![]() ![]() The compact single extruder is of the direct drive variety with interchangeable PEEK-made nozzles with diameters of 0.2 mm, 0.4 mm, and 0.6 mm with layer resolutions of 50, 70, 100, 200, 250, 300, and 350 microns. Belted stepper motors assure movement on the axis. The linear rails on each axis ensure quiet, precise functionality with the extruder rail controlling the X-axis, while the print bed runs on the Y-axis, and finally, the extruder rail moves along the Z-axis module. It uses Melted Extrusion Modeling (MEM) print tech with a cantilever design. The build volume is a modest 180mm x 180mm x 180mm that relative to the size and weight (12.1 lbs) of the printer is an amazing ratio. The chassis is constructed with high-quality aluminum extrusions that coupled with the linear rail axis modules, and the low-profile rubber footed mainboard, keep the model upright with a non-chambered, guts exposed, minimalist feel that belies an impressive rigidity. The minimalist, open-ended functionality also extends to modding as the Cetus is ripe for tinkering and add-ons. It’s small and lightweight, but remarkably sturdy while the small footprint and portability mean it is easily transported from home to office or wherever else it might be needed with minimal hassle. Combined they create a small form factor printer without any redundant, frivolous additions nor bells and whistles. For sure, this is a project that will draw quite a bit of attention from the industry and it will be very interesting to find out how and when it will grow into a commercial product.The Cetus is a minimalist printer whose driving force springs forth from Tiertime’s desire to manufacture a 3D printer free of the complexity that unfortunately defines various models on the market with an emphasis on enjoyment and functionality.Ī quick look at the Cetus reveals a simple, yet intelligent design based on six core modular components: three-axis modules, a main board electronic module, a print bed, and an extruder. Using CNC mills, laser cutters and 3D printers, enabled Holtrop to work with PMMA plastics for the hood, as well as metal and MDF parts.Īpparently the project is still in its infancy, as Holtrop has stated several further areas of research, including experimenting with resin thickness, the light source (using LED’s instead of a projector), and improving the stability of the vats by building them using a more flexible material. Perhaps the most amazing aspect is that almost all of the other components, which give the machine a highly professional and solid appearance, were manufactured with readily available in-house rapid prototyping tools. It works at the XGA resolution (1024×768) and was modified to be able to have a shorter throw. The beamer that he used for this project is a Benq PB7230 DLP beamer. This simplified building and setting up the firmware. He based his own project on a manual of how to design a normal DLP printer published by Tristram Budel in 2013, which is based on a Ramps 1.4 motherboard placed on top of an Arduino Mega 2560. Holtrop studied several 3D printers before developing his own design, including, of course, the industry leading Perfactory series by EnvisionTEC and CLIP technology by Carbon3D. The build platform is then moved vertically by the z-spindle, while the the x-spindle moves the array to change the vat. ![]() Light is projected with a beamer via a mirror on the bottom of the vat. It is made up of two shafts with bearings which support a movable array with the round vats. This is the key component in the XZEED machine. Ultimately, the basic concept behind the machine is relatively simple: using five alternating petri dishes in borosilicate glass with a PDMS layer, on a moving vat carrier. This latest approach is similar to the one implemented by Reinout Holtrop, a student from the University of Twente, for his Final Bachelor Assignment in Industrial Design, to design, develop and build the first DLP-based multi-material 3D printer, which he named XZEED. Another is mechanical, which is what 3D Systems’ presented around this time last year. One is based on material science and uses inkjet 3D printing technologies, such as Stratasys’ Polyjet and 3D Systems’ MJM, to release and instantly cure different materials in the same print job. There are basically two ways to go about making multi-material objects with photopolymer resin-based 3D printing processes. ![]()
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