3D Printer Evaluation

For prototyping we want to purchase a 3D printer soon. We are mainly looking into SLA/SLS type printers. Does anyone have experience with existing ones or can recommend anything?

1 What is available today

1.1 Formlabs Form 1+

http://formlabs.com/en/products/form-1-plus/ 2800€ 125x125x165mm print volume 300 microns min feature size

1.2 B9 Creator

http://b9creator.com/ ~3640€ (self assembly kit) Open hardware and free software! 102x76x200mm print volume 50/75/100 microns min feature size

Included Beamer: 1024x768

add 1200€ for full assembled Printer

1.3 Muve DLP Printer

http://www.muve3d.net/press/product/muve-1-dlp/ 2000$ Firmware Open Source 192x108x180mm print volume

Kit without beamer for 1000$

With FullHD Beamer for 2100$

update for precise z-axis 300$

some parts are made of PLA and are not very durable, they will be replaced with metal parts some time

1.4 3dsystems ProJet 1200

http://www.3dsystems.com/projet1200 5000$ 43 x 27 x 150mm print volume (too small for us) 585 dpi resolution

Only preorders

2 Background

Most printers operate on the same principle. The Image is projected on the base of a transparent receptacle where the hardened resin tends to stick on. So the surface is coated with transparent silicone.

B9 creator moves the reservoir left and right

mUVe 1 has a "Dual-Motor Tilting Peel System" which tilts the build platform

Titan 1 has a patented "Flexible resin container" which bends when the z-axis is rising

For electronics the Arduino based RAMPS boards from Reprap project is very common using a modified Marlin firmware.

As 3D Printing software Creation Workshop from envisionlabs is often used.

So its not really a big miracle. It should be possible to build a DLP printer with low budget. Just a good beamer and a view components are necessary for a good DIY printer...

Even expensive printers show how simple it can be: Titan 1 Build Platform