Nowadays, manufacturers of modern technologies keep making 3D printing more convenient and affordable for us. Today, almost anyone can get a 3D printer, but amazing new printing technologies still keep appearing. CraftUnique, a Hungarian 3D printer manufacturer, has announced a new line of desktop FDM-systems including the two with IDEX (Independent Dual Extruder) technology.
The new CraftBot Flow line consists of four 3D printers: base single extruder CraftBot Flow, CraftBot Flow XL with larger build volume, CraftBot Flow IDEX and CraftBot Flow IDEX XL, which are versions of the first two printers with IDEX technology by the Spanish company BCN3D.
IDEX technology is a system with two independent extruders. Print heads have individual drives on the X axis and are able to print two copies or identical objects at the same time as print heads on the Y and Z axes move synchronically. The technology was first introduced in The Sigma 3D printers by Barcelona-based company BCN3D, which regularly spreads its developments in free access. The Hungarian company made use of that.
New 3D printers by the Hungarian manufacturer are quite similar in specifications and differ only in build volume and the use of either a single extruder or IDEX system. The build volume of compact CraftBot Flow is 300 x 200 x 250 mm, CraftBot Flow XL has an increased build volume of 300 x 200 x 500 mm. 3D printers with IDEX system are larger in their dimensions: CraftBot Flow IDEX is 450х250х250 mm, CraftBot Flow IDEX XL is 450х250х500 mm. Flow IDEX XL has the largest build volume among 3D printers with IDEX technology.
These 3D printers theoretically feature a print speed of up to 200 mm/s with a minimum layer resolution of 50 microns. Operating all-metal nozzle temperature is up to 300 °C, the operating temperature of the heated bed is up to 110 °C. It allows to use PLA, ABS, PET-G, Nylon, glass – or carbon fiber-reinforced nylon-based composite filaments and other materials. It is interesting to note that Hungarian 3D printers use direct feeder system, whereas the original Spanish systems use the Bowden system. Heated build chambers are not provided, which can complicate 3D-printing of large parts when working with certain types of plastics prone to shrinkage. BCN3D 3D printers had the same drawback and eventually were equipped with optional panels and caps.
Additional functionality involves semi-automated calibration including alignment of the build plate, configuring of the x32 motherboard, web interface with IoT integration, the ability to pause a print job, integrated camera, a removable magnetic printing surface, filament feeder sensor, a Raspberry Pi device with Linux and 5-inch color touch screen. The company offers its own CraftWare software, but the printers are compatible with many popular slicers.
CraftUnique is taking preorders with deliveries starting in December. The new printers will be presented on November 19th-22nd at Formnext 2019 in Frankfurt.
