When the term “RepRap” is used, you might think of an inexpensive hobby-style desktop 3D printer. But that’s not at all what is being produced by German RepRap.
While that company may have started many years ago with such equipment, today they manufacture very powerful equipment suitable for professional and even some production uses.
Above you can see an image of their largest offering, the x1000, which has been out for approximately one year. The €50,000 (USD$52,000) device has an enormous build volume of 1,000 x 800 x 800mm. It prints PLA, PVA, PETG and TPU plastics as using ABS and Polycarbonate plastics would be very challenging: a large ABS print might shrink 5-10mm at that size, causing catastrophic warping.
As have most large-format filament-based devices, the X1000 can use larger-sized nozzles to print much more rapidly. It also includes dual extruders as shown here, enabling printing support material. Typically this would be a combination of PLA for the model and PVA for the support material.
Optionally, the X1000 also includes an on board CO2 fire extinguishing system, something I have not seen on other models.
This 400kg unit does require three-phase power input at 400V, so you may have to make some environmental changes if you’re installing one.
Also seen was their new X500 model, which may launch this spring. This device takes up where the X1000 leaves off by enabling printing of many more materials with its 400C, water-cooled hot end and 80C build chamber temperature. You can, for example, print PEEK plastic with this machine.
The X500 will have a number of additional useful features such as automated calibration, a touch screen and networking.
For now, the X500 is a prototype and is expected to cost something near €25,000 (USD$26,000).
Via German RepRap
