FLSUN presented a new and very powerful desktop 3D printer today, the S1.
The S1 is a delta-style 3D printer, with a cylindrical build volume of 320mm diameter X* 430mm height. That’s very large, approaching half a meter tall.
While the large build volume would be the key feature on most 3D printers, the S1’s key feature is different: it’s speed.
This device is apparently able to 3D print at an unbelievable 1200mm/s, double that of the current crop of “high speed” 3D printers. Have we reached “ultra speed” 3D printers? In any case, the S1 can apparently complete a #3DBenchy in only eight minutes!
How does the S1 accomplish this feat? One key contributor would be the delta motion system, which is lightweight and able to move at very rapid speeds, with accelerations up to 40,000mm/s/s. The motors are actually closed loop, a feature not typically seen on most desktop 3D printers.
Another is the dual gear extrusion system and hot end, which can deliver a ridiculous 110 cubic mm per second of material (PLA for their measurement). That’s partly enabled by the massive 80W ceramic heater.
That maximum flow rate is extraordinarily large, as other high speed machines tend to be only a quarter of that value. Incredible!
With a huge amount of material being extruded, it’s even more important to ensure it is quickly cooled and solidified. To achieve this, the S1 includes a CPAP turbofan that runs at 40,000rpm.
Like other high speed FFF 3D printers, the S1 uses vibration compensation to enable rapid changes in direction.
The hot end can reach 350C, making it ideal for a wide range of materials, including PLA, PETG, TPU, ABS, ASA, PVA, PET, PA, PC, CF and more.
The print surface a removable PEI-coated plate, similar to other systems, and it can be heated up to 120C. However, it is quite large, and because of that FLSUN has implemented zonal heating: you don’t need to wait to heat up the entire bed if you are just printing something small.
The S! sports an onboard HD webcam, Quad-core ARM processor and color touchscreen. The webcam can be used not only for monitoring, but also to produce timelapse videos.
There are several AI features in the S1. A Lidar sensor can detect flawed first layers, which should significantly reduce job failures. The Lidar is also used to measure print accuracy and calibrate flow rates.
The webcam is used to detect print failures (“spaghetti”), and even random debris that can foul up a job.
As you may have noticed, the S1 is entirely enclosed, which not only captures heat to increase print quality, but also protects fingers from the rapidly moving motion system. The S1 also includes a HEPA + activated carbon filter to purify air before it’s vented to the outside area.
Where is the filament mounted on the S1? It turns out there is a chamber on board the S1 that not only holds the spool, but also keeps it dry by monitoring temperature and humidity.
Here’s the most important thing: the S1, which is to be available today, is priced at US$1,299 at launch for a couple of weeks, not much higher than some competing high speed – but much slower – machines, but providing a much larger and much faster platform. Even afterwards, the standard price of US$1,499 is still very good for a machine with these features.
Via FLSUN
