www.3ders.org

May 17, 2016 | By Alec

If you are one of those restless makers who dreams about the superior 3D printing resolution of SLA 3D printers, you might be interested in a brand new Kickstarter campaign by South Korean/American startup CRAFT3D. They have just launched their crowdfunding effort for the Integrator DLP 3D printer, a highly precise (up to 25 micron X/Y resolution) and extremely fast SLA-DLP 3D printing platform that is targeted at both professional and home users.

The Integrator 3D printer is an ambitious machine by a team of ambitious developers. The CRAFT3D startup, which has an office in San Francisco and a factory in Hwaseong City in South Korea, has been working on their flagship 3D printer since building a first prototype in November 2014. And as they readily admit, they are dreaming big. “The current 3D market today is divided by two groups: one for advanced users and another for general users. Integrator targets both of these users,” they say.

But with their mixture of a competitive price ($1999) and excellent 3D printing properties, they might just reach both groups. The Integrator’s biggest selling point is undoubtedly the 3D printer’s excellent X and Y resolution of just 25 microns – which will leave most other 3D printers eating its dust. The results can be clearly seen in the extremely detailed models visible above and below. As the CRAFT3D team reveals, this resolution is partly achieved from a custom lens modification for their Full HD 1920x1080 projector, and partly through a custom linear stage module. That module is one of the crucial elements in SLA 3D printing quality, but also one of the most expensive segments of a 3D printer. Through their custom build, they say, they have achieved cost-reduction without sacrificing on performance.

What’s more, their reliance on DLP-SLA 3D printing technology also contributes to a superior resolution, the developers say. Many other SLA 3D printers out there rely on laser-SLA technology, but this single heating source slows down the printing speed while the mechanical limitations of the laser affect resolution. “[In contrast the] DLP method ensures high XY resolution by adjusting the focus of the distance of a beam projector. In this method, when printing large amount of products, it does not need extra time for hardening each layer. Therefore, its printing speed does not slow down,” they say. “Eventually, we are confident that DLP method can provide the most superior printing quality amongst all other methods.” And with top printing speeds of 3.8 inches per hour, the Integrator is everything but slow.

These technological innovations are packed into a very appealing 3D printer, that is highly adaptable in terms of printing size and precision. Featuring of a rigid anodized full aluminum body and a UV-blocking light barrier, the exterior looks professional. But the cap also actively prevents resin from hardening in the tank, its makers say. “[Without it and when] printing for long hours, it is natural for the projector light to be shot at a same spot again and again. This repetitive shooting makes resin stagnant and causes a gradual hardening. It causes more adhesion than necessary between the bottom and the object. Eventually, this excessive adhesion damages the bottom and deteriorates the printing quality,” they say.

But nowadays, no new 3D printer is complete without several user-friendly features. The Integrator therefore includes an easily replaceable VAT and a detachable build plate, which allows for easy adjustments. They also provide user support through the DataTree3D forum, and use CreationW3D software to package all 3D printing steps – from slicing, anti-aliasing, object hollowing and support generation –  in one handy platform.

All in all, the Integrator does look like a very interesting option for those users looking for an upgrade. Its 4.9 x 2.75 x 7.1 inch build platform is on the small side, but the Integrator easily makes up for that with its superior resolution and 3D printing speeds. The CRAFT3D team argues that their machine is particularly suited for high speed prototypes, figurines, jewelry, architecture models and a lot more, and their fantastic examples certainly showcase the Integrator’s excellent resolution. Its $1999 early bird price ($2299 retail) isn’t bad either.

Really the only downside is that the Integrator 3D printer is still under development. Being a small startup, CRAFT3D is currently working hard to develop a manufacturing line and improving the final 3D printing performance. Through a Kickstarter campaign, they are now hoping to generate at least $50,000 in pledges to realize these steps. “We are ready to pour out our passion on developing new technology, and on maintaining high quality customer service,” they say. If successful, shipping will begin at the end of 2016. But it looks like this could be another one of those classic Kickstarter success stories; the campaign has only just launched and has already gathered nearly $15,000 in pledges. The Integrator, it seems, is coming.

 

 

Posted in 3D Printer

 

 

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3DWP wrote at 5/17/2016 4:49:19 PM:

If that Athena bust in the picture is from 3DWP's Thingiverse page, you can download it here: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:935535 I'll credit myself again :-)

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