Is SwiftShape the Next Big Thing in Desktop Fabrication? Is it a 3D Printer?

A new Kickstarter project offering a multifunction 3D printer seems to be succeeding.

The SwiftShape is a “3-in-1 Desktop Creator Suite”, which includes not only 3D printing capability, but also laser cutting and CNC milling functions.

We’ve seen this type of device previously, where a 3D printer’s motion system is transformed into the other functions by swapping the toolhead. Most of those systems were not particularly successful, largely because the individual functions were degraded as compared to standalone equivalents.

For example, many multifunction devices would offer a laser toolhead with a power level of only 1-5W. That’s barely enough to cut thin cardboard, and as a result, the potential of this type of equipment was limited.

Is that the case with the SwiftShape? Let’s take a look at each of the functions.

Starting with the laser toolhead, the SwiftShape offers power levels up to an incredible 90W. That’s more than plenty to perform very serious laser cutting. They say it can chop through 1” thick acrylic, and that’s certainly true at 90W. You can probably do it with 50W.

The area of operation of the SwiftShape is also quite large: 762 x 406 mm. That’s enormously larger than previous multifunction 3D printers, which often had a laser area matching the 3D print XY area: 200 x 200 mm.

The SwiftShape’s motion system can apparently move at up to 2000mm/s, which is quite fast. However, the speeds during laser cutting depend completely on the selected power level, the material type, and depth of cut. That maximum speed, however, should handle almost any scenario.

A very interesting feature on the laser toolhead is autofocus. In order to cut, the laser energy must be focused to come to a point directly at the material’s surface. This is done by careful focusing. Most multifunction 3D printers require manual focusing, but here the SwiftShape does this automatically.

This feature also allows the SwiftShape to easily handle etching and cutting along curved surfaces, as the focus point can vary during operation. An optional rotary axis, combined with autofocus, allows the operator to etch cylindrical objects.

Another highly useful feature is an automated feeder, which allows flat material longer than the device to be fed through and etched.

From what I can see, the SwiftShape’s laser system is pretty comparable to professional laser cutters in features and capabilities. That’s very different from most multifunction 3D printers.

What about the other two toolheads? It seems that the SwiftShape is primarily designed — and marketed — as a laser cutter. The milling and printing toolheads are considered extra features.

There are basically no specifications mentioned about these two features, which would be of most interest to Fabbaloo readers. We don’t know, for example, the RPM or power of the milling toolhead. We also don’t know if the software is able to drive it.

Surprisingly, the only thing they say is that the SwiftShape “has a 3D printing toolhead”. We don’t even know what diameter of filament it uses. In fact, is it even an FFF toolhead? What slicing software would be used? Could we use OrcaSlicer? Are there print profiles for the SwiftShape?

We don’t know. Because of that, we can’t recommend using the SwiftShape as a 3D printer. They’ve provided not only no specifications, but no images of printed items.

My thought is that you should consider this device as a laser cutter, not a 3D printer. If you’re in the market for a powerful laser cutter, this might be a good choice: it is available in two models, a 65W and 90W version, with discounts available during the Kickstarter.

Via Kickstarter