Mar. 23, 2015 | By Alec
Only a few years ago there were very few options for budget 3D printing, but new and very affordable models are now appearing all over the place. Of course most of these are unavoidably similar with just a few variations in terms of price, power, printing bed and so on. But X3D Machines is about to launch a new machine that brings some more options to a budget model: the Genesis Duo, a dual-extrusion, self-calibration and wireless 3D printer.
Now you might expect these features on a more expensive model, but according to Josua Cruz, the company’s founder, that is simply because many of those models are over-engineered machines that neglect manufacturing costs. ‘We were able to reduce the cost and the number of parts needed to assemble a 3D printer by creating versatile and multi-functional parts. So by focusing on both integral and modular design we managed to reduce the starting price to $349, thus, creating a gem everyone can afford.’ That certainly sounds like a machine living up to its catchphrase of a 3D printer ‘that won’t hurt your pocket.’
Concept of the dual extruder.
The Genesis Duo is being developed by the Washington, D.C. based startup X3D Machines, alongside a more convential single-extruder setup called the Genesis Uno. But in terms of budget 3D printing, the dual extrusion and auto-calibration setup is obviously the attention grabber. The problem with multiple extrusion heads is generally the loss of build space and a very slow printing speed caused by the bulky motors, but Josua argued that these problems have been tackled in their design. Featuring a 12 x 12 x 12 inch (305 x 305 x 305mm) build platform, the Duo 3D printer also features a lightweight Bowden system that should be capable of building speeds of 150 m/s and a quality of 50 up to 300 microns.
This should, its designers argue, enable you to print high quality and multi-color objects in excellent time. ‘Additionally, we included an auto-calibration sensor that allows adherence of the first print layer - the most critical step - consistently. Genesis’s autonomous system along with these key features keeps it ready to print at all times.’ An SD-card slot and a LCD screen, finally, should ensure maximum 3D printing convenience with the Genesis Duo. Its Uno counterpart, meanwhile should feature all the same options but then with just a single extruder and a smaller 9 x 9 x 9 inch (229 x 229 x 229mm) build platform.
The single extruder alternative: the Uno Genesis 3D printer.
All in all, the Genesis Duo (and even its Uno counterpart) are being presented as excellent machines and even the prices are eye catching: the basic Uno is projected to cost as little as $249, while its dual-extrusion brother will be priced at $349 and up. The Kickstarter campaign for both is set to begin on April 1, 2015. Keep an eye on their website here to stay up to date.
Posted in 3D Printers
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I got my finger stuck into one of your products, please send help, I've running out of food
jordan copestake wrote at 1/19/2017 1:35:14 PM:
I would like to purchasefsdf 500 of0-[p-#pfsdfosdfsd
tarek.smc@gmail.com wrote at 12/8/2015 12:29:14 PM:
How to buy this double extruder machine and which country of origin
SirGeekALot wrote at 3/30/2015 8:57:40 PM:
No heated bed, so PLA only, but the fans only cool above the tip of the hot ends, so no part cooling? Cheap price, but some mods will be needed to get decent prints out of this (read: hidden extra costs).
manko wrote at 3/27/2015 4:16:04 AM:
"Long cantalevers", I was thinking the same thing. Its gonna be pretty unstable.
jd90 wrote at 3/24/2015 6:22:48 PM:
Such long cantilevers seem to be asking for trouble.
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