Boxzy 3d printer

BoXZY is All In on All-in-One 3D Printer / CNC Mill / Laser Engraver: CEO Tells Us More About Robust Capabilities - 3DPrint.com

BoXZY got its start in Pittsburgh, PA two years ago when brothers and co-founders Joel and Justin Johnson had the idea to create a machine that can create just about anything and raised $1.2 million on Kickstarter to get the idea off the ground. While many desktop machines promising all-in-one capabilities have less than stellar performance when actually put to use, BoXZY wasn’t just designed to be robust; its robustness is still surprising its creators. The team behind the company have been dedicated to experimenting with and furthering their technology — more so than they have been focused on getting word out about its capabilities, as they have largely been letting the machine speak for itself.

I met Joel Johnson, the company’s CEO, this month at a makerspace meetup held to coincide with RAPID + TCT as the additive manufacturing industry flocked to Pittsburgh, and his enthusiasm for both his company and the community built around makers and high-tech manufacturing capabilities was immediately apparent. Joel was recently experimenting with an old BoXZY machine, and some of his findings have added an interesting new dimension to an already-promising piece of desktop equipment. As it’s high time for the company to speak up about what they’ve been up to, I enjoyed the opportunity to catch up with Joel to learn more about what it is that BoXZY has to offer.

I met Joel Johnson at the well-populated 3DPPGH meetup at HackPGH [Photo: Sarah Goehrke]

“It’s my newest obsession,” he told me in what I’ve learned is his trademark straightforward manner. “I was experimenting with an old BoXZY that I wasn’t afraid to push too hard. I made a discovery about BoXZY’s carving feature. It’s not about the 3D printer attachment, specifically… but it definitely expands BoXZY’s potential as a hybrid device and reveals features of our 3D printing capacity.”

As with many superhero origin stories that don’t involve radioactive arachnids, it turns out that the potential for this big reveal has been within BoXZY all this time. While some machines are so pushed to reach their potential that they are quickly pushed beyond their limits in early testing, the team behind BoXZY hadn’t realized just how capable their creation was until recently, despite regular work with and exploration of its machining abilities — indeed, he told me, “We thought we were pushing BoXZY too hard but it turns out we were not pushing it hard enough.”

“BoXZY is a 3D printer that can CNC carve steel. It’s always been; I just didn’t know it, and, of course, I couldn’t announce it until now,” Joel explained. “It cuts through steel like butter. We were using Easel carving speeds for the X-Carve and Carvey to run BoXZY, and my max speed was around 450 mm/min in soft wood, but now I am CNC carving steel at 2286 mm/min. As it turns out, we can use the speeds and feeds directly from Fusion 360 for professional machines, like the Tormach, and high speed machining! I am getting press-fit tolerances in steel!

This ability is a HUGE market advantage for us. CNC carving steel makes us the most demonstrably powerful of the hybrid fabricators, by far.”

To push the machine further to reach its potential, an engineer working on another product pointed out to Joel that the BoXZY wasn’t engaging the material enough for the bit to work effectively; while they thought they were pushing the machine too hard, they weren’t pushing it enough. “I needed to push it faster, much faster,” Joel said of the realization.

The entire experience has proven a valuable, if costly, learning experience for the team behind BoXZY as they have worked to understand what the newly-discovered capabilities and speeds mean for the company — and for the market. Because BoXZY the company is still so young, resources are tight, magnifying any risk. Joel found that he had “treated each BoXZY as precious” due to the expense of producing each unit. He was very honest about what came of that mentality: “We didn’t didn’t take the right chances and failed to push BoXZY to its full potential. In hindsight, that was a foolish, shortsighted, and very expensive mistake to make.” This, he said, led to “a couple of painful months.”

Sometimes the most valuable lessons do come from difficult learning experiences, and it appears that with the discovery of the real strength of BoXZY the team is ready to rebound and not only go forward in work with the newly-understood capabilities, but work to communicate just what those capabilities mean in practice for real users.

“BoXZY is built like a tank, with fat and very accurate ball-screws, and we’re the first to launch a rapid-swap desktop fabricator for hobbyist. But, consumers don’t really have an imagination for what that means for them, and, besides that, multi anything is often conceived of as low quality in the consumer’s mind. The belief that multi-tools are cheap was at war with our brand because BoXZY is an extremely robust multi-tool. This conflict has plagued our company. So I’ve been seeking examples of BoXZY creations that overcome these psychological obstacles and justify the longer wait for a better product,” Joel explained. “BoXZY’s ability to carve steel does that.”

The team behind BoXZY

Overcoming obstacles of perception is difficult for even the most well-funded company, especially in an industry so sensitive to hype and overpromises as advanced manufacturing, especially at the desktop. Still, understanding that BoXZY had a truly unique positioning — that, above all, is demonstrable and repeatable — encouraged Joel to continue the forward momentum.

“When I figured this [ability] out, I was able to design and CNC carve a survival hatchet, that same night, from a 1/4 thick piece of steel! Being able to create things like this, creates the potential for so many different kinds of uses and user stories,” Joel told me. “Being able to shape ferrous and non-ferrous materials, alike, is a serous game changer for BoXZY. This puts us into a far different and far more expensive, professional class of machine. Currently our starting price is less than the price of a new Ultimaker, so this makes BoXZY really competitive. A consumer is paying for a machine that can carve steel quickly and accurately–and 3D prints and laser engraves very well. This will legitimately make us one of the big dogs if we can communicate these capabilities effectively.”

Backing up the enthusiastic claims, Joel shared a video of the CNC at work with that steel hatchet:

Now that BoXZY’s capabilities are internally understood, the real key for the company in unlocking their place in the market lies in showing that. Other, established companies have proven desktop hybrid fabrication systems out there — but bringing the ability to work, quickly and well, with steel at the BoXZY price point looks to be a major selling point, and Joel sees it as the missing piece to the market puzzle. Because BoXZY also possesses meritable 3D printing (up to 20 micron resolution) and laser engraving capabilities, the machine is well in place as more makers — professional and hobbyist alike — look to hybrid technologies as the future of manufacturing.

It also means that BoXZY has three times as many competitors as it offers three unique, if related, technologies. Working with steel may just be the company’s golden ticket to a unique positioning, especially as other capabilities remain in place. The team is well aware of the need to overcome “the belief that having a multi-machine means compromised quality and function,” showing an underlying understanding as well of market dynamics necessary for the business beyond the capabilities. The best way to overcome disbelief is with proof (well, at least theoretically, if the internet is any indicator of people’s ability to really go with seeing-is-believing mentality), and BoXZY is hard at work now to show — and tell.

: 3D printing on BoXZY

: Milling a circuit board

: Laser engraving pie: another unheralded application?

“A single image of BoXZY shaping steel, like a knife or transmission gear, is enough to communicate the unique possibilities that BoXZY creates,” Joel said. “It allows me to get ahead of companies like Stepcraft, and ZMorph or single function products, like Ultimaker, Printrbot and Carvey.”

He continued with an enthusiasm impossible to deny: “I feel childlike bliss when I watch BoXZY working, now. I may be embarrassing myself with my constant joyful cursing on the back dock as I mill steel. ‘Fuck Yes!,’ that’s been my constant go-to. BoXZY is the only hybrid machine to quickly, accurately repeatably shape steel. I’m freaking out! Seriously, I was getting scared for a while, very worried. Chinese knock-offs are killing the market for 3D printers and thus killing a lot of our sales–really hurting us. Being able to make this claim to steel as a hybrid fabricator is more than a life raft, and it is that–it’s also a serious competitive advantage.”

Pre-orders are available at $2,999 for the all-in-one capabilities, and at lower price points for one or two of the functions; each level includes a one-year subscription to Fusion 360. BoXZY is definitely one to watch, and we’ll be keeping in touch with the young company as the machine’s full potential is understood and it finds its footing in a competitive marketplace. Discuss in the BoXZY forum at 3DPB.com.

[Photos/video: supplied by BoXZY]

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Tagged with: $1 million kickstarter • all-in-one • all-in-one 3d printer • boxzy • boxzy 3d printer • cnc • cnc machining • cnc milling • desktop cnc milling machine • desktop laser engraver • Fusion 360 • hybrid 3d printer cnc milling machine • Joel Johnson • kickstarter • Kickstarter successes • laser engraver • Pittsburgh

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BoXZY, an all-in-one 3D printer, CNC mill and laser engraver launches on Kickstarter

While desktop FDM 3D printers are great for toying with at home and making small and fun parts, its potential for serious and multi-material manufacturing is sadly quite limited

Anyone wanting to take things to the next level is currently forced of spending thousands on buying various manufacturing machine. But why not go for an all-in-one option? For a 3D printer that can simply be fitted with another tool head to turn it into an entirely different machine?

That option is becoming more realistic on a daily basis. While several multi-functional manufacturing machines are currently being developed, a highly promising model just launched its crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter: the BoXZY, an all-in-one 3D Printer, CNC Mill, and Laser Engraver. Developed by Joel and Justin Johnson, two brothers from Pittsburgh, this machine is shaping up to be a multipurpose masterpiece that will appeal to both beginning and experienced users.

As the Joel explained in an interview, the BoXZY has been developed to be a complete desktop manufacuturing space, rather than just a 3D printer with some additional options. "We refer to it as a desktop manufacturing space. The aim is to democratize and production quality and to make affordable commercial results for consumers," Joel explains. "While the system is user friendly, it's capabilities are much more precise than consumer models currently on the market. But the key differentiator for BoXZY is its interchangeability."

The machine has been in development for more than a year now. BoXZY’s basic setup is a dual extruder FDM 3D printer (with a precision of four microns!) that can be quickly interchanged with a solid 1 ¼ horsepower Makita router, turning the machine into a powerful CNC mill or a laser etcher. The whole thing is housed in a solid aluminum body and assembled with stainless steel hardware to ensure it's a stable and durable machine throughout all applications. Moreover, its also designed to be completely modular and hackable.

By utilizing the quick-change heads, any maker can shape a block of brass, aluminum, hardwood, or plastic into intricate designs. The 2000mW laser engraver slices through balsa and other thin woods, and could engrave photos on hardwood, leather, and plastic with high accuracy. BoXZY is also a 3D printer, and you can easily print complex shapes with fine internal detail and incredible accuracy. With BoXZY you can use PLA or ABS to print functional components, or print with nylon for strength critical creations.

"Every component is easy to access, remove or upgrade, and BoXZY’s simple-as-possible design makes this even more convenient," they say, a characteristic that will doubtlessly appeal to experienced users.

Features:

Quick-change attachments. Rapidly switch CNC milling attachment, laser cutter/engraver, and 3D printer.

All major components are CNC milled from solid billets of aluminum.

The body is Quarter-inch thick aluminum.

Ballscrew actuation. Industrial ballscrews actuate all 3 axes.

4 Micron resolution.

No assembly, no programming.

935 watt (1.25hp) CNC milling capacity.

Adjustable CNC milling speeds anywhere between 10,000 and 30,000 RPM.

USB slot.

Fully Expandable Electronics: So you can build your own attachments.

2000 mW laser, 445 nm laser.

3D Print in many kinds of filament: PLA, PVA, Ninja-flex, ABS, and even Nylon with our high temperature enclosure kit.

CNC Mill almost anything: aluminum, hardwoods, acrylic, Delrin, ABS, Renshape, machinable wax, and even some steel alloys.

At the same time, however, the BoXZY is designed to be easy to use. According to one blogger fortunate enough to test it, the interface is extremely straightforward and intuitive. ‘All in all it took probably about 10 minutes to prepare. I actually prefer this machine to the others I have used due to the fact that the BoXZY engraves more like a wood burner rather than a laser etcher. It has a more authentic styling to the engraving,’ she wrote.

BoXZY also utilizes a simple, intuitive interface which allows you to preview your build, select layers to view, and watch your build in real time--all in the same screen. There’s an Easy Mode for beginners and a more advance mode for the pros.

BoXZY's Kickstarter campaign is seeking to raise $50,000 in pledges. A pledge of just $1399 will be enough to qualify for your very own early bird BoXZY all-in-one manufacturing machine – a very decent price considering its multiple functions and its expected retail price tag of $2,500. Buying separate machines for all three functions will easily set you back a lot more than that, so the BoXZY is definitely worth checking out.

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Thermal cabinet (box) for 3D printers

In the world of rapid development of 3D printers, all kinds of applications for them are also rapidly gaining momentum, one of these is thermal box. The main difficulty of FDM printing on 3D printers that do not have a closed or semi-closed housing is the preservation of thermal climate. Thus, many enterprising users resort to the use of thermal cabinets.

Shakf is any structural shell for a 3D printer that allows you to maintain temperature conditions. Simply put, it is a box to store heat and prevent external factors from changing the printing conditions. The shell helps the 3D printer stabilize the printable area, neutralize external factors and prevent warping. Such chambers are especially important for printing ABS plastic.

There are many ways and different materials used for cabinets. They may have one or more doors, some models are acrylic, others are metal. And there are also models designed for a specific 3D printer. Although this makes them more reliable, it also increases the price, often provided by the companies themselves as optional accessories for a 3D printer.

They are available from online stores such as Amazon and Ebay. But it is possible to find this device in the form of printable files, on sites such as thingiverse. While some are kits, others may require users to print additional latches or locks. Some kits are as easy as using a hex driver to tighten screws, while others have to be glued or drilled.

Simple DIY 3D Printer

This is the cheapest option. A simple DIY case will certainly help, but it has to be done right. For example, the picture above uses acrylic boxes. It consists of 2 boxes fastened together and reconfigured with a cutting wheel.

When making this box, remember that you need to run wires, and it is also important to provide enough space for the 3D printer to move in all 3 axes. The shape should also allow for easy loading and unloading of the filament. In addition, consideration must be given to how best to set up the 3D printer to correct values such as table alignment and jamming in case of printing errors.

Complex DIY 3D Devices

The figure above shows a relatively complex system. It uses a metal frame with various printed parts. It has a complex anatomy and is carefully positioned according to the 3D printer. This particular sample costs just under $400. This may sound expensive, but it is a very complex system with a heat sensor and very specific materials.

The advantage of a DIY shell is that it can fit your 3D printer. The system shown above also appears to be more robust, and the configuration makes it easier to calibrate the 3D printer.

Other examples of simple products:

Instructables has many examples, but one of the best is Schlem. It consists of a series of plexiglass panels connected by hinged corners and ABS. Connecting parts are made of ABS.

Robert Soyak created a great cabinet using a simple frame with a bunch of ingredients, including 10x10mm slats, small hinges, a couple of screw latches, a handful of small corner brackets, and 6 meters of window duct tape. It consists of acrylic panels, hinges, lock nuts and screw latches, as well as room for a fan and additional electronics.

If wood is your preference, GrabCad has a tutorial on how to build this device. Originally built by a user named Jonathan, the hotbox is a sleek and functional device. It's like the LeapFrog Bolt front panel is warped in the middle.

Hotbox is suitable for any 3D printer that does not exceed 26x26x24. It has a removable hood, LEDs for lighting - space for a cooling fan. An internal 72W power supply is required to power the fan and LEDs. It takes quite a bit of work to create a hotbox, but it's certainly one of the most impressive skins out there.

Of course, if you save on buying the 3D printer itself, but want to get

high-quality printing you will need such a miracle cabinet, but maybe you should immediately buy a 3D printer, with a closed or semi-closed case and don’t think about it anymore, especially since the price is not much different.

Print with Ultran engineering plastic on a Picaso 3D Designer X 3D printer / Articles

On the eve of one major announcement from the well-known domestic company PICASO, we decided to add some interesting content and write about the distinctive features of the entire line of Picaso printers working on the X platform, and precisely the ability to print carbon-filled composites. One of these materials fell into the hands of our service department.

This is Ultran - a composite filament based on a mixture of Carbon fiber and Polyamide PA-6 - a structural polymer material with good strength and anti-friction properties. At the moment, this is the strongest and most durable filament, which, moreover, can withstand high operating temperatures (up to 200 degrees) compared to classic threads. They rarely print from it, and if they print, they reveal secrets reluctantly. Usually, users are frightened off by a rather high melting point, 310 degrees, high hydrophilicity of the original thread, as well as the specificity of the selection of adhesive for the heating platform.

What do you need to print with this material?

To begin with, you will need a 3D printer, the printing unit of which reaches an honest 300 - 310 degrees on the hot end, of course it is desirable that there is some margin (like PICASO Designer X has 410 degrees). Otherwise, the nozzle will clog, and this will inevitably lead to delamination or damage to the product. In our case, we used the new PICASO Designer X, which replaced its progenitor Picaso 3D Designer

Next, you need to dry the filament itself somewhere, even if you just took it out of the original vacuum packaging. Ideally, use a muffle furnace with humidity and temperature control in the chamber, but for our purposes, a conventional oven with two heating elements and a temperature switch is also suitable. The main thing is to make sure that the coil itself, on which the material is wound, does not melt under the influence of 120 degrees Celsius.

It is necessary to warm up the material in the region of 5 - 6 hours at a temperature of 100 - 120 degrees. The best option would be to put it at 100 degrees overnight, and in the morning take it out of the oven and immediately load the plastic into the printer. 100 degrees will reliably dry the fiber and will not melt the coil. Store Ultran after the printing process, preferably in the same oven or oven. For these tasks, a recent novelty from E-Sun, a box for storing filament - E-Box (read as "e - box". Hussars, be silent!) At the peak, it produces 80 degrees of heating, this is quite enough for storage. It is also equipped with convenient scales to control the amount of material on the coil.

The next step is to install the steel extruder nozzle. You can see our disastrous experience with Ultran printing through a standard brass nozzle below. Just a careless novice operator, 12 hours of printing after the end of the working day and carbon fiber wasted the hole diameter from 0.3 to 1.2 mm. Hooray! Now you can print beautiful vases in one wall! Joke) This is not the best way to get such tools. Although, if you need nozzles of this diameter for your Picaso, you know who to contact ) By the way, the smart machine itself paused after the critically changed readings of the filament pressure sensors, and in every possible way notified others about, to put it mildly, "strange printing".

Finally, we can start printing. To begin with, we will install the glass on the heating platform and cover it with an adhesive, which is the stationery PVA glue "Kores". Due to its chemical composition, it holds the first layer of the product better than its analogues. Standard spray - 3D varnish, unfortunately, will not work.

Let's start the preheat function in the printer menu and wait until the table reaches a sufficient temperature, load the filament. It is important not to keep the heated coil outdoors for a long time. 5 minutes won't be a disaster, but the longer the material stays in the air, the more it absorbs moisture from the environment. The hydrophilicity of polyamide is really rather big.

Coil warm, nozzle installed, media loaded in printer.