Jun 15, 2015 | By Alec
Choosing a good, affordable and fun 3D printer is no easy task, as the number of tempting models has dramatically increased over the last few years. Depending on your wishes and wallet size, new users are facing a very difficult decision, that going to be slightly more difficult in the near future. For Chinese open design house ElecFreaks is about to launch a crowdfunding campaign for their extremely lightweight upcoming 3D printer, the Freaks3D. In anticipation of that Indiegogo campaign, they have already shared a preview of a very cool looking machine.
For those of you who’ve never heard of them, ElecFreaks was founded in 2011 by a group of engineers obsessed with electronics. Since then they have also moved into product development, and they offer a variety of electronic components through their web store to help enthusiasts on their way. They tell us that they are highly committed to open-source hardware and software, and invite all users to use their creations as a stepping stone for more innovation and fun. Last year, they already unveiled a very cool 3D printed commercial quadcopter, but it looks like they’re ready for the 3D printer market now as well.
As they explain, 3D printing is thoroughly embedded in their design process. ‘As makers, we love 3D printing. 3D printing makes our lives easier. We use it to print mechanical parts, tools, prototype our product, verify our assumptions or just make gadgets we love. It’s easy, fast and low cost,’ they write on their website. However, they were far from happy with most commercial 3D printers out there. ‘Most of them are bulky, not light-weight enough to be carried around, a hassle to use, plus the prices are ridiculously high. We want a reliable, affordable and portable 3D printer that we can take everywhere. More importantly, it should be easy-to-use for general consumer crowds like artists/designers, educators, household wives, even children who are curious about creation.’
And that is, in a nutshell, what their Freaks3D is like. Aside from looking very good, it is a simple aluminum structure that eliminates all the unnecessary parts. The result is less than 3 kg in weight, making it very portable and very useable. And to ensure a rigid frame, v-slot structures and sliders are used, resulting in a machine that is just as accurate and reliable as others, but with far less weight involved. ‘This urges us to take away all the complexities to achieve simplicity. However, we want high quality performance as well. It also makes no sense for us if sacrificing quality for cost,’ they explain.
The rest of the Freaks3D’s features, meanwhile, are really decent. Capable of 3D printing PLA, ABS and TPU, it has a build volume of 130 (L) x 150 (W) x 100 (H) mm, features SD card use and an LCD screen and is quiet in use. In short, perfect for classrooms, garages and modest startups who might need to transport 3D printers ever now and then. If this is you, keep an eye for the ElecFreaks crowdfunding campaign that is set to begin on 9 July 2015.
The Freaks3D’s full specifications are:
- Print Material: PLA , ABS , TPU
- Minimum Layer Height: 100 Microns
- LCD Screen : YesPrint Technology: Fused Deposition Modeling
- Build Volume: 130L x 150W x 100H mm
- Nozzle Size: standard 0.4mm , Support 0.1mm print
- Product Dimensions: 290 x 320 x 325 mm (LWH)
- Case Box: 360 x 300 x 160 mm (LWH)
- Shipping Weight: 5.5 kg
- Weight:2.95kg
- Suppport : Battery power (battery not included)
- Materials Diameter:1.75mm
Posted in 3D Printers
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This product already available here https://www.3dprintersonlinestore.com/creality-3d-printer-kit No pre-order. Shipping right away.
3dbleh wrote at 6/16/2015 2:05:50 AM:
Bullshit - They are STEALING the Deezmaker Bukito design.
Candyman wrote at 6/15/2015 8:54:42 PM:
This obviously just another Bukito clone with a heated bed and LCD screen. Otherwise it pretty much just is a Bukito. It's the exact same layout except for the lack of Syncrhomesh cable. They price point is apparently cheaper than the Bukito at $599.00 listed on their site.