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Archive for the ‘3D Printer Hardware’ Category
TinyBoy 2 3D Printer Crowdfunding Campaign
24, Oct 2015The original Tinyboy 3D printer was designed by a high school teacher called Parker Leung as an affordable, compact and easy to use educational tool to help students get into 3D printing. The idea was for students to assemble and maintain their 3D printers before actually start using them for 3D printing. And now is the time for the new TinyBoy 2 3D printer that builds on top of the original design by improving and optimizing it for better, faster and more reliable printing results. Just like the original design, the design of Tinyboy 2 is going to be opened for everyone after shipping of the product commences.
The TinyBoy 2 3D printer is goign to be available in two different model – L10 and L16 with the later offering slightly larger build size on the Z axis. The original TinyBoy has a build size of 8x8x8 cm while the new version 2 will offer 10x10x10 build volume for L10 with the L16 having a volume of 10x10x16 cm. Another new feature added on the TinyBoy is the support of direct SD flash card printing and not via only USB connectivity like on the original model. We have recently obtained a TinyBoy 3D printer and are currently testing the device as we were curious to see how well it will perform, not to mention that it is one of the most affordable FDM/FFF 3D printers available that you can currently get.
The IndieGoGo crowdfunding campaign can currently get you an early bird L10 package for $239 USD or L16 package for $279 with an expected delivery in March 2016. The regular pricing for the L10 is $279 USD and L16 is available for $319 USD with June 2016 availability. These prices do not include shipping and the printers will be shipped form Asia, so you should have that in mind when backing up the project as there is free shipping available only for Hong Kong, Macau, China and Tawian.
– For more details about the upcoming TinyBoy 2 3D printer on IndieGoGo…
Mini Fabrikator 3D Printer By Tiny Boy
28, Sep 2015
TinyBoy is an open 3D printer designed as an entry-level machine for students and newbies to learn 3D modelling technology and, ultimately, to encourage creative thinking. It is a small, easy to build and most of all an affordable machine to get you started in the world of 3D printing without having to spend too much on it. This device is originally intended for people to built it themselves from parts with an expected bill of material of just around $200 USD, but you can also order an already assembled 3D printer as well. HobbyKing, one of the largest online stores for radio controlled models and parts is selling Mini Fabrikator 3D printer which is essentially the TinyBoy 3D printer already assembled and ready to be used. You can order the Mini Fabrikator from USA for $215.93 USD from their USA warehouse plus shipping or if you are in Europe you can get the Mini Fabrikator from EU for 204.63 Euro from their European warehouse plus shipping. The 3D printer is also available in their international warehouse for $179.77 USD in Asia, but ordering from there would mean that you will have to pay customs taxes when it arrives.
The Mini Fabrikator 3D printer offers a print size of 80x80x80mm (the size of the build plate) and uses 1.75mm PLA filament by default (there is no heated build plate available) and the extruder nozzle is 0.4mm. The only thing that is kind of missing is a filament holder probably due to the small size of the 3D printer, but then once you get the printer you can actually 3D print a holder yourself. The community has already made some upgrades and additional things that you can 3D print or do to make the experience using the device even better and you will keep learning to use the device along the way. The Mini Fabrikator 3D printer does indeed look like a great first step into the world of 3D printing without too much of an investment and we have ordered one of these to check it out, so you can expect more about the device when we get our unit and personally try it out..
Formlabs Has Introduced the Form 2 SLA 3D Printer
23, Sep 2015
When talking about an accessible 3D printers using SLA printing technology the name Formlabs often comes first in mind and the company has just introduced their new model – the Form 2. The new model comes with a 40% larger build volume, touch-screen controls, and Wi-Fi and Ethernet LAN connectivity allowing for even better desktop stereolithography 3D printing. The new model comes with new integrated resin system that automatically dispenses resin allowing for bigger prints, less mess, and longer tank life. A new peel mechanism and heated resin tank create a reliable print process for large, solid parts and intricate details. The new model comes with 50% more powerful laser in the form of a 250mW precision laser guided by custom-built galvanometers, delivering bigger prints with better detail.
The new model also comes with new resin cartridges that have RFID tags in order for the printer to track the exact level of resin left and properly use the auto refilling system. There however will be a special Open Mode that will allow you to print using 3rd party resins, but for these you will have to manually refill the tank with resin. The price of the new Formlabs Form 2 3D printer starts at €3299 Euro excluding VAT for Europe or $4199 USD for USA. The prices of the resins and additional accessories for the new Form 2 SLA 3D printer start at the same levels as the ones for the previous Form 1 and Form 1+ models.
Formlabs Form 2 Technical Specifications:
– Printer Dimensions: 35 × 33 × 52 cm / 13.5 × 13 × 20.5 in
– Printer Weight: 13 kg / 28.5 lbs
– Operating Temperature: Auto-heats to 35° C / Auto-heats to 95° F
– Power Requirements: 65 W, 100–240 V, 1.5 A 50/60 Hz
– Laser Specifications: 405nm violet laser, 250mW laser
– Connectivity: Wifi, Ethernet and USB
– Printer control: Interactive Touch-screen with Push-button
– Technology: Stereolithography (SLA)
– Peel Mechanism: Sliding Peel Process with wiper
– Resin Fill System: Automated
– Build Volume: 145 × 145 × 175 mm / 5.7 × 5.7 × 6.9 in
– Layer Thickness: 25, 50, 100, 200 microns / 0.001, 0.002, 0.004, 0.008 inches
– Laser Spot Size: 140 microns / 0.0055 inches
– Supports: Auto-Generated, Easily Removable
– Resin cartridges: 1L cartridges
– For more information about the new Formlabs Form 2 SLA 3D Printer…