Aug 12, 2015 | By Alec

It’s obviously a very busy time over at the headquarters of Zhuhai CTC Electronic. As you might know, this is one of the most prominent 3D printer manufacturers in China (with distributors throughout the west). Over the past few months, they have already announced a number of 3D printers (including this Riverside Photocuring 3D printer and this Giant 3D printer), but they are already back for more. CTC Electronic has just launched a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter for a very impressive and remarkably affordable all-in-one desktop manufacturing machine called the Formaker, that operates as a CNC mill, a laser cutter, a PCB etcher and a double-headed 3D printer.

Obviously Kickstarter sometimes looks completely filled with upcoming 3D printers that offer the world and more, but this Formaker by Zhuhai CTC Electronic is definitely an interesting option for obvious reason. While desktop combo machines have been previously seen, in our memory we haven’t yet seen a machine that operates as a CNC mill, a laser cutter, a PCB etcher and a multi-head 3D printer at the same time. What’s more, its completely modular. Don’t need a laser cutter? That’s fine too, as the standard setup consists of a multi-head 3D printer, and you can purchase add-ons through their Kickstarter as well.

As the company says on their Kickstarter page, it was developed to fill a niche in the making market where serious makers needed more than just a high quality 3D printer to get things done. Following their – in their own words – successful 3D printers, this seemed like the perfect follow-up. ‘From the very beginning we wanted a precise multi-function printer. We have excellent results from our 3-D printers and have been tested through the years with our customers. With a simple tool change you can now convert the machine to a full machining center for the home or office,’ they write.

And while multiple functions usually means sacrificing 3D printing quality or space, that doesn’t seem to be the case here. To get to the stats, the Formaker features a respectable build space of 225x145x150mm, but as the different heads are interchangeable, you don’t sacrifice more of that limited space.

The 3D printing option itself is, they say, their best 3D printer so far. Featuring an impressive printing quality of layers down to 0.04 mm and a heated bed, they even claim to be the fastest 3D printer in the industry at 120 mm/s to 170 mm/s. ‘[Furthermore] the Formaker is made of metal and provides excellent stability for high precision. The structure is very robust, and provides high mechanical repeat-ability,’ they add. What’s more, the multi-head is also multifunctional, being compatible with PLA, Carbon Fiber PLA, ABS, Wood, Poly Carbonate, and Ninja Flex filaments. In short, plenty to work with.

But the additional options all seem pretty attractive too. The CNC Mill/Lathe is compatible with wood, acrylic, lexan, brass, aluminum and plastics, while the laser engraver can be used on those materials and even on leather and soft metals. The PCB Etcher, finally, is a perfect option for brass, aluminum, or copper PCBs. The different options are all controlled with an LCD touchscreen and provided software. And, as we said earlier, it’s up to you how to upgrade it. ‘The Formaker has unlimited potential, and is very safe and robust and can be upgraded with user components. Without any limits to the machine, we hope we can give our customers the ability to realize any dream, they say.

If you’re interested in this machine, this best is still to come. The complete price for the complete machine with all add-ons is just $999 and comes with a full year warranty. Obviously, you can also mix and match the different attachment to suit your preferences, but that seems like a very decent price for the product they’re offering. For more ordering information, go to their crowdfunding page here.

Specifications:

  • 350 Watt 24 Volt Power Supply
  • Shipping Weight 26Lbs
  • Building Size: 225x145x150mm
  • Laser Power : 3.0 Watts
  • Included Items in full set:
  • Spool Holder
  • 4GB SD Card
  • 1KG Spool PLA Material
  • Spare Hardware Kit
  • CNC Tooling Bits/Router Bits
  • CNC Motor
  • Laser Cutter
  • Dual 3D Print Head
  • Power Cable
  • USB Cable

 

Posted in 3D Printers

 

 

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K. JAMES wrote at 8/19/2015 6:30:46 PM:

THE PROJECT HAS BEEN CANCELED.. JUST CHECK THE UPDATE.

CCS86 wrote at 8/15/2015 9:50:49 PM:

The fact that they don't know the difference between a mill and a lathe is terrifying.

HereForToday wrote at 8/13/2015 12:23:26 PM:

The specifications currently reflects their desired laser power, not the currently available laser power. Currently available: 350mW (pretty shoddy...)

HereForToday wrote at 8/13/2015 12:22:36 PM:

The specifications currently reflects their desired laser power, not the currently available laser power. Currently available: 350mW (pretty shoddy...)



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