Oct 8, 2015 | By Kira
Just last year, French 3D printing company Qualup SAS unveiled a unique double extrusion system, the latest innovative feature to be added to their popular SpiderBot Delta 3D printer. Now, they have signed an agreement with Maped, the world leader in office and school supplies, to furnish them with a next generation SpiderBot Delta 3D printer that will come with significant upgrades in order to print in both ABS and thermoplastic.
Maped, a family-owned French company (much like Qualup, founded by husband-and-wife duo Myriam and Phillippe Boichut) with 68 years of experience in designing and manufacturing office and school supplies. The company comprises over 2000 employees, with subsidiaries in nearly every corner of world and responsibly develops hundreds of functional, smart, and well-designed products, from the Kidy’Grip non-slip ruler to ergonomic staplers and hole-punches. As part of their commitment to developing new technological applications and industrial processes, they’re turning to 3D printing, and specifically, the reliable and feature-loaded SpiderBot 3D printer.
While the new machines will retain a similar structure to the current stainless-steel frame model, they will be designed to print with ABS and thermoplastic in a thermal atmosphere of up to 85°C -90°C. According to the Boichuts, this will require a total revision of the SpiderBot’s conception, and the use of high-temperature components. These revisions will include:
- An isolated printing area with reinforced windows
- Neodymium magnets with 2x the strength and resistant to 180°C over long periods of time
- Re-designed internal ventilation
- Reinforced carbon arm and an anti-friction treatment for the TSS system
- New rotation system for the print heads (resistant to high heat)
- Dual print head with convection air cooling
- Several components able to withstand up to 90°C temperatures, including velts and fans
- 230mm x 220mm diameter print volume (up from the current SpiderBot’s 180mm x 200mm print volume)
The SpiderBot creators are confident in their design so far, and plan to make the first prints as early as this December. Their agreement with Maped includes developing a prototype machine that meets Maped’s specifications, followed by several production machines to be available in 2016.
Currently, Qualup is unsure about whether they will introduce their upgraded SpiderBot to the consumer market, seeing as it was designed for professional purposes and, given the special compments used, will cost roughly three times as much as a SpiderBot kit (the V2.1 kit retails for €1335 on their website). However, depending on the level of consumer interest, it could be a possibility.
Both Maped and Qualup have decades of experience in their respective industries, showing a commitment customer satisfaction by providing the highest-quality products and services available. With this partnership, and alongside other major French 3D printing companies Sculpteo and Group Gorgé, they could help raise France’s global position in advanced additive and digital manufacturing.
Posted in 3D Printers
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Sounds prospective. Map can operate in Bangladesh, and as a senior citizen, wellplaced in the society, can extend hand.
Blacksad wrote at 10/9/2015 8:39:05 AM:
Whao ! Maybe a Maped 3d printer in the future, directly in supermarket ? Why not...