Fabbster Beta Launch

The mysterious Fabbster 3D printer that we first wrote about last year is becoming less mysterious. The device, made by German-based Sintermask GmbH is about to be launched in a beta program. 

 

First, here's the highlights of the new 3D printer:

 

• Large build envelope: 23 x 23 x 21 cm
• Incredible print speed of up to 400mm/s; this is significantly faster than most other personal 3D printers
• Wickedly fast warm up time of only 30 seconds to reach +300C
• A minimum wall thickness of only 0.7mm
• All linear axes with ball bearings enabling fast, smooth operation
• 0.4mm nozzle
• It's kit, but it apparently can be completely assembled in only two hours
• Print resolution ranging from 0.4mm to a startling 0.025mm, again surpassing many competitors

 

With a print resolution that small, it's no wonder the machine can print rapidly; prints of any size would take a very long time to complete otherwise. 

 

If that isn't enough, the Fabbster has a unique materials system that is completely different from other 3D printers: Stick Molding Deposition (SDM). Fabbster consumes PLA or ABS, like other printers, but it's delivered via precisely shaped plastic sticks. These sticks are not round like typical plastic filament; instead they have a unique shape that is most amenable to precision feeding. The precision of these injection-molded consumables means no feeder slippage and resulting higher quality prints. A delivery system holds a supply of sticks and feeds them into the print mechanism, but there's an interesting twist: the sticks come in many colors and can be mixed to create even more colors. It's also possible to mix materials with different properties! As far as we can tell, this is totally unique among personal 3D printers today.

 

Now that you're interested in this printer, you may wish to take part in Fabbster's beta test launch, open to the first 100 testers. There is a significant benefit: you receive your Fabbster for half the normal cost: only €500. You'll also receive huge discounts on the experimental SDM material that you'll use for testing. However, you are expected to use your test Fabbster for at least 10 hours per week, take calls for feedback and maintain confidentiality. 

 

If you like the looks of this new device, we recommend you head over to Fabbster right away and sign up for the beta test. 

 

Via Fabbster

The Fabbster 3D Printer

A new personal 3D printer has suddenly emerged at this week's Euromold conference: The Fabbster. 

 

The company behind Fabbster is Germany-based Sintermask, makers of larger commercial powder-based 3D printers. They say they wish to give everyone the power to make things at home: "Join the Revolution". It appears that they're now venturing into the personal market as they (like us) see a burgeoning market. Perhaps they don't want to be left behind?

 

At the moment they offer only one model of personal 3D printer in the Fabbster line: the 11-1. Their website doesn't specify much about the device, but the model name apparently is secret code to reveal device characteristics: 11 is the number of litres in the build chamber, suggesting dimensions of perhaps 25 x 25 x 18 cm or 21 x 21 x 25 cm. At that size it would one of the largest build chambers available for personal 3D printers. 

 

The "1" in the model name indicates the number of extruders: 1. However, according to Fabbster: 

 

there are numerous extensions to customize the Fabbster. You can add elongations to the x- and z-axis of the machine and you can mount multiple extrusion nozzles, so you can print with 4 materials simultaneously.

 

We presume the device prints in ABS/PLA plastic and at that price it's likely Fabbster 11-1 is a kit rather than an assembled version. We'll be seeking more information about the Fabbster soon. 

 

Another interesting twist is Fabbster's software: They have partnered with NetFabb to produce geode to drive the device. NetFabb is a very comprehensive system so could be a terrific match. However, we've heard there has been some issues using NetFabb to drive other printers such as the BFB 3000, so we hope Fabbster has found solutions. 

 

The new device goes on sale for €1000 (USD$1350) on 29 March, a price in line with similar products. 

 

Via Fabbster