CES 2017: Aleph Objects announces new LulzBot TAZ MOARstruder, software updates and partnerships

Jan 5, 2017 | By Julia

Colorado-based hardware company Aleph Objects, Inc. is making headlines this week with three major announcements at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. The open source hardware company, recently recognized as the #1 fast-growing privately held U.S. computer hardware company by Inc. Magazine, is well known for its LulzBot line of 3D printers, parts, and plastics. As of this week though, we can expect Aleph Objects to become an even more prominent name in the world of 3D printing. Official press releases confirm a new hardware release, exciting software developments, and fresh partnerships for the fast-growing American company.

Let’s start with the hardware for all you gear-heads out there. Meet the new LulzBot TAZ MOARstruder Tool Head, a high output tool head aimed at manufacturing fast, resilient 3D prints. Equipped with an extra-long heater block, dual print cooling fans, and a 1.2 mm diameter nozzle, the LulzBot TAZ MOARstruder Tool Head is serious business. Thanks to mounted features on the modular tool head carriage, users are only a single screw and a plug away from upgrading to higher speed Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) 3D printing. After upgrading, users can 3D print 0.3mm to 1.2mm thick layers, and up to 100 grams per hour.

the LulzBot TAZ MOARstruder Tool Head

“The LulzBot TAZ MOARstruder Tool Head enables high speed and high strength 3D prints, with the robustness and reliability that users expect from the LulzBot platform,” explains Aleph Objects, Inc. President Harris Kenny. “This tool head is ideal for prototyping in labs, offices, classrooms, libraries, and workshops.”

What the MOARstruder lacks in resolution, it makes up for in speed and strength. According to R&D Manager Julie Pettit, the Aleph Objects engineers were already using the mega tool head internally for some time to make prototypes. “Not every print needs ultrafine resolution,” she says. “Sometimes, speed and strength matter more.”

As is the case with all LulzBot tool heads, the new MOARstruder comes with Free Software and Open Source hardware. An open filament format means the tool head is compatible with currently available materials as well as those not yet on the market.

On the software side of things, Alepha Objects has announced the alpha release of Cura 2 (LulzBot Edition), and revealed some exciting software developments in 3D modeling and resin-based 3D printing.

a screenshot from Cura 2 (LulzBot Edition)

After several years of adding features and fixing bugs in the company’s Cura platform, Alepha Objects has now published the alpha release of Cura 2 (LulzBot Edition), an update to the popular Free Software for 3D printers. Ultimaker, David Braam, and the Free Software 3D printing community all played major roles in this new version. The current Cura LulBot Edition software was also updated to version 21.03, and is now available for download.

In other software news, Aleph Objects has announced it will be partnering with the Free Software community, specifically the Blender Institute. Expect a streamlined version of the Blender 3D creation suite soon, which will feature increased accessibilitiy in its 3D modeling and design capabilities.

Aleph Objects will also be partnering with the monkeyprint community with an eye to advancing Free Software in resin-based 3D printing, including adding new features and bug fixes. Monkeyprint Developer Paul Bomke is overjoyed with the new Aleph Objects collaboration, stating, “that’s how open source can work: people working together from all around the world to make better software! I’ve learned that shared development can simply lead to better software faster.”

a monkeyprint software sample print shown to scale

And speaking of partnerships, Aleph Objects rounded out its news extravaganza with announcements of a new retail expansion with Fry’s Electronics, as well as two new partnerships with filament companies Polymaker and twoBEars.

For those outside the U.S., Fry’s Electronics is a Silicon Valley-oriented electronics retail outfit with several dozen locations across the States. The retail chain will now be joining Aleph Objects’ channel partners, with plans to sell LulzBot 3D printers, parts, and plastics. Fry’s company spokesman Manuel Valerio weighed in, commenting that "Fry's is thrilled to add another such product line by carrying the LulzBot family of products in all our stores and at Frys.com. We're confident our customers will also be excited by this new offering."

Lastly, Aleph Objects has announced the launch of four new filaments in collaboration with new partners Polymaker and twoBEars. Those include: the PolyLite PLA by Polymaker, an affordable filament for everyday 3D printing; the PC-Max, a polycarbonate-based filament also by Polymaker; and the bioFila Silk and bioFila Linen, two shiny and matte filaments respectively by twoBEars. All four products are available on LulzBot.com.

For CES visitors wanting to check out the new gear, catch some in-person demos, and speak to the LulzBot team, head to the CES 2017 LulzBot booth: Tech West, Sands Expo, Level 2, Halls A-D, Booth #42524.