request A Custom Quote

SKU: 62-234991

Category: 3D Printers, UltiMaker

Tags: 3D Printer, ABS, CPE, Nylon, PC, PETG, PLA, PP, S7, Tough PLA, TPU 95A, UltiMaker

Source: Ultimaker – Application of the Week: Guide Rail

HP DesignJet Cash-In & Trade-Up Promotion – April to June 2025

Now is the perfect time to upgrade to an HP DesignJet large-format printer. Whether you need stunning color photos, eye-catching POP signs, vibrant backlit displays, detailed CAD drawings, GIS maps, or professional presentations, there’s an HP DesignJet printer designed to meet your business needs.

Contact Paragon today for promotion details terms and expert advice. Call: 321-346-8400

Purchase or lease a qualified product between April 1st, 2025, through June 30th, 2025

Eligible trade-in products:

Any Canon, ENCAD, Epson, KIP, OCE, Seiko, Ricoh or Xerox 36- inch or greater technical, graphics or LED printer, MFP or copier
• HP DesignJet 200/220/230/250 36-inch or 42-inch series printer (24” series printers not eligible)
• HP DesignJet 330/350 series printer
• HP DesignJet 430/450/455/488 series printer
• HP DesignJet 500/500ps/510 42-inch series printer
• HP DesignJet T520/T525/T530 36-inch series printer
• HP DesignJet 600/610/650c series printer
• HP DesignJet T610/T620 series printer
• HP DesignJet 700/750/755 series printer
• HP DesignJet T730 Printer
• HP DesignJet T770 series printer
• HP DesignJet T790/T795 series printer
• HP DesignJet 800/800ps 42-inch series printer
• HP DesignJet 815MFP/820MFP series printer
• HP DesignJet T920/T930 series printer
• HP DesignJet 1050/1055 series printer
• HP DesignJet T1100/T1100ps/T1120/T1120ps series printer
• HP DesignJet T1100MFP/T1120MFP series printer
• HP DesignJet T1200 series printer
• HP DesignJet T1200 HD MFP series printer
• HP DesignJet T1300 series printer
• HP DesignJet T1500/T1530 series printer
• HP DesignJet T2300 series printer
• HP DesignJet T2500 MFP/T2530 MFP series printer
• HP DesignJet T3500 36-inch series printer
• HP DesignJet 4000/4000ps/4500/4500ps series printer
• HP DesignJet 4020/4520 series printer
• HP DesignJet 4500 MFP/4520 MFP series printer
• HP DesignJet T7100 series printer
• HP DesignJet T7200 Production Printer
• HP DesignJet 2000cp/2500cp/2800cp series printer
• HP DesignJet Z2100 series printer
• HP DesignJet Z2600 PostScript® Printer
• HP DesignJet 3000cp/3500cp/3800cp series printer
• HP DesignJet Z3100/Z3100ps series printer
• HP DesignJet Z3200 series printer
• HP DesignJet 5000/5000ps/5500/5500ps series printer
• HP DesignJet Z5200 PostScript® Photo series printer
• HP DesignJet Z5400 PostScript® series printer
• HP DesignJet Z5600 PostScript® Printer
• HP DesignJet Z6100/Z6100ps Photo series printer
• HP DesignJet Z6200 Photo series printer
• HP DesignJet Z6600/Z6610 Production series printer
• HP DesignJet Z6800/Z6810 Photo Production series printer
• HP DesignJet SD Pro MFP series printer
• HP DesignJet HD Pro MFP series printer

Contact us today to learn more!

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Cut Costs, Improve Efficiency, and Minimize Downtime

In today’s fast-moving food and beverage sector, 3D printing in food manufacturing is helping companies reduce costs, shorten lead times, and improve flexibility. Traditional production methods can’t keep up with the demand for faster changeovers and just-in-time solutions. That’s where UltiMaker 3D printing comes in—delivering reliable, on-demand parts and tools that keep operations moving.

The Power of UltiMaker 3D Printing in Manufacturing

Leading food and beverage manufacturers are already using UltiMaker 3D printers to enhance production efficiency and streamline operations. Here’s how:

✅ Lower Costs & Faster Repairs – Print essential parts in-house instead of waiting weeks for suppliers.
✅ Minimize Downtime – Keep production lines running by fabricating critical machine components on demand.
✅ Improve Safety & Ergonomics – Custom lockout-tagout (LOTO) devices, protective covers, and ergonomic tools help prevent workplace hazards.
✅ Reduce Inventory Waste – No more overstocking replacement parts—print only what you need, when you need it.

Real Results: How 3D Printing Saves Time and Money

Many manufacturers have already integrated UltiMaker 3D printing into their operations and are seeing measurable benefits, including:

🔹 Up to 90% cost savings by 3D printing custom tools and replacement parts.
🔹 Faster production changeovers by printing high-performance components on-site.
🔹 Lead times reduced from weeks to hours for essential machine parts.
🔹 Increased equipment uptime, reducing costly unplanned stoppages.

With on-demand 3D printing, businesses are no longer at the mercy of supplier delays or expensive OEM parts. Instead, they can print customized, high-quality components quickly and affordably.

What to Look for in a 3D Printing System

When investing in an industrial 3D printing solution, key factors to consider include:

🔸 Reliability – A robust system that delivers consistent results day after day.
🔸 Ease of Use – Intuitive software and plug-and-play functionality for seamless adoption.
🔸 Material Versatility – A wide range of compatible materials for high-strength industrial applications.
🔸 Scalability – The ability to expand production capacity as demand grows.

Paragon Visual: Your 3D Printing Partner

At Paragon Visual, we provide UltiMaker 3D printing solutions to help food and beverage manufacturers cut costs, improve efficiency, and minimize downtime. Whether you need custom machine parts, safety tools, or high-performance manufacturing components, our cost-effective 3D printing solutions deliver fast ROI and long-term savings.

Start Printing Smarter Today

Ready to revolutionize your production process? Discover how UltiMaker 3D printers can transform your manufacturing operations with cost-effective, on-demand 3D printing solutions.

👉 Explore Our 3D Printing Solutions Here

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Download the Guide! – Click here to download the guide from Ultimaker!

Discover the Best 3D Printing Material for Your Projects: PETG, CPE, or CPE+?

Choosing the right material for your 3D printing projects can feel like navigating a maze. With options like PETG, CPE, and CPE+, each offering unique benefits, how do you decide? Let’s break it down and help you find the perfect match for your next creation.

Meet the Contenders

• PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-modified): Think of PETG as the reliable all-rounder. It’s easy to print, visually appealing, and less brittle than its PET counterpart. Perfect for those who want great results without the hassle.
• CPE (Co-Polyester): CPE is like PETG’s sporty cousin. It’s a bit more robust, offering good stiffness and wear resistance. If you need a balance between printability and strength, CPE is your go-to.
• CPE+: Meet the heavyweight champion. Made from PCTG, CPE+ boasts superior wear resistance and toughness. It’s the toughest to print, but for demanding projects, it’s worth the effort.

Printability Showdown

• PETG: The crowd favorite for its ease of use. PETG handles bridging and overhangs like a pro, making it ideal for detailed visual projects. Plus, it comes in a rainbow of colors, including translucent and fluorescent options.
• CPE: Slightly more challenging than PETG, but still manageable. CPE offers a good mix of printability and mechanical strength.
• CPE+: The most finicky of the bunch. CPE+ demands precise settings and conditions, but the results are unmatched for high-stress applications.

Strength and Durability

• PETG: Offers a great balance of stiffness and durability, making it a versatile choice for many projects.
• CPE: Adds a bit more stiffness and wear resistance, ideal for parts that need to withstand some stress.
• CPE+: The toughest material, perfect for parts that need to endure high wear and tear.

Chemical and Temperature Resistance

• Chemical Resistance: All three materials resist alcohols, water, acids, and bases well. CPE+ leads the pack, followed by CPE.
• Temperature Resistance: CPE+ can handle up to 100°C, making it the best for high-temperature environments. CPE and PETG are suitable for up to 78°C and 76°C, respectively.

Making Your Choice

If you’re using CPE and considering a switch to PETG, you might find PETG offers better printability without sacrificing mechanical properties. However, if you need top-notch chemical resistance, CPE or CPE+ might be your best bet.

In conclusion, the choice between PETG, CPE, and CPE+ depends on your specific needs. Whether you prioritize ease of printing, mechanical strength, or resistance to chemicals and temperature, understanding these differences will help you select the best material for your 3D printing projects.

Now is the perfect time to upgrade to an HP DesignJet large-format printer. Whether you need stunning color photos, eye-catching POP signs, vibrant backlit displays, detailed CAD drawings, GIS maps, or professional presentations, there’s an HP DesignJet printer designed to meet your business needs.

Contact Paragon today for promotion details terms and expert advice. Call: 321-346-8400

Purchase or lease a qualified product between January 1st, 2025, through March 31st, 2025

Eligible trade-in products:

Any Canon, ENCAD, Epson, KIP, OCE, Seiko, Ricoh or Xerox 36- inch or greater technical, graphics or LED printer, MFP or copier
• HP DesignJet 200/220/230/250 36-inch or 42-inch series printer (24” series printers not eligible)
• HP DesignJet 330/350 series printer
• HP DesignJet 430/450/455/488 series printer
• HP DesignJet 500/500ps/510 42-inch series printer
• HP DesignJet T520/T525/T530 36-inch series printer
• HP DesignJet 600/610/650c series printer
• HP DesignJet T610/T620 series printer
• HP DesignJet 700/750/755 series printer
• HP DesignJet T730 Printer
• HP DesignJet T770 series printer
• HP DesignJet T790/T795 series printer
• HP DesignJet 800/800ps 42-inch series printer
• HP DesignJet 815MFP/820MFP series printer
• HP DesignJet T920/T930 series printer
• HP DesignJet 1050/1055 series printer
• HP DesignJet T1100/T1100ps/T1120/T1120ps series printer
• HP DesignJet T1100MFP/T1120MFP series printer
• HP DesignJet T1200 series printer
• HP DesignJet T1200 HD MFP series printer
• HP DesignJet T1300 series printer
• HP DesignJet T1500/T1530 series printer
• HP DesignJet T2300 series printer
• HP DesignJet T2500 MFP/T2530 MFP series printer
• HP DesignJet T3500 36-inch series printer
• HP DesignJet 4000/4000ps/4500/4500ps series printer
• HP DesignJet 4020/4520 series printer
• HP DesignJet 4500 MFP/4520 MFP series printer
• HP DesignJet T7100 series printer
• HP DesignJet T7200 Production Printer
• HP DesignJet 2000cp/2500cp/2800cp series printer
• HP DesignJet Z2100 series printer
• HP DesignJet Z2600 PostScript® Printer
• HP DesignJet 3000cp/3500cp/3800cp series printer
• HP DesignJet Z3100/Z3100ps series printer
• HP DesignJet Z3200 series printer
• HP DesignJet 5000/5000ps/5500/5500ps series printer
• HP DesignJet Z5200 PostScript® Photo series printer
• HP DesignJet Z5400 PostScript® series printer
• HP DesignJet Z5600 PostScript® Printer
• HP DesignJet Z6100/Z6100ps Photo series printer
• HP DesignJet Z6200 Photo series printer
• HP DesignJet Z6600/Z6610 Production series printer
• HP DesignJet Z6800/Z6810 Photo Production series printer
• HP DesignJet SD Pro MFP series printer
• HP DesignJet HD Pro MFP series printer

Contact us today to learn more!

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When investing in an FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication) 3D printer:

One of the most important steps is analyzing your requirements. Whether you’re creating prototypes, functional parts, or production runs, understanding your goals upfront will ensure you select the right machine for your needs. In this post, we’ll explore a critical factor: build volume—what it is, why it matters, and how to decide what’s right for you.

Step 1: Define Your 3D Printing Needs

Before diving into technical specifications, consider your goals:

• What will you print? Are you focusing on prototypes, detailed models, or functional end-use parts?
• What matters more: aesthetics or functionality? Different goals may require different levels of precision, speed, or material compatibility.
• What’s your production volume? Do you need single, large prints or the ability to print multiple smaller parts in batches?

Answering these questions will help narrow down your options.

Step 2: Understand Build Volume

The build volume (or build envelope) is the maximum area a 3D printer can produce in a single print. Think of it as the size of the 3D printer’s workspace—it dictates the largest object you can print.

For example, the Ultimaker S5 offers a build surface of 330 x 240 mm (13 x 9.4 inches) and can print parts up to 300 mm (11.8 inches) in height.

Why Build Volume Matters

Choosing the right build volume can make a big difference in your workflow and bottom line:

1. Print Larger Parts
   If your projects require large-scale prototypes or single-piece models, a printer with a larger build volume is essential.
2. Batch Production for Efficiency
   Even if you print smaller parts, a larger build plate allows you to produce parts in batches, saving both time and operational costs. Instead of running multiple small prints, you can optimize workflows with a single large job.
3. Cost Considerations
   Larger 3D printers often come with a higher price tag, but they can be a worthwhile investment. By increasing efficiency and reducing the need for outsourcing, you could save money in the long run.

Step 3: Plan for Your Needs

When choosing your ideal build volume:

• Consider the largest part you print on a regular basis.
• For occasional oversized parts, you have two options:
  1. Split your design into smaller components and assemble them post-printing.
  2. Outsource the larger print job.

By carefully planning for your needs, you’ll strike the perfect balance between cost, efficiency, and capabilities.

Final Thoughts

Selecting the right FFF 3D printer starts with defining your requirements and understanding critical factors like build volume. Whether you need single large-scale parts or high-volume batch printing, the right printer can unlock new opportunities for your business.

Ready to take the next step in your 3D printing journey? You can use the form below to contact us and explore the best solutions tailored to your needs.

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Paragon Visual Joins OMNIA Partners – Streamlined Procurement for the Public Sector

Paragon Visual is now an authorized subcontractor for OMNIA Partners, the largest and most experienced cooperative purchasing organization serving the public sector. This partnership allows eligible entities, including K-12 schools, universities, and government agencies, to access pre-negotiated, competitively priced contracts without the complexity of traditional bidding processes.

What is OMNIA Partners?

OMNIA Partners Public Sector provides cooperative purchasing contracts that simplify procurement for educational institutions, state agencies, and local governments. By utilizing OMNIA’s vetted and pre-approved contracts, organizations can save time, reduce costs, and ensure compliance with procurement regulations.

Why Choose OMNIA Partners Contracts?

• Time-Saving: Skip the lengthy bidding process with pre-approved vendor contracts.
• Cost-Effective: Access competitively negotiated pricing for visual communication and printing solutions.
• Trusted Procurement: All OMNIA contracts comply with state and local government purchasing regulations.
• Ideal for Education & Government: Serving K-12 schools, higher education, and state/local agencies.

Paragon Visual & OMNIA Partners – Authorized Subcontractor

Paragon Visual is an authorized subcontractor under OMNIA Contract R200803. This allows us to offer our high-quality printing and visual communication products through a streamlined, compliant purchasing process.

How to Get Started

• Already an OMNIA Partners member? You can start purchasing immediately through Contract R200803.
• Not a member yet? Join for free to gain access to exclusive cooperative pricing.

Get in Touch

✔ Want to learn more? Contact us today to see how Paragon Visual & OMNIA Partners can help streamline your procurement needs.

Paragon Visual is your trusted partner for public sector procurement through OMNIA Partners – ensuring cost-effective, compliant, and seamless purchasing solutions.

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Link to: Omnia Partners