May 13, 2016 | By Andre
We recently reported on the Allforge desktop combo factory that incorporates 3D Printing and mold making into a single consumer-ready machine. Its aim is to escape the limits of the two technologies in such that one is very slow, and the other very expensive, by finding a sweet compromise spot.
While not technically a 3D printer, the Allforge relies heavily on the technology by utilizing 3D printed mold plates that constitute the machines backbone into customization. Once the 3D printed mold is in place, low melting point materials such as chocolate, candy, soap, silicone, plastics, rubbers and even select metals can be pressed through the Allforge and into a finished product in minutes instead of the hours many are used to with 3D printing.
It's worth checking out the CEO of the company describe things himself in the below video taken at the 2016 Makerfaire Austin.
Ultimately however, we're reporting on the Allforge again because they’re fresh into a crowd-funding campaign and are close to tripling their $100,000 campaign goal in the first third of the 30 day run. It’s also through this campaign that they unveiled the previously undisclosed price-points (including big discounts for early backers), timeline, risks and of course the specs for the three versions of the machine they have on offer.
First off there is the Sweet, which is their entry-level machine capable of producing parts made of materials with melting temperatures up to 350F (148C) with upgrade capabilities coming down the road. Materials such as waxes, soaps, candies, and resins are deemed perfect for the Sweet edition.
Next in line is the Startup, the middle-of-the-road unit that has everything included with the entry-level unit but also incorporates a stainless steel injection screw chamber for producing plastic and rubber based products under 650F (340C). They claim to support the use of your own material (even old recycled bottles) but offer virgin plastic pellets if you want to go that route instead.
Finally there is the Boss. This top-of-the-line unit incorporates the same 6061 Aluminum frame as the previous models, but has a full graphite crucible that can be used to melt metals under 650F. And while you won’t be pouring molten steel through the 3D printed mold with much success any time soon, the company has developed its own non-toxic material with metallurgists that can be used in ABS molds and gold or silver plated after the fact.
Interestingly enough, the company has decided to go on their own and bypass the likes of popular crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo. They’ve done this, so they say, for the benefit of the consumer in that it would be easier for the backer to recoup their purchase via PayPal or their credit card should the campaign turn sour.
Beyond the core scope of the product - that of an automated mold making machine - it comes equipped with smartphone compatible software, claims to be built to the highest standard possible and promises to deliver all orders by December of this year. They’ve also teamed up with 3D Hubs to provide a network of 3D printers that can produce your molds if you are more interested in the fast and the now. A library of previousloy designed molds can even purchased through their 3Dmold.it service if you're not big on design yourself.
From a quality perspective, any item produced on the Allforge is only as good as the mold itself. So if you 3D printed the mold, the layer lines common in 3D printed items will translate into the item being produced with the mold. Of course, this is more something that’s good to be aware of and should not be seen as a deterrant if you’re interesting in the purchase. Acetone smoothing methods or even sanding down of prints are options to produce a smooth finish.
However, just like any crowd sourcing campaign there are concerns that need to be addressed. While they have manufacturers on standby to begin knocking out the machines once the money rolls in, inevitable supply chain slow-downs has the potential to set the release date back. And considering they’ve only really given themselves a month for manufacturing after the reiteration period passes in September, things need to run perfectly if the delivery schedule is to be maintained.
In the end, the product being promised is in a class of its own when you consider the price-points (ranging from $2,495 - $4395 in the early-bird deals), is backed by a team of diverse characters, and even supply a phone number that you can reach them at during regular business hours. That right there is a sign of commitment to me in today's text communication only world.
Posted in 3D Printing Application
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Allforge starts at 2500 and is fully automated...
Joe wrote at 5/14/2016 5:58:30 PM:
A number of years ago, LNS Technologies introduced a $600 injection molding machine that you would connect to a drill-press. also, they now have a stand-alone unit for $1,500. This is definitely a simpler machine than the Allforge system, but certainly more affordable. than the $4,000 starting point for the Allforge.
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