Largest fdm 3d printer
Shop the Best Large Format 3D Printers in 2022 (Including Best Large 500mm 3D Printer)
Welcome to the Thomas guide to the best large format 3D printer 2022. Thomas has been connecting North American industrial buyers and suppliers for more than 120 years. When you purchase products through our independent recommendations, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Printing larger items with most at-home or small-scale 3D printers is possible but consists of separately printing different parts of the project and then connecting them all together afterward to make the much larger finished product. In this way, many 3D printing enthusiasts, such as cosplayers, for instance, are able to get past the 3D printing size limitations and use their machines for much larger products than the print bed will allow.
A large-format 3D printer in actionImage credit: Shutterstock/asharkyu
However, purchasing a large-format 3D printer can provide an increase in opportunities for creativity and a decrease in the amount of "putting together" necessary for those larger projects.
Large-Format 3D Printer—Buying Guide
With the average printing bed size of a 3D printer intended for general use being around 150–300mm, if you wanted to scale up the size of your 3D creations, a printer of 350mm–500mm would be ideal, and luckily, there are a few worthy large-scale models available on the market for you to choose from.
Benefits of a Large 3D Printer
Development in 3D printing technology means that we've recently been presented with 3D printed houses, cars, bikes, camper vans, life-size statues, and even sofas and other pieces of furniture.
Obviously, the "large format" we're referring to in this article is less about making grand-scale structures, and more about moving on from miniatures, ornaments, and other small objects or parts that an ordinary, non-industrial-sized 3D printer can produce.
Since you'll have a little more print bed area to play with, with a large-format 3D printer you can create detailed products that don't require a magnifying glass to really appreciate and also larger parts that would otherwise need to be printed in separate sections.
Thomas’ Top Picks for the Best Large Format 3D Printer 2022
If you're ready to step up your 3D printing game, and have a blast doing it, here are some of the best large format 3D printers currently available to buy now.
Best Large 500mm 3D Printer: Creality CR-10 S5 Plus 3D Printer | Buy Now Best Large 400mm 3D Printer: ANYCUBIC Chiron 3D Printer | Buy Now Best Large 3D Printer Under $1000: Creality Ender 5 Plus 3D Printer | Buy Now Best Industrial Large 3D Printer: Snapmaker 2.0 Modular 3-in-1 3D Printer | Buy Now Best Large 3D Printer under $500: SUNLU S8 3D Printer | Buy Now Best Cheap Large 3D Printer: LONGER LK1 3D Printer | Buy NowScroll down to see more on our top picks for the best large format 3D printer, according to many happy buyers.
*Prices listed in this article were as shown in US$ on Amazon. com (USA) and other online retailers as of February 2022
1. Best Large 500mm 3D Printer—Crealty Large 3D Printer 500x500x500mm
As one of the 3D printers with the largest printing beds currently available, the Creality CR-10 S5 3D printer has 500x500x500mm of printing space meaning you can really let your imagination run wild.
Installation is super quick and easy as the machine comes in three pre-assembled parts with clearly labeled wires and instructions. Other features include a resume-printing function in the event of loss of power, and you also get a one-year warranty from the manufacturer.
One buyer who gave this machine five stars helpfully mentioned that you need to have plenty of room to accommodate this huge printer, writing, "The main thing to consider is its sheer size. It requires over a yard, possibly a full meter of depth to move the build plate."
BUY NOW: US$719, Creality 3D2.
Best Large 400mm 3D Printer—ANYCUBIC 3D Printer 400x400x450mmA large-format 3D printer from a trusted brand, the ANYCUBIC Chiron is for anyone who doesn't mind spending some extra time and effort on leveling the bed or working out the settings.
Users have reported this as being rather tricky, but the trade-off is a great 400mm 3D printer with impressive capabilities, plus, a superb customer service department that helped with any and all issues pertaining to the printer, from setup to product completion. One fan wrote, "It took me a long time to dial in my settings and get high-quality prints but I was able to get the printer working and printing decent quality the same day I put it together."
Another happy user who has "completed more than 4,000 hours of printing" and "used many hundreds of rolls of filament," described, "The results I am getting are amazing even with some prints taking over 300 hours to complete. In fact, I have just started a seven-part 700-hour print which is going very well. "
BUY NOW: US$623.75, Amazon3. Best Large 3D Printer Under $1000—Creality Ender 5 Plus 3D Printer 350x350x400mm
With pretty much the same capabilities as its equally highly-rated sister model, the Creality Ender 5 Pro, including an automatic bed leveling sensor, bed stabilizer, color touch screen, and easy assembly, the Ender 5 Plus has one major difference; its huge size which accommodates its large build plate.
This sturdy thing works straight out of the box, and in addition to great customer support, there is also a massive Creality community to quickly get any answers and assistance you may require.
"I have printed several large helmets with great results," one happy purchaser wrote, and another added, "I love having the bigger print bed for very big projects. There is some fine-tuning you will have to do but after that, you are ready to rock and roll."
BUY NOW: US$599 (Was US$649), Amazon4.
Best Industrial Large 3D Printer—Snapmaker 3-in-1 3D Printer 320x350x330mmFor advanced hobbyists or pros who want to up their 3D printing game, the Snapmaker 2.0 will make a proud addition to your workspace and open up a world of 3D opportunity and creativity. In addition to its large printing capacity, it is fast, powerful, and also allows you to do much more than 3D printing, like engraving, cutting, and CNC carving.
At this price, it's a unit for those who are pretty serious about 3D printing, but for small businesses that rely on the craft, it will end up paying for itself in no time. One reviewer who bought this to enhance their graphic design business, wrote, "It's been a valuable asset so far. We are making our own business cards on metal which is super unique and our customers love the added services we can now offer."
Another happy buyer who raved about its versatility and build quality, added, "I have been making non-stop with this machine. .. [It] allows for the imagination to go absolutely wild with ideas!"
BUY NOW: US$1,799, Amazon5. Best Large 3D Printer under $500—SUNLU S8 3D Printer 310x310x400mm Upgraded
Another good printer with a large print bed, and a tiny price to boot, the upgraded SUNLO S8 only weighs around 26 pounds so is not as much of a task to move as some of the other large 3D printers.
At under US$300, you get many features like high stability, accurate printing, filament runout detection, a Z-axis dual linear rail, and simple assembly. There's also a resume printing function for power failures.
"This printer provides great value for the cost," one buyer explained. "Not only is the print size large enough to do just about anything you can think of, but at 310x310x400 it is the largest in its price class." Another happy customer wrote, "Awesome printer for the price. Can't beat it. It's open-source so it's super easy to add upgrades if you want. Huge build size."
BUY NOW: US$279.99, Amazon6. Best Cheap Large 3D Printer—LONGER LK1 3D Printer 300x300x400mm
With an even smaller price tag, the Longer LK1 3D printer is another option for those wanting to dabble in 3D printing but unsure whether to fork out the big bucks just yet.
It provides plenty of features to learn the art, and the customer service is helpful with any questions you may have. The leveling is not the best, but it is easy to assemble and users have been satisfied with the print quality.
"This is an awesome entry-level printer," one satisfied shopper explained. "I was pleasantly surprised, how easy it was to set up... If you're looking for bang for your buck and [to] familiarize yourself with 3D printing, then don't go wasting money on expensive printers; this one works great."
BUY NOW: US$270.39, WalmartThe Best Large Format 3D Printer—Summary
With one of the largest printing beds currently available for a non-industrial 3D printer, the Creality CR-10 S5 3D printer (US$719, Creality 3D) provides an impressive 500x500x500mm of printing space. The Anycubic Chiron (US$623.75, Amazon) is another large-format printer with impressive capabilities and has a superb customer service department too.
We hope our review of the best large format 3D printer has been helpful. For more 3D printers and other 3D printing suppliers, including 3D printer filaments suppliers, additive manufacturing suppliers, 3D photographic printing services, and 3D sand printing additive manufacturing, consult our additional guides, or visit the Thomas Supplier Discovery Platform.
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Large Volume 3D Printers | MatterHackers
Bring your most ambitious prints to life with these large-volume 3D Printers! From the enormously large Modix 3D Printers to flexible & industrial-grade 3D printers from brands such as Raise3D, MakerGear, or BCN3D; MatterHackers has the right large-volume 3D printer to fit your needs.
Available for purchase as kits or ready to ship fully assembled, these large-volume 3D Printers will enable you to print BIG and explore product development and prototyping without the need to invest in costly, full-scale additive manufacturing systems.
Guides & Articles
What is 3D Printing?
3D printing is a process where physical, three-dimensional objects, parts, or models are made layer-by-layer from Computer-Aided Design, or CAD, and digital files.
Anatomy of a 3D Printer
Get an understanding of how 3D printing works, from the inside and out. This guide will walk you through each of the critical components of a 3D Printer, answering the question: "How does a 3D printer work?"
The Top Ten Tips For Getting Started With 3D Printing
We were all noobs at one point! Here the ten best tips for getting started with 3D printing - whether it's your first time 3D printing or you need to brush up on the basics, this guide will help you out!
3D Printer Troubleshooting Guide
Use this guide to help you identify and solve the most common issues that may occur while 3D printing.
How To Calibrate Your 3D Printer's Extruder
This quick and informative guide will help you calibrate your extruder perfectly, resulting in accurate, quality prints.
3D Printing 101: How to Succeed with a Perfect First Layer for Every 3D Print
The first layer of your 3D print is the foundation of everything that comes after, which makes it such an important part of the 3D printing process.
How To Get The Best 3D Printed Parts By Understanding Extrusion Settings
Melting is a critical concept to 3D printing, and yet it hasn’t received a lot of in-depth attention. This article will teach you how to extrude your filament properly so it flows smoothly. Make filament jamming, delamination, and weak parts things of the past.
3D Printing Essentials: How to Succeed with Every Bed Surface Solution
Matching 3D printing filaments with the proper bed surface material is an important part of the 3D printing process. Read more to find out the best path to success.
3D Printing Essentials: Filament Loading
Proper filament loading and unloading is a necessary part of 3D printing without trouble. Read on to learn the essential method you should be following.
3D Printing Essentials: Bed Leveling
For some, levelling a 3D printer's bed can be challenging, but it doesn't need to be. Read this essential guide to see what it takes to do it right.
Quick Tips: How To Get Started With Batch 3D Printing
Utilizing 3D printer time most efficiently is much easier once you start batch printing parts to maintain 3D printer uptime and minimize downtime.
WHY SHOULD I SELECT A LARGE-VOLUME 3D PRINTER?The number of available large-volume 3D Printers is growing every day. Whether you are just getting started with 3D Printing, consider yourself an experienced hobbyist, or are a professional looking to take that next step into the world of large-scale production there is a large-volume 3D Printer to fit your needs.
HOW MUCH DO LARGE-VOLUME 3D PRINTERS COST?Large-volume 3D Printers can range in price from as low as $500, such as the Creality Ender 5 Plus, while some can be as expensive as $15,000, such as the absolutely massive Modix Big-180X.
There are many other additional factors to consider when discussing the costs associated with large-volume 3D printers. It's important to thoroughly take into consideration things such as the type of 3D Printer Filament Or 3D Printer Resins you are planning to print with, the type of HotEnds and Nozzles required, as well as any other accessories such as Build Surfaces & Fume Extractors.
HOW LARGE CAN I PRINT?The Modix 3D Printer line easily takes the lead when it comes to print volume. Large, highly upgradable, and available exclusively as kits these printers are exceptional options for achieving ridiculously large prints.
- Modix BIG-40: 400mm x 400mm x 800mm, starting at $5,600
- Modix BIG-60 V3: 600mm x 600mm x 660mm, starting at $4,500
- Modix BIG-120X: 1200mm x 600mm x 640mm, starting at $7,550
- Modix BIG-120Z: 600mm x 600mm x 1200mm, starting at $7,450
- Modix BIG-180X: 1800mm x 600mm x 600mm, starting at $15,150
- Modix BIG-Meter: 1010mm x 1010mm x 1010mm, starting at $13,150
top 10 rating according to KP
A 3D printer opens up incredible opportunities for a person. The first prototype of such a device was born back in 1984. The idea of the invention belongs to the American Charles Hull, he received a patent for it only two years after development. The printer was a rather massive industrial installation and, despite many inaccuracies and shortcomings in operation, the technology was used.
Hal co-founded 3dsystems, a leader in industrial 3D printers. However, this material is not dedicated to these large machines. 3D printing is becoming more and more part of everyday life. Thus, the technology is used to create unique toys, various models, figurines, packaging, clothes, shoes and jewelry. For these purposes, it is not at all necessary to purchase a large-sized printer. You can get by with a small device. It has a compact size, and its technology is completely identical to the industrial one. Heated plastic is fed through the nozzle (spout) of the device, which is laid out on the surface in accordance with the drawing specified in the program. And if earlier such a device was a luxury that only a few can afford, today a 3D printer is available to everyone. nine0003
Top 10 rating according to KP
1. Creality3D Ender 3
Creality3D Ender 3. Photo: market-yandex.ruOur rating opens with a model from the world's largest manufacturer of 3D printers. The Ender 3 features an elegant and thoughtful design, excellent print quality and a wide build area. Manufacturers have provided a good arrangement of wires that do not get confused during operation. The small control unit of the device is located to the right of the work surface. The gadget prints perfectly with various types of plastic. In particular, we are talking about varieties of ABS, PLA, TPU and PETG. The scope of this printer is quite wide. It can be used to produce minifigures, do artistic modeling, and make small prototypes of parts and functional elements. nine0003
Main characteristics
Print technology | fdm/fff/pjp |
Field | PLA, Wood |
Workspace width | 220 mm |
Workspace height | 250 mm |
Heated table, display, active cooling, Change of nozzles | |
Connection | Wi-Fi, USB |
Extruders | |
Compatibility with operations /Unix | |
3D model file format | STL, OBJ |
Pros and cons
Webcam and Wi-Fi receiver allows you to monitor the work, unusual design, simplicity from anywhere in the world in the setup, the presence of a filament sensor
Despite the rather wide functionality, this model is hardly suitable for an experienced printer or a small production due to the small area of the working space, high price
3.
FlyingBear Ghost 5 FlyingBear Ghost 5. Photo: market-yandex.ru from FlyingBear is ideal for semi-professional use. Uniform supply of filament (plastic) provides good opportunities for creating three-dimensional figures with a fairly high resolution. High productivity is achieved thanks to the transparent Dual Drive extruder with BMG double drive. The gadget has a body closed on three sides. Its walls are made of heat-resistant non-toxic ABS plastic. This protection prevents the accumulation of dust on the working parts of the device, which greatly facilitates the maintenance of the printer. The device is controlled using a 3.5-inch color TFT display. nine0003Main characteristics
Print technology | fdm/fff/pjp | |||
Field | for house/diy, initial level | |||
Open Camera | Open Camera | Open Cam | ABS, PLA, Wood, HIPS | |
Workspace width | 255 mm | |||
Workspace height | 210 mm | |||
Working space | 210 mm | |||
Features | Heated table, display, active cooling, nozzle adjustment, temperature control | |||
Connection | Wi-Fi, SD | , SD , SD 9001|||
Print speed (extruder speed) | 150mm/s | |||
Number of extruders | 1 | |||
Printing accuracy | X, Y 0. 01 mm | |||
Positioning accuracy | Z 0.002 mm |
Pros and cons
Short power cord, inaccuracies in the Russian-language menu, weak airflow system.
4. Anet N4
Anet N4. Photo: market-yandex.ruThe budget model from the Chinese manufacturer Anet N4 is equipped with all the necessary functions for a small domestic production. The base of the device is made of cast aluminum alloy. The weight of the gadget does not exceed 9kg. A transparent tinted hood protects the work surface from external sources of ultraviolet radiation. It can be removed to remove the finished product and clean the printer. Also, manufacturers have provided a removable resin bath and a working platform, which greatly facilitates the use of the device.
Key Features
Print Technology | LCD | |
Application | Home/DIY Professional | 30 mm/h |
Pros and cons
Ability to use photopolymer resins from any manufacturer, high polymer curing speed
Small work surface, slightly inferior to competitors in some parameters
Photon Scu0bic0 Anycu0bic08 5. S. Photo: market-yandex.ruIn the middle of our rating is the Anycubic Photon S model. It is equipped with an advanced optical system and a large working camera. The device has a matrix light source that provides a uniform luminous flux over the entire plane of the desktop. This allows a very high curing speed of the layers to be achieved. In addition, the printer has an original function that allows you to simultaneously print eight identical models. According to the developers, the target audience for this device are orthodontists and jewelers. Most parts of the device are made of plastic. This factor significantly reduces the weight of the device and makes it convenient to transport. nine0018
Plus and minuses
High printing quality
Small worktop
6. ELEGOO Mars Pro
ELEGOO Mars Pro. Photo: market-yandex.ruThis model differs significantly from its predecessor Elegoo Mars. Thanks to the advanced Z-axis mechanics and directional UV light from the diode array, it is suitable not only for hobbies, but also for fields of activity such as dentistry and jewelry. In addition, the developers moved the USB connector to the front of the device. Now there is no need to constantly rotate the gadget in the process. The weight of the device is only 7.5 kg, which makes it very convenient for transportation. A translucent plastic cover will reliably protect against extraneous radiation and will allow you to monitor the production process. nine0003
The main characteristics
Print technology | LCD |
Scope | for home/diy, for medicine |
Print speed: (layer build-up) | 22.5 mm/h |
Print precision | X, Y 0. 047 mm |
Positioning accuracy | Z 0.125 mm |
The wavelength of light source | 405 Nm |
PLASS AND MINCOUS COUREDENDENT, LIGHT price, good UF-Room Light 9,0008 7. Two Trees Bluer
Two Trees Bluer. Photo: market-yandex.ruThis is one of the most popular home models of 3D printers. It is ideal for getting acquainted with technology, various experiments, training and prototyping. Distinctive features of Two Trees Bluer are: "quiet" drivers, which are the engine of the device, a heated table, two-way airflow and a thread break sensor. The mechanics of the printer is quite simple, and at the same time very effective. The open type case will be very convenient when cleaning the work surface. The firmware of the device provides the functions of auto-calibration and automatic resumption of printing in case the power was accidentally turned off. nine0018
Pros and cons
Low price, easy and convenient to use
Lack of protection for the work surface, poor quality of spare parts
8.
Wanhao Duplicator i3 Mini Duplicator Mini i3. Photo: market-yandex.ruMiniature 3D printer does not look like other devices. However, this feature does not affect its technical characteristics. The plastic spool is located on the right side of the bracket. Wanhao branded coating is pasted over the table. There is no platform heating, so it is recommended to use PLA plastic for printing. The manufacturer clearly states in the manual that the printer is designed to work only with PLA material and nothing else. The body of the gadget is made of sheet steel. The memory card slot and all printer control elements - a monochrome liquid crystal display, a universal knob-button and a Reset micro-button - are placed on the front panel of the printer. nine0003
The main characteristics
Print technology | FDM/FFF/PJP | ||||||||||||||||||
Field | Educational, for House/DIY, for medicine | ||||||||||||||||||
Openly Camera | Open | PLA | |||||||||||||||||
Working space width | 120 mm | ||||||||||||||||||
Working space height | 100 mm | ||||||||||||||||||
The depth of the workspace | 135 mm | ||||||||||||||||||
Features | displays, active cooling, speed control, temperature control | ||||||||||||||||||
USB, SD card | ) | 70 mm/s | |||||||||||||||||
Number of extruders | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||
Printing precision | X, Y 0. 012 mm |
Print technology | FDM/FFF/PJP |
Scope | Educational, for the house/DIY, Industrial, Professional Material |
ABS, Flex, Nylon, PLA, PETG, SBS, CopperFILL, DuraForm TPU | |
Working width | 220 mm |
The height of the workspace | 250 mm |
Dent of the workspace | 220 mm |
Features | Heated table, Active streaming, Control adjustment, Tempension |
USB, micro-SD | |
Print speed (extruder speed) | 150 mm/s, |
Number of extruders | 1 |
Pros and cons
Spacious work surface, robust housing
Little functionality for a rather high price, lack of work surface protection, few functions on the control screen.
10. Tianfour Sparkmaker
Tianfour Sparkmaker. Photo: market-yandex.ruThis model is ideal for beginners, as it does not require additional settings at all before starting work. Externally, the printer has the shape of a cylinder with a height of 27.5 cm and a diameter of 17 cm. The realistic contours and smooth curves of the figures are ensured by LCD technology. The printer works with any photopolymer resins for 3D printing with a flash length of 405nm. nine0003
How to choose a 3D printer
Choosing a 3D printer is not such a difficult task as it might seem at first glance. Despite the relentless interest in 3D printing and the incredible number of devices on the market, the basic requirements for models remain unchanged. Komsomolskaya Pravda turned to Svyatoslav Vulf, a blogger and host of a YouTube channel about modern technologies and experiments, for help in this matter. He regularly monitors new products on the 3D technology market and tests them at home. nine0003
Product size
Initially, you should decide what size of products you expect to receive in the end. The required area of the working surface depends on this. Note that the price of the device also depends on the size of the latter. For work at home, there will be enough indicators: 200 × 250 × 200 (WxHxD).
Technology
Today, there are several technologies for printing on a 3D printer. They differ significantly from each other. Let's consider some of them. nine0003
SLA-technology — works on the basis of a liquid photopolymer, which under the influence of laser light changes its physical properties and hardens. It allows you to create figurines with the highest precision of microforms.
DLP technology is an alternative SLA method. However, instead of laser systems, LED projectors are used here, which significantly reduce the cost of 3D printers. When using this technology, the future prototype is formed layer by layer. nine0003
The FDM method is ideal when prototypes are required that will be actively used and not just sitting on a shelf. Here, high-strength industrial plastics will be used for production. Please note that there are other technologies, but they are very similar to the above.
Material
Before buying a printer, you should also pay attention to what materials it works with, as they have significant differences from each other. For example, ABS can take many different polymeric forms. This is a very durable plastic. It is easily sanded and processed. PLA plastic is considered more environmentally friendly. It is made from agricultural products - corn, potatoes, beets and others. In its original form, it is transparent and can be colored. PLA is just as strong but tougher than ABS. The ductility and heat resistance of SBS make it the material of choice in engineering and mechanical applications. nine0003
Noise level and drivers
An important factor when choosing a 3D printer are drivers - device engines (not to be confused with software). They affect the overall noise level of the device. For example, if you buy a printer with cheap A4988, then even neighbors will hear its work. In this case, you should pay a little more and purchase a gadget with more expensive drivers.
Self-assembly
Some manufacturers prepare the model completely before sale. The buyer can only get the printer out of the box and connect the power. However, there are some models that require self-assembly. Be sure to consider this factor before purchasing. If you are purchasing such a device for the first time, then it will not be easy for you to assemble it. nine0003
interview with the developer of industrial FDM installations
Rapid prototyping
Experts recommend
3D printers
Science and education
Author: Viktor Naumov
Author: Viktor Naumov
Discovery 3D Printer: brand history | Technology and equipment line | Benefits of 3D printing with pellets | Applications and implementation examples
Today, many companies use the additive manufacturing solutions available on the market as complementary tools. More and more users are considering introducing 3D technologies into the production process of their enterprises, which is why the industry is actively adapting to new demands. nine0003
Some manufacturing sectors require large models and parts that are often difficult to produce with traditional methods. In this sense, large-format 3D printing plays a fundamental role in the creation of such structures, providing lower costs and faster production times.
One company developing such solutions is the Discovery 3D Printer . The equipment of this brand for 3D printing of large products is used by enterprises and organizations of various industries, including railway transport and aviation. We bring to your attention an interview of 3dnatives.com about Discovery 3D Printer solutions with one of the equipment developers. nine0003
Find out more about large-format additive manufacturing: 3D printer catalog, tasks, case studies, and useful materials on the Discovery 3D Printer website in Russian
3DN: Please tell us about yourself and your role in additive manufacturing.
– My name is Francisco Barcenas and I am the Director of R&D and Innovation at CNC Bárcenas / Discovery 3D Printer. My main responsibilities include the design and development of large-scale additive plants, as well as the research and testing of new materials, which we carry out in close cooperation with our suppliers. Among them is SABIC, a world leader in the development of special materials for large-scale 3D printing (LFAM). I also advise our clients on 3D modeling for additive manufacturing, lead innovative projects and consult on our 3D printing technologies. nine0003
Francisco Barcenas
3DN: What is Discovery 3D Printer and when was it founded?
– Discovery 3D Printer is the division responsible for 3D printing solutions of CNC Bárcenas, founded in Valdepeñas (Ciudad Real, Spain) in 2009. The company also specializes in the production of CNC industrial equipment. The Discovery 3D Printer is the result of many years of intense in-house research, development and innovation, culminating in a contract with BSH Group, our first customer in the industrial sector, specifically their plant in Montagnana, Zaragoza. We still continue to cooperate as suppliers in various technological fields. nine0003
In 2020, we partnered with Gaggenau, an innovative BSH Group company based in Lipsheim, France, that manufactures custom CNC machines for its R&D lab. One of the main features of our company is that we provide customized solutions, including combining different technologies (FDM, FGF and post-processing by milling) in one piece of equipment.
iQB Technologies is the exclusive distributor of Discovery 3D Printer in Russia. Contact our experts: we will select the equipment and help you implement large-scale 3D printing in your company! nine0846
3DN: Explain what your technology is based on? What large format solutions have you developed?
– In 2016, we launched the Discovery 3D Printer, a large-format FDM machine. We continued to improve the performance of the printer, until we finally created its 2020 modification - a high-performance machine with a print volume of up to 1 cu. m. This solution is designed to produce small and large parts at high resolution and speed, as well as using virtually any filament available on the market. nine0003
In 2017, we introduced the Super Discovery 3D Printer, an innovative equipment that has no analogues in Europe. It uses polymer pellet direct extrusion technology, also known as FGF, to create large objects at high speed. This solution reduces the cost by using consumables in the form of strips. This equipment was developed for the Navantia shipbuilding company, which over the past few years, as part of its strategic Shipyard 4.0 initiative, has introduced the most innovative technological solutions on the market. We also continue to work closely with Navantia on a number of projects (in fact, we are their official supplier of additive manufacturing solutions). And, as I said, we now offer completely customized solutions that combine different technologies and print volumes. nine0003
3DN: What is the competitive advantage of 3D printing with pellets? And what are the limitations of this technology?
Let me tell you a few benefits. For example, our technology allows you to create very large parts in a short time and at a lower cost than when using a filament. In addition, the possibility of using a huge range of thermoplastics, including technical ones, is very interesting. This opens up a wide range of applications, such as mold making, which offer great advantages over traditional processes. nine0003
Our Super Discovery 3D Printer is available in Standard, Compact, Hybrid and as a 3D printing and post-processing system (Workstation). It allows you to flexibly, quickly and cost-effectively produce large parts - molds, tooling, small series of original or spare parts and functional prototypes using high performance materials reinforced with fibers and minerals. All these materials comply with the regulations, including fire safety, in force in each industry. nine0003
In the specific field of R&D and innovation, they can be an ideal basis for developing or improving new materials for additive manufacturing according to market requirements, as well as for testing mechanical, physico-chemical, technological and other properties. An important factor is the environmental friendliness of our solutions.
As for the limitations, I'd rather talk about the specific characteristics of this technology. For example, sometimes you need to change the approach to 3D modeling, and in some cases you need to apply post-processing to polish or coat surfaces. As you know, there are no universal solutions in the field of additive technologies, so we decided to focus on a large format using standard thermoplastic, and, if necessary, technical materials. nine0003
3DN: What industries might be interested in your solutions? Can you name any of the clients?
“I don't think there is any manufacturing industry that can't take advantage of large format 3D printing. We work with clients from almost all sectors. In addition to BSH and Navantia, we have partnered with AIRBUS for molds and tooling, and with Hitachi ABB Power Grids for parts with dielectric properties well above standard. In the construction industry, I can name Willy Naessens Group, and CAF Group is one of our most representative customers in the field of ground transportation. nine0003
Subway train components printed on an additive Super Discovery 3D Printer (CAF project). This 1300 x 2500 x 1000 mm build chamber printer is the perfect answer to new needs in large format 3D printing
I would also like to note that Discovery 3D Printer solutions are successfully used by several universities, technology and research centers. For example, we have a very close relationship with the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of the University of Leuven (KU LEUVEN). In Spain, we have been collaborating for several years with the R&D and Innovation Department of the University of Cadiz. nine0003
3DN: Can you highlight any additive manufacturing project involving Discovery 3D Printer?
– We are very pleased with the agreement with UROVESA, a leading Spanish company in the sector of civil and military special vehicles. But in particular I would like to highlight our cooperation with the Department of Design of Lightweight Polymer Structures at the Brandenburg University of Technology (b-tu). For many months we have been working on an innovative project for the production of wind turbine blades. The university already has our Super Discovery 3D Printer Workstation, which combines FGF technology with a milling system. nine0003
In the course of work, it was possible to fully fulfill the client's task, namely, to apply 3D printing for the fast and economical production of molds for autoclaves at high temperature and pressure, as well as other large parts using high-quality materials. The dimensions and characteristics of the solution were fully consistent with the original project. It is important to note that the Super Discovery 3D Printer Workstation was selected through an open tender in Germany, in which any company could take part. nine0003
Employees of Brandenburg University of Technology and Super Discovery 3D Printer Workstation
We are very proud of this achievement, because we managed not only to outperform other manufacturers in terms of technical characteristics and low production costs. We have received very positive feedback for our proactive and collaborative approach throughout the entire project management cycle, from the first commercial contact to the completion of the delivery to Brandenburg and subsequent technical support. I also want to add that due to the current situation with the pandemic, this was the first fully digital project, without any physical interaction before delivery. nine0003
3DN: A few final words for our readers?
– We ask companies and research centers to contact us and express their interest or concerns about large-format industrial 3D printing.