3D UV LED resin printer
ratronic
Posts: 1,451
I have heard of using lasers to harden resin in 3D printing before but it was way out of my price range. I don't know if this contains a
Rasberry Pi but is from their weekly news letter that I found this kickstarter page. It uses a UV LED DLP and so far makes small
objects. I thought it might be of interest.
Rasberry Pi but is from their weekly news letter that I found this kickstarter page. It uses a UV LED DLP and so far makes small
objects. I thought it might be of interest.
Comments
Edit: it uses UV LED's not lasers.
(Edit: I see you fixed the reference to laser.)
UV LEDs. The LEDs project through the LCD, taking the place of the conventional white light bulb used in digital projectors. (It's also not DLP, contrary to their loose use of the term. DLP is a specific type of projector element invented by Texas Instruments, and is nothing like an LCD projector. Elsewhere on their page they indicate they use an LCD, not DLP.)
I like the concept, especially the part about printing wirelessly without special software or driver. But their examples (mid-way in the video) of what you can use it for are completely uninspiring. Nick-knacks for your neice? Replacement chess pieces? Surely they could have thought of more motivating examples. They interviewed a physical therapist, who talks about building basic parts for building robots. Yawn. Why not some part he uses in his practice? He's interviewed with some really cool art pieces on shelves behind him. They couldn't find an artist to interview?
So, they have reached their goal, but it's not a spectacular showing, and I think the lack of a compelling story is one reason why. Still, I hope they do well with this. It's a cool design.
Oh, I understand. I just like to complain about people (them, not you) totally misusing terminology. There are true DLP-based 3D printers out there, but they're much more expensive than this one. And for a reason. DLP chips aren't cheap. Their KS page suggests they are using a Texas Instruments DLP (tm) component, when they're not.
I'm not really sure we need Yet-Another-3D-Printer-For-Trinkets, or if trinkets are really a driver to getting one of these. Hobby use is fine, but it doesn't take that much more to show inspiring uses that compel people to dive in. I often hear the idea that consumers will be able to make replacement parts for broken pieces. Like there's likely to be a printable model of the exact broken part they need. No reality to that. Reminds me of early home computer adopters relying on the tired "but honey, you can store all your recipies!" reason for buying one.
I'd imagine the flexible nature of the part is from the specific resin. There are UV resins for flatbed inkjet printers that apply a clear and hard overcoat. The overcoat can be built up over several passes, so the piece actually has a rugged relief or raised feel to it. It's all the craze for custom phone cases.
Getting back to 3D printers, I do wish the people offering these would be more creative in selling its uses. Speaking of customized products, this is a multi-billion dollar a year business. I've seen some sellers on Etsy offering customized cookie cutters, made on their 3D printers. Customers specify the name, initials, portrait silhouette, whatever -- and the seller adds that to a basic cutter shape from their library (like a heart, customized for a wedding). Utterly brilliant idea! They've found a niche that easily earns them 10-20X their materials cost. And they provide a useful service.
Now imagine if someone set up a franchise for this kind of thing. Offer the machines, materials, and models. People could set up at swap meets and special events. Anyway, this is just one isolated and specific example. Showing how to MAKE MONEY is the best way to sell 3D printers to anybody, consumers included. Didn't these people grow up looking at the classified ads in Popular Mechanics? What's with these 3D printer makers that they have no clue how to sell what they're selling?
Sooner or later all the early adopters will have a machine. What will they do then for customers?
The iBox does use a Raspberry Pi as controller.
Max build volume is 20x50x70mm, but it's possible to replace the rods that lift the build platform, so it can be made to print somewhat higher.
The resolution (in X/Y) isn't anything to brag about, but it has some serious fine resolution in the Z-axis.
It also has a seriously long printing time; upwards of 3Hours for a tall piece.
The 'secret' of this printer is a specially-designed LCD panel that can work with UV light. (Many types of glass doesn't let UV light through)
This is also its achilles heel, so to speak. The first version of the LCD is small, with a limited resolution.
It is hoped that for the next generation, they can have larger LCDs with higher resolution made.
It can use MakerJuice G+ formula at $55/L
Remember, you don't use 0.07L of the stuff just because the max build volume is that much. You only use as much as the volume of the part you print. And if that part is designed as hollow...