Jan 10, 2017 | By Benedict
3D printer manufacturer Titan Robotics has introduced the Cronus, a multi-gantry FFF 3D printer that can be fitted with multiple tool heads. The Cronus uses multi-head 3D printing technology from Autodesk and Netfabb, and is available in both open and closed versions.
Despite the growing importance of additive-centric events like formnext, RAPID, and various Maker Faires, many still see the monstrously large and all-encompassing Consumer Electronics Show (CES) as the number one place for 3D printing companies to show off their latest wares. During this year’s event, which took place last week in the usual location of Las Vegas, large-scale 3D printer manufacturer Titan Robotics brought an impressive new machine to the table: the Cronus. While certainly not the only large 3D printer extruding its stuff at the Nevada showpiece, the Cronus—with its multiple gantries and print heads—was easily one of the most eye-catching.
“At Titan Robotics, we know what it takes to make a truly industrial large-format 3D printer,” Titan Robotics Founder and CEO Clay Guillory said ahead of the Cronus’s public release next month. “This collaborative control technology is going to change everything we know about 3D printing and CNC manufacturing.”
While having extra print heads can theoretically enable larger and faster printing, the technology also has its obvious pitfalls, namely increased chances of misalignment and error. According to Titan Robotics, however, multi-head 3D printing technology from Autodesk and Netfabb “intelligently distributes tool paths between multiple print heads” that are working in unison on the Cronus, helping to ensure that the multiple nozzles are always working in perfect synchronicity.
“It’s really exciting to upend what has been traditionally been regarded as a desktop prototyping technology and show that it’s a powerful way to make large parts, such as molds and fixtures, out of high-performance materials,” said Andreas Bastian, Principal Research Scientist at Autodesk, who helped to develop the technology for the Cronus.
Titan Robotics states that the standard build volume of the Cronus is 72″X x 30″Y x 20″Z (1829 x 762 x 508 mm), but that these dimensions are fully customizable depending on printing needs. The new 3D printer, built using Project Escher technology from Autodesk, is also available either as an open-air machine for printing in PLA and PETG materials, or with a heated enclosure to allow for printing with high temperature plastics, such as ABS, PC+PBT, HIPS, and more.
Other important features of the large-scale Cronus 3D printer include Bulldog Extruders made by RepRapDiscount, a welded and CNC machined steel frame,16mm ballscrews, and profile linear rails. The printer also uses Yaskawa closed-loop servo motors for high speed and accuracy. The Cronus can also be fitted with various types of tool heads for subtractive and additive manufacturing, including pellet extruders to allow for the fast fabrication of large parts at 5 lbs/hour per print head.
“It’s really exciting because (The Cronus) solves that problem of time when it comes to large-format 3D printing,” Maddie Garrett, Customer Relations at Titan Robotics, told press. “You have five print heads at once so you can print something very big and complex in a fraction of the time it would take on a single head 3D printer. Autodesk does have a Cronus at their facility in San Francisco so it’s a really exciting technology and we’re really proud to be on Netfabb with them.”
The new Cronus 3D printer from Titan Robotics will be available for order in February 2017. Its price is not yet known.
Posted in 3D Printer
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Wow! From Miniature to Full Sized and for a price that is reachable I hope. Nice going.
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