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What exactly is 3D Printing?

3d printing for dummies. What is 3D Printing?

We are living in a smart world where everything around us is smarter than we think. Gone are the days when printing meant writing text and drawing images on a 2D plane. Printing in today’s world is not just limited to text and Images thanks to Chuck Hull, who envisioned that making a 3D object of any given shape and size is possible. The idea is to lay down successive layers of material under the control of the 3D printer which uses the printable models developed by CAD tools.

The advent of 3D printing was unpredictable till the past couple of decades but extensive studies and research lead to the development of printers (smart robots) that print all kind of objects .Unlike the old 2D printers that had the input material as papers only, the input material for the Smart 3D printers can be papers, liquid, powder or anything else depending on what is to be printed. The expiry of key patents has further fueled this revolution.

A glance on the evolution of 3D printers that revolutionized the way printing is perceived, tells us how much effort has been made on converting the massive and expensive devices that were very limited in terms of number and functionality into the extremely smart, portable and efficient devices that have started dominating the market in few fields and show a great scope in other fields as well.

3D printing originated with the purpose to help rapid prototyping which would reduce the time taken to develop new spare parts and devices. Only the highly established manufacturers could afford to use it, but they were still not completely satisfied as the process was extremely slow. With advancements in technology, the processes matured over and over with time which enriched the performance of 3D printing, making it applicable in several different fields.

The technology then made its space in rapid prototyping followed by mass customization. Today, from 3D printed houses to cars and food items, 3D printing is ready to go. Printing 3D food items have already started in few labs of California. Imagine if you do not have to prepare or buy your meal and instead give a command to a computer to get it printed for you. That’s the magic that 3D printing is about to bring to the table. Clothing, shoe and eyewear manufactures and designers have already started experimenting with 3D printing. Nike has started the commercial production for football shoes for American Football players using the 3D printing technology.3D printing finds its application in tissue engineering under the name of 3D Bio-Printing which is remarkable.

The father of 3D Printing, Chuck Hull was honored with the European Inventor Award 2014 for his tremendous achievement in this field. According to him, 3D printed goods are no more an imaginary stuff but indeed a reality that is ready to come and that his company is now focusing on production-quality, performance and throughput.. He claims that his invention can create a whole set of gadgets and is ready to take the retail market by storm.

The 3D printing domain is an ocean full of inventions that are yet to be discovered. The deeper you go, the more the revolution continues.

Image Credit: Matthew Hutchinson (flickrhandle: hiddenloop)

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The X-Force 3D Printer from Australia: Print Bigger

A startup company based in Australia has come up with a high quality and considerably large printer which they have named as the X Force. The best feature of this product is its unique combination of volume and accuracy. The printer makes high quality prints which enable the users to experience and benefit the perks of 3D printing. Upgrades are inevitable in 3D printers and same is the case with the X Force printers. The company is at present working on dual extruders so that printing can take place simultaneously in dual colors as well as materials. Nevertheless the main aim of the company is to make a printer that allows the customers to print bigger and better. The 3D printer is 4meters tall and is also tagged as “large format”. So these two things do create some degree of curiosity in everyone’s mind. Here are some of the specifications of the printer.

Technical Information & Specifications

  • Structure: Sheet Metal Structure
  • Nozzle: single
  • Printing range: 400*400*400mm
  • Printing layer thickness: 0.04-0.2mm
  • SD card offline printing: support
  • LCD display
  • X Y axis moving speed: 3000mm/min.
  • Z axis moving speed: 200mm/min.
  • Nozzle diameter: 0.4mm
  • Nozzle temperature: 0-250
  • Platform temperature: 0-110 adjustable
  • Platform material: glass/PCB
  • X y axis position accuracy: 0.00635mm
  • Z axis position accuracy: 0.00125mm
  • Printing material required:   ABS/PLA/Nelon168
  • Material diameter: 1.75/3mm
  • Material tendency: PLA
  • Software format: STL/GCode
  • Machine size: 450*360*560mm
  • Machine weight: 25kg
  • Package size: 600*500*700mm
  • Package weight: 27kg
  • Power supply: 24v
  • Operation system: XP/Win7/Mac
  • Pc software: Replicatorg Or Cura
  • Working environment: 10-30
  • Software language: Multi languages

Kickstarter is hosting this large format 3D printer for the crowdfunding phase. The printer has been priced at $1,800 AUD which is approximately $1700 and so it is cheaper than the Replicator series of MakerBot. With crowdfunding catching up pace with each passing day many small firms are able to launch 3D printers into this dynamic world of 3D printing. With many successful crowdfunding, there have been instances like MOTA 3D printer as well which have over promised and under achieved the expectations of millions. With that said, X Force seems to have done the opposite, pricing the machine at $1800 for their backers and refining the accuracy and the resolution has made it at par with the big shots of the 3D printing industry.

There are several physical problems that a 3D printer has to face while printing such as humidity and also many human errors. A lot of R&D has got into improving the machine and make it more accurate, stable and consistent so that there is no compromise in case of quality. A common problem faced by most printers is that of production schedules. The company seems to be very positive and determines to meet the demand and expectations of the supporters who have backed them in the Kickstarter crowdfunding process.

Image Credit: Kick Starter

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How 3D Printing is changing the state of Manufacturing Industry

3D Printing changes manufacturing industry

3D printing is changing the way we manufacture or make different objects like tools, toys and even body parts. A two dimensional object can now be easily transformed into a 3D object by clicking a few buttons. The printing is done in by adding materials layer by layer to create smaller parts and the final object is being assembled by these interlocking parts. All this is possible with the help of 3D printing technology which is also known as Additive Manufacturing. This technology has triggered a transformation in the field of industrial manufacturing. This transformation is very wide right from product design and production to restructured supply chain, 3D printing is leaving an everlasting impression on this industry for the good.

According to the report that was published by PwC about 3D Printing and the manufacturing industry, almost 67% of manufacturers are currently using 3D printing at some point in the manufacturing process, either for making proto-types or for making the finished good. And the rest plan to implement this new technology in some way or the other in the near future.

According to Bob McCutcheon, PWC’s US industrial products leader, “Applying 3D Printing for rapid proto- typing is nothing new for many manufacturers as it enables them and their suppliers to side step the often laborious and costly traditional processes. However, we’re starting to see signs that the technology is on the cusp of becoming mainstream and companies need to understand the disruptions and opportunities that it could create. There are core questions all manufacturers ought to be asking themselves if they’re looking to implement a 3D Printing strategy that could potentially expand their businesses and make them more competitive in the marketplace. Companies investing in 3D Printing hardware and the relent to run it are seeing gains in speed and flexibility in R&D, in addition to anticipation savings in materials, labor and transportation costs. However, as organizations wade into 3D Printing wither through implementing or at least through experimenting and or assessing potential applications, the technology at present is still limited in the size, strength and complexity of the product it can produce, even as it picks up stream as a powerful tool.”

Benefits of 3D Printing:

  • In the traditional manufacturing method, manual labor was required to drill, cut and shape the product which results in mounts of scrap and also a lot of energy and time was wasting in this process. Since 3D Printing can directly create objects from the base material so there is a much lesser quantity of waste that is associated with the manufacturing process.
  • In case of 3D Printing once the blueprint is ready and the data is uploaded in the printer, the extrusion head of the printer is obey the instructions given by the computer. There is no need to attach a different mold for different objects in a 3D Printing which makes the manufacturing process a lot easier and financially viable.
  • The creation of a niche component for a car or an entire house can be done quite easily with a 3D Printing. Even the manufacturing of a single piece of anything is very simple. Presently there is a lot of demand of customized items 3D Printing are the best suited machines for this chore.
  • The entire process for making a product can be easily done in the factory. The parts can be straight away taken to the site and can be assembled. This reduces the manufacturing hazards.
  • 3D Printing can generate new product development cycles which would then result in getting new products to the market more quickly and consistently especially in the case of customized products.
  • The manufacturing sector which is showing a growing trend of shifting into the usage of 3D Printing in the manufacturing process has started using this technology in rapid proto- typing. According to a survey almost half of the manufacturers said that it is likely that 3D Printing will be used mostly for making low volume and highly customized products in the next three to five years.
  • 3D printing is helping companies to avoid producing products which are unpopular and only print those products that are making inroads to customization of popular products.
  • The technology could also impact the aftermarket of the products especially for manufacturers who make products that have a long life and have a relatively high demand for the replacements of parts and also repair. According to the PwC report, almost 70% of the manufacturers think that 3D Printing will be used for obsolete parts while 50% think that 3D Printing will be used for the production of aftermarket products.

The report that was published by the PWC stated that only 35% of the manufacturing industry is using this technology in proto- typing and for doing other minimal processes in the production phase. At present there is a lot of demand for customized goods and the volume of production has also decreased. This new trend cannot be handled by the traditional method. For this change the usage of 3D Printing is the best.

McCutcheon said, “Mass manufacturing companies are already experimenting with shop floor and training exercises in 3D printing. The idea behind these exercises is to understand the capabilities of the technology and customize it to their production mode. The technology is already capable of producing high quality products, the value (that it unlocks) in manufacturing can lead to development of new products and services.”

The Vice President of The Manufacturing Institute, Grdner Carrick said that he does not think that 3D Printing will affect the manufacturing jobs in a significant way. The shifting of the manufacturing industry from the traditional method to the 3D Printing method is more of a thing that has taken place because of the heavy demand of personalized items. This change has also attracted a new set of people with a new skill set which according to him is very important on the shop floor. He also said that with 3D Printing there is a fair amount of chances of manufacturing jobs becoming “less blue collar and more white collar.”

Image Credit: John Lloyd (flickr handle: hugo90)

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The Next Generation 3D Printers

Next generation 3D Printers

The evolution of human race from Gorillas to Homo sapiens if is considered to be outstanding then the evolution of printing from Wood block printing to 3D printing is no less adventurous. 3D printing is not only futuristic but also versatile, flexible and highly adaptable. A technology which is as straight forward as putting layers on top of layers to form an object could one day be stated as the reason for the second industrial revolution is exceptional. 3D printing really is ushering a new era of almost all the existent industries. As the application of this technology is expanding and the prices are dropping more and more people are able to afford a 3D printer at homes and offices.

Various companies, research organization as well as various universities are working towards expanding the capabilities of 3D printers. A few years down the line 3D printers could print only in specific material like plastic, but now the list of materials that can be used in 3D printers have become quite long and the usage of other materials in 3D printing is expanding rapidly. The prices of these machines were sky high but also the expiration of the patents the prices have become quite in the budget. In this article we plan to cover a few Gen-next 3D printers that are betting on changing the 3D printing industry and also the influence of 3D printing on other industries.

3D Metal printers

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between Sigma Labs Inc. and Interactive Machines Inc. in which these two companies plan to form a joint venture in order to develop and commercialize 3D metal printing machines. The new 3D metal printer will be designed to produce an increased output up to 10 X over the 3D printers that are currently available in the market. The collaborative effort of these two companies plan to demonstrate a proto-type during the third quarter of 2014 but before this is done adequate financial support is to be gathered to implement this business plan. The machine thus made out of this collaboration will be an output of a unique combination of the expertise of the two companies. The machine will be designed in such a way that it will significantly outperform the existing 3D metal printing devices in terms of deposition rate while maintaining requisite part quality.

Frank Yopak, President of Interactive Machines said, “I believe that the market for such a system is significant as most users of 3D metal equipments are currently limited by slower production rates and lower overall machine productivity.”

Another metal 3D printer that is creating a lot of buzz is Sciaky’s electron beam additive manufacturing technology or the EBAM which can print enormous metal proto types. It has a volume of 19′ x 4′ x 4′ and can 3D print in materials such as titanium, tantalum, stainless steel, and Inconel. The technology has a fully articulated electron beam welding gun which converts a CAD model into a 3D printed part.

MakerBot reveals the Gen-next of 3D Printers

The CEO of MakerBot Bre Fettis flaunted two 3D printers from MakerBot that are aimed for usage at home, offices and industries. These two printers named MakerBot Mini; the Desktop 3D, and the Replicator Z18 3D. These printers are the fifth generation replicator machines by MakerBot. The built volume of these printers is almost 11% larger than the predecessor. The layer resolution which is almost 100 micron is quite high. The company is hoping that this fifth generation of 3D printers as will set new standards for ease of use, quality and reliability. The machine is app and clod enabled. These two products were put on show at the 2014 CES.

3D printing fossils with virtual Paleontology

3D printing seems to be one of the friendliest technologies around. The mixing of 3D printing with other technologies produces things which are impeccable. The new development will support the statement made above. The combination of CT scan and 3D printing is helping Paleontologists to recreate ancient fossils. Sergio Azevedo and his team at the National Museum of Brazil in Rio have used a CT scanner to find out the orientation of a specimen that was found by Sergio Azevedo. The fossil was scanned and a 3D replica was printed out in resin. This enables a safe access to the inner structures which is usually paleontologists cannot access.

The fossil which was found by Sergio Azevedo turned out to be a crocodile which was 75 million year old and was extinct. Azevedo has used this technology to produce 3D printed replicas of dinosaurs as well.

3D Systems’s Projet x60: Break the monotony of single color

3D systems launched the new ProJet x60 series which has an unparalleled ability to print 90% of the colors that are available in Photoshop and new VisJet PXL materials utilizing 3D System’s color jet printing technology. It offers enhanced functionality, utility and productivity. The ProJet x60 can make full color models along with precision. From architectural white to photo realistic pastels or bold vibrant colors all can be done quickly and affordably by this printer. It has a faster print mode option, mobile connectivity and also a powerful coloring and file preparation software tool.

Cutting the cost of Micro and Nano manufacturing: 3D printers

There are numerous examples of improved products when any technology is mixed with 3D printing. Here is yet another such example of 3D printer and a drawing programme amalgamation. Researchers at KTH Microsystem Technology hope to use this combination to produce micro- and nanostructures required for the millions of devices and sensors of the future at prices which are as affordable as computers. This is being considered as the inexpensive printing if 3D silicon structures.

Prof. Frank Niklaus of KTH Microsystem Technology says, “It could be made very easy, flexible and cheap compared with today’s manufacturing processes. All you’ll need is a 3D printer and someone to draw the structure in a drafting programme on a computer.” This technology consists if a layer by layer process for defining 3D patterns in silicon using focused ion beam writing followed by silicon deposition.

These are a few notable gen-next 3D printers. 3D printing is changing with every passing day and the application of this technology is finding a place in a wide array of industries. As per the recent progress that has been made it is clear that when this technology is mixed or combined with other existing technology the output is magnifique!

Image Credit: wlodi(flickr handle: wlodi)

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3D Printing blooms in African continent

3D Printing blooms in African continent

Most of the developing countries have vast reserves of natural resources. Imagine if Africans could utilize the metals that are found in the neighboring mines and make a Smartphone or a tablet. This application could be from shoes to toilets and from guns to houses, all could be designed, printed and then sold by Africans to Africans and worldwide. This would not only boost the economy but also expose Africans products to the international market.

3D printing came into existence back in 1980s as an alternative for the creation of proto-types in various industries but now the scenario has changed completely. Now this technology has found its application in a wide range of industries such as construction, architecture, industrial design, automotive industry, aerospace, engineering, military, medical industry, fashion, footwear, jewelry, art, education, food etc. The list is never ending with each passing day this technology seems to seep deep into our lives. The worldwide shipment of 3D printers is expected to rise from 22, 542 in 2012 to 283,435 in 2017.

After the overwhelming response of Africans to adapting to newer technologies, 3D printing is being accepted with open arms. With this acceptance a whole new world filled with new opportunities opened up for the African. This stimulated a spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation among the masses. As the mobile and the internet technology is penetrating into the continent, it is creating a lot of awareness among the people about the latest technological advancements in the world. 3D printing is one such technology that is slowly but steadily gaining grounds in the Dark Continent.

For a country like Africa where the manufacturing industry hasn’t fully developed the implementation of 3D printing in the manufacturing sector would be much easier as compared to other countries where the manufacturing process is quite mature. So, since Africa does not actually have a manufacturing industry as industrialization is not present in the continent, the application of 3D printing will be best suited here than anywhere else.

Many companies are stepping forward to help Africa come to contact with this technology. one such organization is   Pirate3D, which wants to democratize innovation, foster creativity, and facilitate entrepreneurship in the local communities of Africa. The company has taken part in the Kickstarter with a goal of US$500 000 upon successful completion of this the 3D printing company plans to donate 10 units of the Buccaneer 3D printer and also will conduct training camps to educate people about this technology, designs and apps to selected African institutions. The company wishes to bring the potential and power of 3D printing among the youth of Africa and equip them with the latest tool for creativity and innovation. This effort made by the company falls under the CSR division of the company along with Professor Calestous Juma of Harvard University.

This technology would successfully replace the problem of middleman in Africa and give additional profits to the entrepreneurs. Selling raw materials would not fetch the big bucks for the country but if finished goods are sold then the money that is earned is far more than selling raw materials. Instead of outsourcing its manufacturing industry if Africa could keep those billions to run the local economy and sift though then it would boost the economy of the continent with leaps and bounds.

Most of the 3D printed innovations are open sources which mean that the ideas are open to all and can be built upon. This also means that an idea that was conceived by someone in Japan could be built by someone in the Kalahari! In Togo, the W. Afate 3D printer has already started to spark conversation about the West African’s innovation ambitions.

Hopefully these new concepts would change the economy and the working of the Dark Continent!

Image Credit: eelke (flickr handle: eelkedekker)

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MakerBot Replicator 2X 3D Printer with Dual Extruder

MakerBot has launched the new dual-extruder Replicator 2 3D printer. This is the big boy version of the previous Replicator printer. This printer is dedicated to semi-professionals. The Replicator 2 is not only a very efficient enthusiast level machine but also quite user friendly with the two extruders it is closer to a professional level 3D printer.

The technical details of the Replicator 2X 3D Printer (Dual Extruder):

Physical Dimensions

  • Without Spool: 19.1 x 12.8 x 14.7 in [49 x 32 x 38 cm]
  • With Spool: 19.1 x 16.5 x 14.7 in [49 x 42 x 38 cm]
  • Shipping Box: 23 x 21.5 x 17 in [59 x 55 x 43 cm]
  • Weight: 25.4 lbs [11.5 kg]
  • Shipping Weight: 32.0 lbs [14.5 kg]

Temperature

  • Ambient Operation Temperature: 15°—32° C [60°—90° F]
  • Storage Temperature: 0°—32° C [32°—90° F]

Electrical

  • AC Input: 100—240V, ~2 amps,50—60 Hz
  • Power Requirements: 24V DC @ 6.25 amps
  • Connectivity: USB, SDcard [included]

 Mechanical

  • Chassis: Powder coated steel
  • Body: PVC Panels
  • Build Platform: Heated, black anodized 356F Aluminum
  • XYZ Bearings: Wear-resistant, oil-infused bronze
  • Stepper Motors: 1.8° step angle with 1/16 micro-stepping

 Printing

  • Print Technology: Fused Filament Fabrication
  • Layer Resolution: 100 microns
  • Build Volume: 11.2 L x 6.0 W x 6.1 H in [28.5 x 15.3 x 15.5 cm]
  • Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm [0.015 in]
  • Software Bundle: MakerWareﾙ Bundle 2.0
  • File Types: .STL, .OBJ, .thing
  • Supported OSs: Windows (XP/7), Ubuntu Linux (10.04+), Mac OS X (10.6+)

Software

In addition there is an extra extruder because of which the object that is printed can have two colors as well as two objects can be printed simultaneously. Other than this there are many advantages of a two headed printer like the ability to print with dissoluble materials, to create designs with parts with different densities, and to tweak the resolution of the printer by using different sized nozzles. And, of course, there is the added benefit of printing two objects at once, though this would greatly limit the size of the printed pieces. The printer uses ABS filament where as the earlier version used PLA.

Along with the new MakerBot Replicator 2X 3D printer, MakerBot also announced a new and improved Thingiverse.com website where there are many tools that can be used by developers to create new Apps. .Bre Pettis, CEO of MakerBot says, “One of our favorite options with the new and improved Thingiverse is the customizer App, you can make snowflake that you find on Thingiverse, bring it into the MakerBot customizer, determine how many points and stars it has and then print that custom, one of a kind item right on your MakerBot Replicator 2X Desktop 3D printer.”

The MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer is the easiest, fastest, and most affordable tool for making incredibly high quality models. MakerBot has set a new standard with this model in the 3D printing industry. The price for this printer is $2,499.

Image Credit: makerbot.com

 

 

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Kora Alpha 3D Printer: Setting a New Standard

3D printing companies that are manufacturing 3D printers with some new features and added benefits are mushrooming in every nook and corner of the world. Every single day there’s a new 3D printer on the block which promises to be better in technology and application. 2-3 Years ago there were only a couple companies that were known for manufacturing 3D printers but now almost anyone is making them and adding variations to it.

The latest debutant in this growing market of 3D printing is Kora. Kora is a Great Britain based company that has recently announced that they are all set to take orders for the new Alpha 3D printers. Now, what the company has forgotten is the pictures of the machine. Kora hasn’t released exactly how the machine looks like but what is known about the printer is quite impressive additionally they have also put up a teaser online and have promised to release more information about the machine by next week.

For all those who want to know about the features of the machine, here a little sneak peek into the features of the machine.

Technical Specifications of Kora Alpha 3D printer

Build specifications:

  • Build ratio: 807 cubic inches
  • X Axis: 230mm, Y Axis: 230mm, Z Axis: 250mm
  • Frame dimensions X Y Z: 42x40x47 (without spool holder)
  • Frame dimensions X Y Z: Filament spool fitted (+10cm on X)

Speed and precision:

  • Accurate and fast heating nozzle (160-300 degree C)
  • Layer Resolution: 20 microns (0.02mm) to 400 microns (0.4mm)
  • Position Precision: X Axis: 12.5 microns (0.125mm), Y Axis: 12.5 microns (0.125mm), Z Axis: 5 microns (0.005mm)
  • Print Speed: 30-300 mm per second
  • Travel Speed: 30-350mm per second
  • Filament Diameter: 1.75mm
  • Nozzle Diameter: Standard 0.4mm (available in 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.6 and 0.8mm)

Features:

  • Fats heating plate system (40-120 degree C)
  • LED system with heat detecting LED warning system
  • Four lined illuminated LCD screen with Jog and Dial control system
  • Onboard web cam (optional)
  • Wi-Fi connectivity (optional)
  • Build-in SD card reader
  • Easy fit dual extruder upgrade kit (optional)
  • Software: Customized Repetier
  • Motherboard: Kora customized Atmel MEGA Control System
  • Printing Technology: Open Source FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication)

Power and efficiency:

  • AC Input: 240 Volts (110 available)
  • DC Input: 12 Volts (if using on vehicle battery)

Quality and safety:

  • Solid powder coated steel construction
  • Fully enclosed option with safety cut out
  • Easy maintain system: designed for easy assembly

The specifications and the features that Kora is offering via this printer are quite impressive but what will put off many buyers would be the price tag. The price of this machine is $1,895 / €1,395. The company plans to launch the product in various colors such as red, black, or silver frame colors (solid, powder coated steel).

The best is usually saved for the last so the best feature of this printer is that when the dual extruder upgrade kit is attached to the unique VariBLOCK head unit it allows the user to print anything from pens, food, liquid and other things. So now the price might not be a hindrance for many.

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Printrbot Simple 3D Printer: Faster, Larger and Quieter

After the release of Printrbot which was quite low on the cost front and had a reasonably high-value on the printing front, the company has recently launched a new metal Printrbot Simple which is expected to be faster, larger, more accurate and even quieter than the previous one. The printer is an upgraded version of the previous 3D printers. The sole thing that is similar to the previous printer is the look but under the hood there are a few upgrades which are quite noteworthy like they got rid of the wood, bed leveling screws, string and small z-axis rods and added metal, an auto-leveling probe, rubber toothed belts, and 12mm z-axis rods.

Technical Specifications

As compared to the other 3D printers of the same genre Printrbot Simple has the same speed and resolution but for a fraction of the price. The printer is best for beginners and young printers who are exploring this new technology. The machine is not large. It can print 3D designs up to 4 x 4 x 4 inches. The printing speed ranges from 60-65 mm per second with a layer resolution of 0.1 mm. The printer has an aluminum body and as compared to the previous version the height of Z axis rods have been increased which make the Z movements quite strong and rigid, which in turn allows the Z height to be increased from four to six inches. Along with the increment of the height in the Z axis, the height of the X and Y axes have also increased so the built have has increased considerably. The increase percentage is almost 200% from 64 to 216 cubic inches. The new rubber toothed belts increases the level of precision of the prints which helps in increasing the overall quality and printing consistency. The material that can be used in this printer is organic PLA which is better for the environment and does not need to be as hot to print. The company does sell additional cartridges at $30 each.

There are no controls on the printer, the user has to control the printer through a computer connected over USB. Once the printer is connected via the USB the user can upload a 3D model into the software which generates the preview of the model and then follows the process of slicing. The printer uses a free Repetier host open –source software which is available for PC, Mac and Linux systems. It is easy to use and does not require any configuration. Repetier uses the open source called Slic3r program. It controls the printer and monitors the printing process. The printer can print directly from the micro SD card.

The best feature of the printer is the auto – leveling probe. This sets the height of the nozzle every time the user uses it. On top of all these modifications the new Printrbot simple comes with an aluminum extruder and an upgraded hot end which is slightly more precise than the previous model.

In short the pros of the machine are:

  • Simple and minimal structure
  • Easy to use
  • Great bargain on the price front
  • Good documentation and support

On the other hand the cons:

  • Small print plate
  • Small print volume

A good printer at the offered price best suited for doing simple 3D prints.

Image Credit: Printrbot.com

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LittleRP or LittleDLPer – Affordable Open Source 3D Resin Printer

When someone wants to buy a printer that has a very high level of resolution, the best printer to opt for would be a DLP or a SLA technology printer but the ones that are available in the market nowadays is very expensive. A SLA printer named Form 1 is currently priced at $3299. So a normal person cannot afford such an expensive printer and has to adjust with something that suits the pocket and for the resolution one has to adjust with a lower resolution. But now times have changed and Brad Hill (aka goopyplastic) hopes to bring about a change in the 3D printing industry.

He has founded a new 3D printer and named it LittleDLPer which is an open source DLP 3D resin printer. The printer uses lasercut materials and standard T-Slot extrusion which makes it possible to make the printer from the scratch. It has high quality components such as linear slides and integrated leadscrew steppers which perk up the reliability of the printer. The print volume of the printer is quite low (xyz: 60x40x100mm). The printer takes approximately 2 minutes to print 1mm at 0.05mm layer height. The price of the LittleDLPer kit will be under $500 and an assembled printer would cost around $1000. Hill plans to flaunt the new machine in the Maker Faire at Kansas City.

Hill said, “For the kit, excluding projector, the Kickstarter price should be just under $500,” explained Hill to 3DPrint.com. “The projector I recommend, runs about $310, however the printer is flexible in that you can re-purpose used DLP’s which can drive the cost down for the builder. For example I was initially using a Dell 2300mp projector that I purchased used off eBay for $95.”

Image Source: littlerp.com