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€
- print volume 125x125x165mm
- 300 microns min feature size
- PreForm software (Windows and MacOS only)
1.3 B9 Creator
- self-assembly kit: 3490$, assembled: 5495$
- print volume :
At the 100 micron x/y pixels setting, the build area is 102.4 mm (4.03″) x 76.8 mm (3.02″) x 206.4 mm (8.125″). At the 75 micron x/y pixels setting, the build area is 76.8 mm (3.02″) x 57.6 mm (2.27″) x 206.4 mm (8.125″). At the 50 micron x/y pixels setting, the build area is 51.2 mm (2.02″) x 38.4 mm (1.52″) x 206.4 mm (8.125″).
- open hardware and free software
- 50/75/100 microns min feature size
- Included projector: 1024x768
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$
- print volume 43 x 27 x 150mm (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 135 x 170 mm (7.1 x 5.3 x 6.7 inch)
- printing resolution 0.1mm, minimum wall thickness 0.3mm
- accuracy x/y/z 0.175/0.175/0.1 mm
- printing software developed by Trimaker, only available for Windows and MacOS
1.7 HA 50 uv
https://thre3d.com/product/1132-ha-50-uv
(http://www.rapidshape.de/ha-60-uv-led-396.html)
- build volume 105x59x90 mm
- "open system architecture"
1.8 The Titan 1
http://www.kudo3d.com/products/
Only preorders
(https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kudo3d/titan-1-fastest-tallest-print-high-res-sla-3d-prin)
- build volume: 70mm x 40mm x 240mm at 37 micron resolution, 192mm x 108mm x 240mm at 100 micron resolution.
- speed xy:50μm and z:100μm resolution is about 2.7 inches / hr and 1.3 inches / hr for xyz:100μm resolution
1.9 Pegasus
http://fslaser.com/pegasus-touch-laser-3d-printer-by-fsl3d
Only preorders, expected to start shipping in Nov
- 2750 $
- build volume 177x177x228 mm (7"x7"x9")
- built-in Linux-based computer
2 sources for consumables
resin: http://www.shop.esotechnic.co.uk/resin-10-c.asp
3 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