Mar 30, 2018 | By Tess
Australia-based startup cultivate3D has launched a Kickstarter campaign for its large-format 3D printer: the Beast V2. The 3D printer, which is the second generation of the startup’s 2015 release, has already raised over $34,000—far exceeding its crowdfunding goal.
Founded by brothers Dan and Josh Herlihy, cultivate3D made waves when it released its $1,850 Beast V1 3D printer, which boasted a build volume of 470 x 435 x 690 mm. Still, despite the 3D printer’s large build volume, users raised some concerns over the printer’s quality.
Now, after heeding their backers’ feedback and working on the 3D printer model for the past three years, the Herlihy brothers are back with their latest machine. “Our V2 unit is a massive improvement on the last model and costs the same,” says cultivate3D. “We want The Beast V2 to invigorate the imagination of designers who think big, without costing big $$.”
Among some of the most noteworthy improvements are a nearly 20 percent increase in build volume (the Beast V2 has a range of 490 x 500 x 670 mm) and an updated design which allows for “improved accuracy, reliability, and ease-of-use.”
Let’s take a closer look at some of the large-format 3D printer’s specifications. The Beast V2 has a resolution of 100 to 800 microns and layer heights as small as .01 mm (providing you have the appropriate nozzle). The printer is also equipped with a heated print bed and a fully enclosed print chamber. Though the printer’s print speed isn’t specified, the company says the Beast V2 is 40 percent faster than the original V1 model.
Also notable is the fact that the Beast V2 can accommodate dual-material 3D printing and comes with the option for “4x Synchronous Printing,” which enables users to print up to four models at a time on a single print bed. The Beast V2 unit also comes with filament detection sensors and auto-leveling sensors.
With modularity in mind, cultivate3D has also built the Beast V2 printer to be compatible with a range of different hotends, though it comes with built-in E3D Hotends. “In the unlikely event you don’t like the Hotends we supply, feel free to source and use your own. Chances are it’s compatible,” the startup says, adding that it only takes a few minutes to switch out hotends.
In terms of materials, the 3D printer supports most FDM filament types, including ABS, PLA, Nylon, PET, PETG, TPU, TPE, PP, ASA, HIPS, Ninjaflex, carbon-fiber filled filament, and many more.
At this point in the Kickstarter campaign, a few of the reward options have been exhausted, though some pledge options remain. A $2,076 pledge will get you the full Beast V2 3D printer kit including one E3D V6 Hotend and a Titan Extruder; and a $2,229 pledge will get you the Beast V2 Kit with Direct Drive. This option contains the full 3D printer kit plus a Titan Aero Direct Drive Hotend. Sadly, the multi-material and 4x Synchronous kits are sold out, but perhaps when the Kickstarter orders are filled they’ll reopen availability.
“We've put our heart and soul into this printer,” say the Herlihy brothers. “The Beast V2 is the culmination of countless ideas, arguments and solutions based on our experience with the previous model. This printer is our passion, it's everything we've been thinking about for the past 3 years. We hope this printer provides as much opportunity to evolve your ideas as it has ours and look forward to seeing pictures of all the crazy contraptions our clients come up with.”
You can see the full details of the Kickstarter campaign here.
Posted in 3D Printer
Maybe you also like:
- Detailed 3D model of a snowflake helps NASA understand severe weather
- 3D printing on eggs: 50% infill, one shell?
- Hero Arm: Open Bionics to roll out 'world's first' medically approved 3D printed bionic arm
- Manchester students 3D print robotic prosthetic hand for under $500
- Raise 3D releases new Pro2 Series 3D printers, for Flexible Manufacturing
- 3D printed replicas of Wall Street's 'Fearless Girl' statue go on sale for $6,500
- This smart 3D printed Lawnmower Robot can be controlled with a Playstation joypad
- Genesis Essentia concept car boasts 3D printed interior and transparent roof
I am extremely interested in obtaining this printer but the website cultivate3d.com doesn't work. I previously had a Creality CR-10 which drove me insane and before that a n UP MINI which was a true workhorse but small. My email is LittleStephen0@gmail.com
Alexander wrote at 12/10/2018 10:10:44 PM:
I bought this printer and have been building it for a couple weeks now - parts were missing out of the box, certain screw/nut configurations didnt work with the hardware they were supposed to, its almost as if they purposefully made the instructions ridiculously confusing, and they are extremely unhelpful with any kind of support. I never should have bought this printer. I would have had better luck designing and building my own from scratch
3Ders.org provides the latest news about 3D printing technology and 3D printers. We are now seven years old and have around 1.5 million unique visitors per month.
