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 Atum 3D Printer V1
- €3,246.00
- with linear guide and ball screw
- FullHD beamer
- 195x108x250mm
- Standard x,y resolution 45-100 microns
- Best Z-resolution 15 microns
Atum3D-V1-3D-DLP-printer-kit-assembly
1.2 Formlabs Form 1+
http://formlabs.com/en/products/form-1-plus/ 2800€ 125x125x165mm print volume 300 microns min feature size
1.3 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
1.4 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
1.5 3dsystems ProJet 1200
http://www.3dsystems.com/projet1200 5000$ 43 x 27 x 150mm print volume (too small for us) 585 dpi resolution
1.6 T.Black
https://thre3d.com/product/1788-tblack
(http://www.trimaker.com/en/t-black/)
- 5000$
- build dimensions 180 x 134 x 170 mm (7.1 x 5.3 x 6.7 inch)
- min layer height 50 microns
- accuracy x/y/z 0.175/0.175/0.1 mm
1.7 HA 50 uv
https://thre3d.com/product/1132-ha-50-uv
1.8 The Titan 1
http://www.kudo3d.com/products/
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