Mar 8, 2017 | By Benedict
3D printer manufacturer Hyrel International has announced the launch of its HYDRA 3D printer. The HYDRA will come in both floor and desktop models, and can be fitted with up to five print heads for multimaterial 3D printing.
Hyrel's HYDRA 640 (l) and 340 (r) 3D printers
In Greek and Roman mythology, the Hydra of Lerna was a giant serpent with many heads. Some stories also say that if you tried to cut off one of its heads, several more would grow back in its place. Both of these terrifying attributes appear to have inspired the creative team at 3D printer manufacturer Hyrel.
Although the mythical Hydra was probably better known for its destructive tendencies than its constructive (or additive) ones, Hyrel’s new HYDRA 3D printer seems aptly named: also possessing many (print) heads, the 3D printer can have its many heads removed—and then immediately refitted with different ones. Unlike the serpentine monster, however, it can also print circuit boards.
A versatile approach to print heads is clearly an important big part of Hyrel’s new HYDRA 3D printer, which comes in two sizes. Both floor and desktop versions of the new 3D printer can be fitted with up to five print heads at a time, with users able to choose from any of Hyrel’s 25+ heads and accessories.
Using this range of print heads, users can print with a wide range of materials, including ABS, BendLay, Biologicals, Clay (including Precious Metal Clay or PMC), Ninjaflex, Nylon, PET, PLA, Plasticine, Polycarbonate (PP), Polypropylene (PP), Porcelain, PVA, RTV Silicone, Sculpey, Sugru, and T-Glase.
But there’s more to the new Hyrel 3D printer than just having a bunch of heads. Both versions have a heavy-duty aluminum build plate which can be heated to 110°C, or optionally to 200°C. The printer also uses a gantry design containing three-phase stepping motors with closed-loop encoder feedback in all axes. This, according to Hyrel, provides fast, quiet, high-torque, reliable, repeatable, and precise positioning.
Fabricating PCBs with the HYDRA 3D printer
Speed is also an important feature of the new 3D printer: like its mythical beast namesake, the HYDRA is no slouch. The new machines offer print speeds of up to three times faster than previous models, depending on chosen materials.
On top of all that, one of the most interesting features of the new Hyrel HYDRA 3D printer is its PCB capabilities. Using a soldering paste dispensing head, a pick-and-place head, and other PCB-friendly components, HYDRA users can assemble complete electronic prototype circuit boards quickly and without the use of caustic chemicals.
The Hyrel HYDRA 640, the floor version of the 3D printer, has a build volume of 600 x 400 x 500 mm. The desktop HYDRA 340 has a build volume of 400 x 300 x 250 mm. Prices are not yet known.
Posted in 3D Printer
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Looks like they have used the frames of Chinese/Ebay Laser cutters for there 3D printers.
Tony Butler wrote at 3/9/2017 9:05:14 AM:
Can I have a free desktop version?
Davo wrote at 3/8/2017 5:03:56 PM:
Whoops, my mistake. The desktop Hydra 430 (the blue one) is $7500. The floor models are $10,000 to $15,000, depending on the desired build volume.
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