E3D-Online published a revealing video showing many more details and capabilities of their new Revo system.
The UK company has long been the standard for many FFF 3D printers with their precision hot end and extruder hardware. If there was a standard for extruders in the industry, it would very likely be the V6. The V6 design has been used in many devices, and has been copied by many others.
But hardware can always improve, and the company has spent considerable time developing what they call the “Revo” system. It’s a complete redesign of their hot end technology that appears to be far more functional and safe than current designs.
While they did announce the Revo some time ago, the new video reveals a wealth of information about the yet-to-be-released Revo.
One of the most welcome features in the Revo system is that nozzles can be easily changed without “hot tightening”. This is a tricky procedure requiring two wrenches that must be done at a high temperature. I can tell you that I have personally burned my hands several times doing this, and I don’t like that at all. Having the ability to swap a nozzle at room temperature — with my fingers only — is a dream come true.
E3D-Online explained that at launch they will offer the Revo in two formats: Hemera, and a V6 compatible format. They have taken the time to ensure the “Revo 6” is geometrically the same as the popular V6, enabling users to easily swap them in. The system will initially offer nozzles with several diameters: 0.25, 0.40, 0.60, and 0.80 mm.
In the works are modified Revo systems intended for Creality Enders, CR-10s and Voron equipment.
The initial Revo systems will be made from drawn stainless steel tubes and offer “titanium-like performance”. While the steel is quite durable, they are also developing nozzles to handle more abrasive filaments in the very near future.
The Revo has undergone apparently tens of thousands of hours of testing with 1000 beta testers around the world. This should ensure the product works very reliably once offered to the public.
The new heating element replaces the old-style aluminum block design, and offers a number of advantages. First, it’s fantastically lighter than a chunk of metal, which should significantly reduce momentum issues in rapidly moving printheads.
Secondly, it is designed to be much safer. They explained it has a “positive temperature coefficient”, which means that as the heat increases, the power draw decreases. Thus overheating scenarios that have caused damage and even fires in other equipment, should never occur with the Revo.
Finally, it’s made with ceramic and a copper alloy that is far more efficient at heat transfer, and allows the hot end to operate at higher working temperatures. This could mean that 3D prints might be sped up with a Revo system. The thermal sensor is embedded in the incredibly small unit. The heat sink weighs only 30g.
As of today, E3D-Online said they have successfully set up their factory and see no obstacle to volume production, as “everything is in-house.” This could mean they might avoid some supply chain issues facing other manufacturers.
While we haven’t seen the official release of the Revo, E3D-Online has been working closely with several major 3D printer manufacturers with the intention of equipping their devices with the Revo. They’re eager to work with more 3D printer manufacturers, and invite any to contact them directly. The Revo’s straightforward design allows very easy integration with almost any FFF device.
I can’t wait to try one out myself.
Via E3D-Online and YouTube
