Sep 2, 2014

The Portobello DLP 3D Printer from Dutch startup Orchis Print Solutions launched on Kickstarter last week, aiming to deliver a 3D printing solution for high resolution applications.

DLP 3D printers use light to cure resin into solid 3D objects one layer at a time, they have less moving parts than FDM machines and can build objects in much higher resolution. Unlike the other DLP printer that the model is build upside down with the base attached to platform, the Portobello uses a large reservoir which remains filled with resin, with the build platform lowering into the vat. The projector is on top, so the parts are built right-side up. That means there is "no unwanted adhesion to the vat, no need to replace the vat," states the team.

The Portobello 3D printer uses rounded aluminum profiles to provide a stable and rigid base to work with. The panels are a high-grade furniture plexiglass. It has high X-axis and Y-axis resolution of 60 microns, and the Z axis can be configured to print from 25 microns to 100 microns (Orchis says that it usually works with 60 microns). Depending on the resin and layer thickness used, the printing speed can go up to 50mm per hour. The max print size is 115mm x 64mm x 95mm (4.5inch x 2.5inch x 3.7inch).

The Portobello works with one color at a time, and it can work with any resin on the market using dye and pigment. Dye fully dissolves in resin whereas pigment becomes am emulsion. Orchis has tested red dye for the best results, and then mixed with white pigment to print opaque models that are easier to hold paint. "The red dye increases resolution, because it absorbs the light that activates the photo initiator in the resin. If you choose to print with a different color and do not add red to the mix, you will not achieve optimal resolution." states Orchis on Kickstarter.

Below is a blue dye that Orchis is currently testing:

To cure the resin, the Portobello is using an Acer P1500 Full-HD projector which offers a larger work area and a very good resolution, with no modifications.

The price for a complete system is comprised of the base module and the projector. Kickstarter backers can get the first batch of printers for €3,100 ($4,065), including the 3D printer, HD projector (Acer P1500), 3 x 1L MakerJuice resin.

Here 's the Kickstarter video for Portobello 3D DLP printer:

Posted in 3D Printers

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