WASP is set to display what might be the largest multi-function 3D printer in the world: the DeltaWASP 3MT.
The machine is an evolution over their earlier DeltaWASP Pellet, a large delta machine capable of using bulk plastic pellets at low cost instead of the relatively more expensive and traditional plastic filament. Filaments are actually made from pellets anyway, so this approach cuts out one step in the process.
But the new DeltaWASP 3MT is improved by offering the ability to change toolheads. There are three tools available, hence the “3” in the product name: plastic 3D printing, as before; paste extrusion, used in this case for clay, concrete and similar materials; milling tools for subtractive manufacturing.
We’ve seen this approach done previously on much smaller desktop units, where the cartesian motion control system is leveraged by using different toolheads, perhaps most notably by ZMorph, who currently offer similar toolhead switching capabilities, but include lasers.
There is a substantial difference between the 3MT and such desktop multi-function devices: size. The DeltaWASP 3MT offers a massive cylindrical build volume of 1,000mm tall by 1,000mm diameter. With this size – and the optimizations provided by WASP to efficiently deposit material for large builds with massive 10mm nozzles – means the 3MT can be used to create objects not practically made on other devices.
The company has already demonstrated the ability to 3D print full-size, functioning chairs with the pellet-based DeltaWASP. Now the 3MT should be able to produce not only large plastic items, but also construction components using its new set of toolheads.
It’s an interesting set of capabilities that could be quite powerful in a construction environment. Theoretically you could produce not only a small house with components made on the 3MT, but you could also make a good number of furnishing for the inside!
The 3MT is to be displayed at AMShow in Amsterdam this week and I’m hoping to get a close look at it.
Via WASP
