Zaxe is a new 3D printer company from Turkey, where they don’t mess around with flimsy designs.
The Istanbul-based startup is only three years old, but now offers two different desktop 3D printer models, and is now working to expand globally.
Their two filament-powered machines are the X1 and X1+, a larger version of the X1. Both machines have similar features, although the X1+ sports a much larger build volume at 300 x 300 x 300mm as opposed to a somewhat smaller volume on the standard X1 machine.
The sealed build chamber on the X1+ provides a means to capture and stabilize heat to increase build quality and reliability, as well as enabling the Zaxe machines to 3D print in ABS, Nylon and Carbon Fiber materials. A PEI print surface ensures good adhesion on that model as well.
One feature in particular was quite interesting. I noticed the frame of this machine was very different from the usual arrangement of bolted-together components. This machine appears to have an entirely solid frame! It was explained that it is one solid block of aluminum that was CNC milled to its final state. [UPDATE: Officials from Zaxe contacted us afterwards to explain that in fact the frame is made from welded aluminum cut sheets. Nevertheless, it’s still an extremely solid design.] This should provide an extremely stable frame on which to build their motion system. Check out this image:
The machines can 3D print layers as small as 0.05mm, and with their interchangeable nozzle system, can print layers as large as 0.8mm (on the X1+) for very rapid – but coarse – prints.
The X1+ includes auto calibration, so that makes them a bit easier to use than some other equipment. They say it’s very easy to print ABS or PETG material on either machine.
The X1 and X1+ include a color touch screen for control, but also include a WiFi network through which you can connect the device to Zaxe’s cloud network.
Their cloud system seems quite sophisticated, as we were told you could not only manage a 3D printer remotely, but could also operate a “fleet” of 3D printers together. This could make this machine a good choice for institutions operating more than one unit.
The X1 and X1+ also have the ability to store GCODE on the machine itself, even after printing. This means you could theoretically initiate a previously printed item again – repeat prints! They say they’re developing some kind of “library system” that could be implemented later this year.
I suspect it would enable easy transfer of GCODE from the cloud to the machine, perhaps via an app or the control panel. This could turn an X1 into a kind of “vending machine”, where you select what you’d like and it gets printed.
So far they’ve sold around 1,000 units in Turkey, but as I mentioned they’re very interested to expand more widely. I suspect they could be quite successful, as this appears to be a very powerful machine. Pricewise, we were told the prices of the two machines are USD$2,250 and USD$4,250, although their website seems to list them at slightly higher pricing.
Buying the machines is currently only available directly from their website, but they are seeking resellers. If you’re a 3D printer reseller, you might want to contact Zaxe for a discussion before someone else in your region does!
Via Zaxe
