Apr 21, 2016 | By Kira
The Funplay DIY-Crystal is a new SLA 3D printer kit that is set to hit Indiegogo in the next few weeks with the goal of making SLA 3D printing technology more accessible, affordable and empowering to consumers.
Created by Taiwanese company 3D Dream Workshop, the Funplay DIY stands apart from other DIY SLA 3D printers—and in fact, from many pre-assembled SLA 3D printers—thanks to two key features.
First, unlike many commercial SLA printers, which limit their users to proprietary (and pricey) resins, the Funplay DIY is compatible with many SLA resins already on the market. 3D Dream Workshop does sell its own resin, however rather than releasing the typical range of fixed-color consumables, they’ve created a clear resin that comes with a variety of pigments. This “Palette” lets users blend and mix freely until their desired color has been achieved.
The second unique feature of the Funplay DIY is that it allows users to manually adjust the laser strength as well as the exposure time, giving them greater freedom and control over their 3D prints. This is possible thanks to 3D Dream Workshop’s self-developed Adjustable Laser Energy (ALE) and Adjustable Exposure Time (AET) technologies. With ALE, users can adjust the laser’s energy between 0 to 100 mW, and with AET, they can set how long the laser light pauses at each point, between 5 to 45 µs.
“With these new technologies, Funplay breaks the resins monopoly from its own manufacture, [returning] the right of choosing their own SLA resins back to consumer," said the company.
So far, the company has addressed the three “keys” to successful SLA 3D printing: the energy of the light, the amount of time that the resin is exposed to that light, and the formula of the resin. There is, however, another major factor that has influenced the adoption (or lack thereof) of SLA 3D printing within the consumer market: Price.
While SLA 3D printers are lauded for their improved resolution, smoothness, and speed when compared to more traditional FDM desktop printers, these benefits come at a cost. Only recently have more affordable desktop SLA 3D printer options hit the market, but they often still require expensive upkeep, materials, and a more advanced skill set.
The Funplay DIY-Crystal, however, is set to retail at just $1,200, with super early bird Indiegogo prices as low as $799. The company has also prepared a step-by-step instructional video for those who are newer to 3D printer assembly.
“With this very friendly price and have multiple choices of supplies, this printer is going to push SLA 3d printing technology much closer toward consumer market,” said the company.
In terms of specs, the Funplay DIY-Crystal offers a build volume of 124 x 125 x 150 mm, layer thicknesses of 25-100 microns, a suggested operating temperature of 25°C, USB connectivity, and either a 405nm UV laser or 120mW laser.
The Indiegogo campaign is expected to launch any day now, so we’ll be keeping a close eye on that for further details. 3D Dream Workshop has also listed the Funplay DIY-Orange on its website as a mysterious upcoming 3D printer model that we hope to learn more about soon. For now, check out the Funplay DIY-Crystal in action below:
Posted in 3D Printer
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