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RIZE Introduces Adaptive 2XC Desktop 3D Printer for Offices, Schools, and Homes

In 2016, Massachusetts-based 3D printing company RIZE Inc. released its first industrial-grade desktop 3D printer, the Rize One, renowned for its safety, low emissions, and elimination of post-processing. Then, in 2018, the company introduced the first industrial desktop AM solution for manufacturing full-color functional parts, the XRIZE system, which I was lucky enough to test out at RAPID 2019. Today, it’s announcing a new kind of desktop 3D printer, the professional RIZE 2XC, an adaptive system that was developed collaboratively with South Korean 3D printer manufacturer Sindoh.

I spoke with RIZE CEO Andy Kalambi ahead of the release, who told me that even during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the company has been “very productive.”

“It’s been an interesting time, but rewarding,” Kalambi said.

He said that the RIZE team speaks every morning during a check-in meeting, to make sure everyone is doing okay and see if anyone needs help with a project. Even during lockdowns across the US, the company has been busy, 3D printing personalized face shields that were distributed to hundreds of essential and healthcare works in the Boston area and working on the new 2XC.

“Entirely during COVID times, we developed this new printer with Sindoh,” he told me.

The RIZE 2XC was engineered from home offices, and, according to a RIZE press release, is a testament “to the safety principles embodied in RIZE’s solutions – principles that are especially relevant today as organizations reinvent workflows for a return to office locations.” The business supply chain needs to be even more flexible now due to COVID, and RIZE says its new printer can help. The 2XC can be used at home – no need to worry about germs spreading from lack of social distancing – and in offices and classrooms, with no fear of releasing harmful airborne volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

“The newer, higher performance, safe materials from next-gen FFF players such as RIZE are helping to drive a transformation in the 3D printing sector that are particularly relevant now as the world emerges from a pandemic. The durability and safety advantage that’s possible from next-generation 3D printing systems merits the attention of any engineering or design team that wants to give their users the best, and safest, tools,” Tim Greene, research director, 3D printing, for IDC said in the release.

The adaptive printer is the first deliverable to come from the RIZIUM Alliance, which is a new collaboration between RIZE and industry partners, like Sindoh, to drive safer, more sustainable 3D printing. The RIZE 2XC was made with a redesigned Sindoh dual-extrusion 3D printer, which can run engineering-grade RIZIUM materials that are moisture-resistant, recyclable, and zero emission.

RIZIUM One material

“We based our material on safety – it’s engineered for safety, durability, and strength,” Kalambi told me. “They’re medical grade, and especially in today’s context, things like sanitizing and being able to wash it with alcohol or acetone is important. Materials science is our differentiating factor.”

Kalambi told me that the ‘C’ in the company’s new 2XC printer stands for ‘composite,’ since RIZE takes a “material-led approach.”

“What we have done now is taken our material portfolio and partnered with industrial players, so we can offer it to a broader market of users.”

Sindoh is applying the innovative RIZIUM materials, engineered for user health, so that customers in various sectors on its platform can use a safe, sustainable material at a lower price.

“With Sindoh, we’re working with the same materials,” Kalambi explained. “We have done lots of engineering efforts with them to get the printer ready for our materials, worked on nozzles and the drive train and the slicer, all of that, and made the printer far more robust. It’s a printer that is a joint product. It’s a new hybrid platform, releasing a set of products with Sindoh that’s based on our polymers and materials science.”

The two independent extruders on the RIZE 2XC are designed for composite filaments and hardened materials. One extruder runs RIZIUM polymers and composites, which can be washed with just soap and water, while the other runs the unique RIZIUM Support, created by RIZE specifically for filament-based extrusion 3D printers. All in all, RIZE says that its new printer offers a safe way to fabricate durable, strong, functional components, without any unnecessary post-processing.

“The RIZE 2XC is especially well-suited for a variety of Industrial and Academic applications,” Ricco Busk, Director at RIZE partner CADSYS, stated. “Given the high demand for having 3D Composite Parts, we are able to, almost immediately, sign up a customer for the RIZE 2XC to use in their innovative plastic molding applications, such as robotic grippers. Combining RIZE’s material advantage in the high quality, easy to use 2XC 3D platform opens doors to new markets for 3D printing that need precision parts made safely and sustainably.”

Kalambi told me that the RIZE 2XC has plenty of great features, such as a heated build plate, a camera for monitoring prints, and automatic bed leveling. Because the company’s Augmented Polymer Deposition (APD) platform has not been added, the system does not print in color, but he said that it does have “a much bigger build volume” in comparison to other desktop printers.

“It’s great for home and office use, as those industries wanted a good printer within a certain price point,” Kalambi explained. “Lots of 3D printing is being done in schools and offices, which is why we partnered with Sindoh…they have lots of knowledge in the education field. That industry had a requirement for a low-cost printer, and RIZE wanted to be able to offer a more affordable option.”

Kalambi also said that the RIZE 2XC is great for 3D printing industrial parts.

According to the RIZE release, this new printer is the first that has brought “safe, sustainable 3D printing” to the industry’s compact sub-$5k market, which can help organizations struggling to get back on their feet in a post-pandemic world get a leg up over the competition.

“Sindoh’s cooperative R&D effort with RIZE showed us that we chose the right partner indeed – a partner as committed to innovation in materials and technologies as we are. We’re delighted to expand our reach into more segments of the market through the cooperative solutions we are creating with RIZE,” said BB Lee, CEO, 3D Printing Division at Sindoh Co., Ltd.

The RIZE 2XC will be available from RIZE’s network of channel partners starting June 30th, for an introductory price of $3,995 in the US market and €3,995 in Europe. In the meantime, I’ll be keeping my ear to the ground, because Kalambi said RIZE will have some more exciting news to share with us in mid-July.

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3D Printer review: 100 hours with the Creality CR-10 V2

Creality CR 10 V2

Along with competitors Anet and XYZPrinting, Creality form a trio of manufacturers that dominate the low-cost 3D printing segment. Only a few years ago 3D printers under $500 were rare, but these firms have made them accessible and have sold hundreds of thousands of them.

In this segment, there are often a lot of issues with print quality and printer reliability. The Creality CR 10 v2 is the upgraded version of the very popular CR 10 and retails for around $500. Creality in the past has also had quality issues and even some safety issues with some components and models. The CR 10 was known to in some cases catch fire. Subsequent safety improvements have made Crealitys safer. We would not recommend running these types of machines unattended, however. Whereas Creality machines tend to work well out of the box, low-cost components do mean that after a few months you will need to replace components.

After testing it for over 100 hours of print time, we can conclude that CR-10 V2 is a value-engineered machine with a large build volume that works surprisingly well.

Unboxing and Set Up

Unboxing is easy and there is some assembly required. This process is simple if you follow instructions. You can find a video showing you how this is done. Most people should be able to do the assembly and set up of the printer.

The printer has a separate console for controls. For some this may mean that your printer takes up more space on your desk but it could also make it more accessible because you could place the console closer to you. Physically separating the main electronics and controls from the motors and frame could make the machine safer though, so that’s a positive. The filament is placed on top of this console, this seems a bit weird initially but works ok. When running the printer for a long time this does mean that you can prevent tangling by placing your filament spool at the correct angle. You can also place the spool closer to you so you can easily see if there is tangling or problems with unspooling.

Controls

Controls work through a wheeled button. It is easy to navigate through the menu screens. Do not confuse easy with intuitive, however. Menu structure and operations are far from perfect and can be time-consuming and confusing.

Structure

A nice design element is that it has an extra set of diagonal arms that gives the printer more Z-axis consistency. These arms also make the printer more stable overall and seem to have a handle in improving print quality generally. These arms also help when moving it to a new location. The arms make it much more steady overall and makes it is easy to grasp, move and re-position. Build quality on parts looks better than previous models as does overall attention to details such as cable placement. Machined parts also look like they’re better quality than before.

Operation

The ultra-quiet TMC2208 motherboard does not make the printer that quiet. It is actually annoying if you work in the same place that you print. The printer sounds like an old PC and is much too loud. This is an important point for me and actually made me use the printer less often than I would have liked to.

It has a dual-port hot end cooling fans. This is a refinement over some other clones and seems to improve the surface quality of prints. The printer warms up fast enough. Both the nozzle and the bed preheat quickly enough.

Bed leveling is still a semi-automated process. I did it manually with a piece of paper, but I only had to do it 2 times for a 100 hours of printing.

The resume printing function works extremely well. Several simulated stops and starts worked well and I was able to resume prints without incident. During normal operation, I ran out of filament and was able to replace it easily while print was automatically paused. I also really like doing gradients in colors so I like this feature a lot. It helped me play with gradient colors and gave me more confidence in the machne.

Specs

  • Build Volume 300 X 300 X 400mm
  • Weight11.5 K
  • Movement speed ≤180mm/s, normal 30-60mm/s
  • Positioning Accuracy ±0.1mm
  • Layer thickness 0.1-0.4mm
  • Heated bed temperature  ≤100℃
  • SD slot
  • File format STLOBJAMF
  • Slicing software: CuraRepetier-HostSimplify
  • OS: Mac, Linux, WindowsXPVista7810
  • Power supply AC Input 115V/230V
  • Output: 24V Power rating 350W
  • Auto leveling Optional Extra
  • Filaments: PLA/ABS/PETG/TPU (Would only recommend TPU with the optional Titan Direct Drive unit added).
  • Filament diameter1.75mm

Overall it’s well equipped for the price and especially the build volume is comparatively good.

Results


Test 1 and 2: Not bad! Some light stringing. Cura: Layer hight: 0.2 – Print speed: 60mm/s – No Supports

Test 3: This shape is not possible to get right a 100% because the tube has a 1cm diameter and is very sensitive to vibrations, but I use it as a test for the Z axis. Cura: Layer hight: 0.2 – Print speed: 60mm/s – No infill

Verdict 

Pretty good at details. Cura: Layer hight: 0.2 – Print speed: 40mm/s – No Supports

Higher than initial Creality price points of around $200 or $300, this is still a good value machine at around $500. Build and parts quality is not stellar so I will expect to have to replace parts in the long run. Machined parts and build quality does seem superior to previous models, however. Day to day this printer is adequate for an entry-level user. Operation is not super intuitive but you will get the hang of this machine. It is easy to unbox, set up and organize. An issue that I have with it is that it is surprisingly noisy, also when compared to other similarly priced machines I have. The CR-10 V2 is a value-engineered low-cost machine with a large build volume that works surprisingly well. I was happy with the print results overall and the printer let me customize enough through settings that I could dial in new materials, new colors and optimize prints. The print detail is actually quite good. If you’re willing to take the time to understand the process and variables this could be a good first printer for you.

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Nova3D Elfin: An Affordable MSLA 3D Printer that can Print Right Out of the Box

Five years ago a quality SLA resin printer could cost thousands dollars, but today, as the technology has gotten better and more mature, you can easily find one for less than $500.

Now with the help of MSLA technology-mask stereolithography, Nova3d launches its version for just $359. It’s an affordable desktop MSLA 3D printer and yet still delivers great results.

You may have lots of choice on resin 3D printers but Nova3d is among the easiest to use. Straight out of the box, Elfin is ready to use. It’s pre-leveled in the factory and requires no re-calibration upon first use. Just pour the resin, load the sliced file and press print, no parts to be put together; that makes it super easy for beginners.

The Elfin resin printer features a decent size build volume of 130*70*150mm. It can print with a layer resolution of 0.025mm. It weights 7.3kg (16 pounds approximately).

The machine itself is sturdy, featuring a top-fastened Z-axis rod to make the Z-axis extra stable and eliminate any vibrations and make it get a smoother surface on its print. The Elfin is also equipped with 2K resolution LCD screen (1440 x 2560 pixels) offering XY-axis precision of 0.05 mm. Its max printing speed is up to 50mm/hour, although accuracy is best at slightly slower speeds. With a capacitive touch screen, it’s easy to navigate the menu and operate the printer.

While there are other resin printers on the market, the Nova3d Elfin differentiates itself with a WiFi feature, so you can load your sliced file from your computer directly to the printer, see the printing process as it unfolds and control it wirelessly. You can also sync one computer to several Elfin 3D printers. And, there’s also an ethernet port for Elfin so you can also hard-wire the Elfin printer to your computer.

For further ease and range of use, you can also plug a USB stick into the Elfin and select the file you’d like to print. With an internal 8G memory, popping the stick out during the printing won’t stop the printing, so you don’t have to leave the USB stick there while it prints, unlike with many other printers.

The Elfin’s slicer features auto-layout, adding support manually, magnifying and making the model smaller and you also can modify the UV exposure settings in the slicer. When slicing, it’s quick to do so and very easy to use.

Maintenance is easy enough with the Elfin, including items such as changing consumables, 2K screen replacement, and FEP. Elfin’s FEP is bonded with a plastic frame; compared with a printer that uses a metal frame, the Elfin’s FEP tightening is easier. For the 2K screen, removing the metal panel then disconnecting the cable to the main board is easy and intuitive.

Best of all, during Nov.16th to Nov.25th it’s priced at just $299 with the code NOVA3DELFIN on Nova3d US Amazon store.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WGRN7ML/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_VOq1DbG4NG0RK

Learn more about the Nova3D Elfin MSLA 3D printer.

Watch the Elfin in action on video!

View the Elfin printer structure.

The post Nova3D Elfin: An Affordable MSLA 3D Printer that can Print Right Out of the Box appeared first on 3DPrint.com | The Voice of 3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing.

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IDS Releasing Aerosol-Based Desktop Electronics 3D Printer at NextFlex Innovation Day

Coming up on August 8th, the NextFlex consortium will be holding an Innovation Day at its San Jose, California headquarters. The invitation-only workshop (request an invite here) celebrates the progress made on projects and results achieved in the Technology Hub, in addition to giving members a way to discover new technology, network with each other, and meet influencers in the FHE (Flexible Hybrid Electronics) manufacturing supply chain. This year, New Mexico-based company IDS will be on hand at the event to officially announce the release of its updated desktop aerosol 3D printer.

IDS, which stands for Integrated Deposition Solutions, is a small business in Albuquerque. Founded in 2013, the company is looking to become a leader in the field of 3D printed electronics – it has licensed an aerosol-based AM technology, called NanoJet, from Sandia National Laboratories and adapted it for Direct-Write Electronic (DWE) 3D printing.

According to IDS, the company’s updated desktop 3D printer is a high-performance, low-cost system for aerosol 3D printing applications, such as printed electronics. IDS claims it’s the “first affordable aerosol-based print platform” in printed electronics that’s currently available for both research purposes and low volume production.

“The NanoJet technology is cost-effective, easy to use, reliable and capable of operating for extended periods of time without operator intervention,” the IDS website states. “The ability to print features from approximately 10 µm to 200 µm in width in conductors, dielectrics, resistors and other electronic specific materials makes the aerosol-based NanoJet technology unique.”

IDS’ aerosol 3D printer has integrated its reliable NanoJet technology into a functioning desktop machine, which includes a process vision system, print process controls, simplified tool path generation, and industrial motion control driven by G-code. This motion control platform provides flexibility to end users in using tool path generators, whether it’s the one that came with the IDS printer or something similar. In addition, the multiple NanoJet print heads make it easy to switch materials between development, production, and and research processes, thanks to its aerosol focusing assemblies and easy to replace ink cartridges; each print head includes its own module.

The printer also has a 150 x 150 mm heated platform and point of use aerosol generation. Applications for IDS’ aerosol-based NanoJet 3D printing include:

  • biomedical
  • conformal electronics
  • high-density interconnects
  • wireless power transfer

Another company that’s well-known for using an aerosol-based 3D printing process is production-grade 3D printer supplier Optomec, with its patented Aerosol Jet technology for 3D printing electronics. Aerosol jetting is a very important technology because of its ability to create intricate products like antennae and sensors.

I’m not sure if IDS’ technology works the same as Optometc’s aerosol 3D printing, but I would bet the processes are very similar. IDS claims its desktop system is a plug-and-play 3D printer, with continuous operation for four hours of unattended printing, that uses Ag nanoparticle ink and single pass line thickness between 100 nm to 4 µm. The company also says that its aerosol 3D printer costs three times less than other commercially available aerosol-based systems; you can contact IDS for a quote.

What do you think? Discuss this story and other 3D printing topics at 3DPrintBoard.com or share your thoughts in the Facebook comments below. 

[Images: IDS]

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Mimaki USA and Sindoh Introduce New 3DFF-222 Desktop 3D Printer

In 2015, Mimaki USA, an operating entity of Japanese company Mimaki Engineering, announced that it would begin development of its own full color 3D printer, which was then previewed two years later. The company installed its first photorealistic, UV-cure inkjet 3DUJ-553 3D printer in the Americas last winter at print technology company Pictographics in Las Vegas, and is now venturing into the world of desktop 3D printing with its latest product launch.

Mimaki is one of the top manufacturers of wide-format inkjet printers and cutters, along with 3D modeling machines, software, hardware, and associated consumables, like cutting blades and ink. Now it’s adding the new 3DFF-222 desktop 3D printer to the mix, which is co-branded with South Korean 3D printer manufacturer Sindoh.

“The new desktop 3D printer is designed to fit the needs of modern print production environments and it is suitable for a broad range of uses. This latest product introduction demonstrates Mimaki’s commitment to driving innovation and providing our customers with profit-enhancing solutions,” said Michael Maxwell, a senior manager at Mimaki USA.

The FFF 3D printing solution by Mimaki and Sindoh, which was developed to be used as an in-house design and production tool, obviously doesn’t have the more than 10 million color combinations offered by the full-color 3DUJ-553 printer, but it’s perfect for fabricating parts, like jigs, that are used in direct-to-object printing. The desktop 3DFF-222 can also be used to manufacture tools for producing 3D signage, as well as molds for vacuum forming.

The compact 3DFF-222 makes it possible for users to cut back on costs as they work to expand into more profitable markets, and was designed to reduce noise levels during operation, making it a good system for use in an office setting. The 3D printer’s fully covered design, which helps gets rid of any disruption of contaminants that might adhere to a model during 3D printing, and its installed HEPA filter also contribute to this.

The new desktop 3D printer by Mimaki USA and Sindoh, the latter of which also created a 3D printer in partnership with Stanley Black & Decker a few years ago, prints parts up to 8.27″ x 7.87″ x 7.67″ in easily loadable PLA filament cartridges, and also provides remote monitoring of each print through a built-in camera and included app.

“Flexibility and ease-of-use are key features of the new desktop 3D printer,” Maxwell stated. “This printer also complements our industrial printers seamlessly. The 3DFF-222 is capable of inexpensively producing customized print jigs, which can be used to stabilize print quality when printing on UV-LED flatbed printers from our UJF Series. Additionally, customers can create objects for decoration as well as a variety of signage.”

Additional features of the new desktop 3DFF-222 3D printer include a heated flexible bed, which has a built-in thermostatic function for easy model removal and stable formation during 3D printing, and semi-automatic leveling, which measures the table’s horizontal error and tells the color monitor how to maintain a level position.

A 5″ full-color touch panel provides illustrated instructions to make the system easy to operate, and the filament is automatically loaded and supplied to the 0.4 mm 3D printer nozzle after installation, with no manual feeding required. The 3D printer weighs 16 kg and comes with a built-in LED lamp and dedicated 3DWOX Desktop slicing software.

The 3DFF-222, which is the latest addition to Mimaki’s 3D printer portfolio after its full-color 3DUJ-553, is now available for order.

Discuss this story and other 3D printing topics at 3DPrintBoard.com or share your thoughts in the Facebook comments below.

[Images: Mimaki]