Nov 17, 2015 | By Alec

Ceramic 3D printing is one of those remarkable 3D printing applications that has an immediate impact on art and artistry for their often large build plates and unique materials. While several commercial machines is already available, one of the most remarkable among them – the Potterbot by Florida-based developers Deltabots – is taking the technology to the next level with a massive upgrade. They have just released not one, but four new versions of their Potterbot, to ensure that every artist and maker can get their hands on a suitable machine.

Those of you with good memories might remember that the original 3D Potterbot wasn’t even that old and featured some very interesting characteristics. Released back in early 2015, the 3D Potterbot Clay 3D printer was especially remarkable for a constant flow RAM extruder – with the ability to print precise layers without variation on the 3D ceramic vessels. Although looking like a delta-style 3D printer, the stationary extruder makes it perfect for consistent ceramic creations.

While that might be enough for a while for you and I, Deltabots’ Danny Defelici is evidently someone who can’t sit still for longer periods of time. As he explains to 3ders.org, he has designed four new machines that continue the successful 3D printing design of the first model, but then at larger and more efficient scales. ‘Our unique design utilizes traveling X & Y axes with stationary Z axis extruder. But what is really innovative is how the X-axis is allowed to travel freely on top of any flat surface it is positioned on. This means a compact, easy to store and easy to ship design with no large bulky box for structural support. The traveling X-axis is completely supported by our new mechanism at the end of each X-axis rail,’ he tells us, further explaining the concept.

What, then, is so different about these new machines? As he explains, Deltabots learnt much from that initial machine and the feedback they got. ‘We decided to start with a clean design to maximize build envelope at the customers' many requests. By using the Cartesian configuration, yet still keeping the unique characteristics of their first design, [we] were able to come up with versions V2.0, V2.5, V3.0, and V3.5,’ he says. ‘This is essentially the same direct extrusion from a stationary extruder design that the original 3D PotterBot had. The new versions have a traveling X & Y axes while lifting the stationary extruder on the Z axis.’

As you can expect, continuing that direct 2000ml RAM extrusion design not only gives the Potterbots their unique signature, but also gives them a quality advantage. Clay, Danny says, is simply more easier to extrude this way than through high pressure air systems. ‘This is the only way one can build larger ceramic structures,’ he says. And combined with the extremely tall build envelopes, this is perfect for making vases, bottles and more. With built in touchscreens, and requiring only a small surface to work on, they are also very user-friendly to work with and transport.

The 2.0.

But there are, of course, also some individual differences between the machines. The version 2.0 (16 x 14 x 19 inch build envelope) is now the new basic edition of the Potterbot. ‘It has the advanced ARM processor controller board but does not include the touch screen option. This printer would be well suited for someone that is going to run their printer primarily connected to a dedicated computer,’ Danny says. It is equipped with a standard 925 ml direct linear extruder, making it perfect for small projects and even food extrusion. However, it can also be equipped with the larger 2000 ml option, which would make it suitable for classroom projects too. The other versions are essentially upgraded editions of the 2.0, as you can see in the table above. The 2.5 does include an advanced ARM processor controller board with integrated multifunction touch screen (making a computer attachment optional), and the 2000 ml extrusion option. Included with this unit is the 2000 ml linear RAM.

The 2.5 and the 3.5.

The 3.0, meanwhile, is the top of the line, Danny tells us. It is much bigger at 26 x 18 x 22 than the 2.0. But if that’s not enough for you, there’s even the Version 3.5: ‘This is the top of the line of  the 3D PotterBot. If you need the extra size and build envelope this is the printer for you.,’ Featuring a ClearPath® - Integrated Servo System option, making 3D printing quicker and quieter than ever before. It also features an additional 925 ml RAM to boost your making capacity to the max. In short, this new range of Potterbot 3D printers seem to feature more than enough options for any artist or maker out there, regardless of your preferences. And with their excellent RAM extrusion system, success is almost guaranteed.

 

 

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Jered Ishaku wrote at 1/20/2016 9:32:11 AM:

Good morning, going through this site am so impressed. Can I see some finished products? Could you also help confirm location and how I could get some supplies from your end. Awaits your response. Jered.



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