Nov.19, 2014
Canberra based Australian startup Hardcotton has launched their pressure controlled stereolithography (SLA) 3D printer on Kickstarter for AUD$950 to early backers.
Like other SLA printers, Elemental utilises a laser system to cure photosensitive resins. However unlike traditional methods of 3D printing that rely upon a mechanical process to move a build platform away from the source of print production after each layer is printed, Elemental uses patent pending pressure control technology to prints objects by increasing the volume of resin above the build platform. Pressure control provides not only high level of accuracy, it also reduces the need to print support structures where there is overhang in a 3D model. The material surrounding the cured resin holds the resin in place long enough for the laser to cure the resin above it.
By utilising pressure controls in Elemental's custom designed vat during the printing process, Elemental's laser system can cure a layer of resin accurately, quickly and quietly. The first layer is cured onto the surface of the removable build platform in the centre of the vat. The pressure control system then allows the flow of material from one of the control chambers into the build chamber, increasing the level of the resin by a certain, precise and extremely fine amount. The laser system then sets about curing the next layer of resin to further create the object. The process is repeated until the object is produced.
Elemental is robust, and has attractive and functional design. It is capable of producing large prints within its 200mm x 200mm x 200mm (7.87in x 7.87in x 7.87in) build area. Its XY scanners are driven by dual 24-bit DACs for high performance. According to the company, it is possible to print layer heights down to 1 micron.
Some key points:
- Multiple printing modes with resin only or resin suspension
- Quiet when printing and simple to use
- Minimal calibration required
- Patent pending technology
- Reduced dependency on support structures
Because there is no direct mechanical interaction with the printing material, Elemental is capable of working with a wider range of photosensitive resins, from thick, highly viscous resins to thin lightweight materials.
"Whilst Elemental will be attractive to consumers, it will also be attractive to industry and is the ideal device to sit on desks and workstations everywhere," says Scott Pobihun, Hardcotton Co-founder and CEO.
Hardcotton is turning to the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter to finance full production. Pobihun said "A sizeable campaign goal has been chosen so as to distribute the significant set up costs involved in the manufacture of Elemental across a larger number of pledged units. Our purpose behind manufacturing Elemental by mass production is to keep the pledge point values as reasonable as possible."
50 early supporters of their Kickstarter campaign will be able to secure their very own Elemental 3D printer for AUD$950 (USD820 / EUR655). The printer will be delivered in Dec 2015. Next, 200 early supporters can get an Elemental 3D printer from a full batch of production for AUD$1100 (US$950 / EUR760).
Specifications:
- large build area for SLA - up to 200mm x 200mm x 200mm (7.87in x 7.87in x 7.87in)
- Z control accurate to 1 micron
- 24-bit XY control resolution (variable through software)
- Variable output 405nm laser
- Pressure control of layer height
- Stand-alone SD-card printing
- Bluetooth functionality
Posted in 3D Printers
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You need to update your headline. This was cancelled. It is for now Vaporware.
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