Fabbster Beta Launch

By on February 22nd, 2012 in printer

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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

By Kerry Stevenson

Kerry Stevenson, aka "General Fabb" has written over 8,000 stories on 3D printing at Fabbaloo since he launched the venture in 2007, with an intention to promote and grow the incredible technology of 3D printing across the world. So far, it seems to be working!