Dec 7, 2015 | By Kira
Munich-based industrial 3D printer manufacturer German RepRap has today made available the third generation of its large format, industrial FFF 3D printing machine, the X400. With several notable upgrades from new low-wear aluminum parts to a DD3 dual printer head, the X400 PRO V3 promises improved printing results and greater process safety for industries in need of high-quality, large format prototypes, concepts, or demo models. As with any good re-design, the German company took an honest look at some of the weaknesses of its previous model in order to assess what could be done to create a better 3D printing machine for their industrial customers’ needs.
First off, German RepRap has included new DD3 dual printer head as a standard feature for its X400 3D printer model, which extends the application range and selection of materials possible for 3D printing. These low-gap extruders enable two-color objects or freely formed models to be 3D printed in PLA with water-soluble support material, such as PVA for PLA, or HIPS for ABS parts. The extruder can be heated to 290°C, and also allows the use of special materials such as Carbon20, or soft and flexible (rubber-like) filaments.
When looking back at the previous model, the manufacturers noticed a significant weak point: as a result of wear, there was a certain level of play in the Y axis shaft that caused vibration and decreased 3D printing precision over time. In order to redress this, German RepRap has included a double bearing on the Y pulley instead of a single-sided one. In addition, they have included the use of low-wear, milled aluminum parts at other points that are particularly subject to load, ensuring more even and precise running of the belt pulley and more consistent 3D print results even as time wears on.
The third generation X400 model also includes a redesigned heated bed that offers more even heat distribution, an important factor when it comes to adhesion and removing the 3D printed object from the print bed.
Specs for the X400 PRO V3:
- Build envelope: 390 x 400 x 320 mm
- Print speed: 10 – 150 mm/s
- Travel speed: 10 – 300 mm/s
- Position accuracy: +/- 0.1mm
- Filament/nozzle diameter: 1.75/04.mm
- Material: ABS, PLA, PS, PVA, TPU93, Carbon20, Laywood, Laybrick, PP, Bendlay, Soft-PLA, SmartABS
- Extruder type: DD3 Dual
- Extruder temperature: 290°C
- Software included: Repertier, Slic3r
- Weigh approx: 55kg
Overall, the X400 PRO V3 offers head-to-toe (or should we say, print bed-to-extruder) improvements for a wide-range of industrial applications, including automobile, textile, tool construction, and building manufacturing. The company has also noted that they will offer upgrading options for existing X400 3D printer customers.
It has been quite a busy year for the Munich-based 3D printer manufacturer, who, in addition to today’s X400 announcement, has recently released a second version of its X1000 3D printer, as well as the new X350 3D printer, followed by the X350pro, and a carbon fiber-reinforced 3D printing filament.
Posted in 3D Printer
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Wow, RepRap in the name and not open source. Sounds like total scum.