Only days after the launch of the first USD$100 3D printer, another very similar, but not quite as inexpensive, resin-based 3D printer launched: the LumiFold.
Like the Peachy, the LumiFold uses photo-curable resin as its printing process. Also unlike the Peachy, the LumiFold uses a DLP projector as the source for its photo-curing light, whereas the Peachy uses a laser. The DLP projector is an external unit that must be supplied separately.
Curiously, the project now offers an optional laser “overhead unit” to “quickly scan the area with an UV curing laser” that would presumably replace the need for an external DLP projector. at half the cost.
A very interesting feature is the LumiFold’s portable design: it can actually fold up for easy transportation. Note the carrying handle at the top. They even offer a travel bag for USD$39. Another interesting feature is used for external DLP projector calibration. Apparently DLPs emit different levels of UV light, which is the specific frequency that solidifies the resin. The LumiFold includes a way to automatically calibrate the system for a given projector.
Placement of the projector (or laser unit) is over the resin reservoir, and the designers have ensured you can use almost any kind of container for a reservoir. They even used a coffee cup during testing, which obviously reduces the volume of resin in action.
The project has already surpassed its strangely modest fundraising goal of USD$1,500.
The LumiFold promises excellent part quality, as is possible with the resin approach. If you’d like to get one, you still can at their Indiegogo site, where you’ll be able to pre-order one at a price of USD$390 for a parts kits or USD$429 for an assembled unit. We suspect you might also spring for an optional “Holodeck” that shows layer by layer progress reports, a protective UV box and the travel bag, so you probably will spend more than USD$400 on this item.
Via Indiegogo
