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

http://www.atum3d.com

• €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

http://b9creator.com/

• 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 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