element14 Pty Ltd announces the launch of the first truly plug and
print 3D printer from Robox.
Ideal for rapid prototyping in the electronics design and test
environment, Robox 3D printers feature a proprietary dual-head print nozzle
design improving print speeds by up to 300% compared to other printers. While
one nozzle is designed to print in detail, the other is able to ‘fill in’
larger areas at much higher speeds.
Capabilities also include a unique needle-valve system that stops ‘ooze’
and ‘stringing’ from the nozzles, ensuring speed and quality; as well
as the ability to print super-fine 0.02mm layers.
Key features of Robox 3D printers include multicolour printing; smart
print bed mechanism; intelligent reel system; user-friendly software; and
future-proof design.
Users of Robox 3D printers can temporarily stop the print process part-way
and swap out the filament to allow for multicolour 3D printing.
A proprietary bed probing mechanism automatically detects and corrects
the gantry to ensure it is always parallel, with the first printed layer adhering
evenly. Made from a unique material, the bed adheres to the hot plastic while a
print is taking place, but allows the user to ‘pop’ the printed object off when
the plastic cools and shrinks slightly post-print.
The printer can recognise the material it’s working on thanks to the microchips
on the filament rolls. A pioneering closed-feedback loop and dual-pinch-wheel
extrusion system makes sure the filament is fed to the print-head evenly.
Robox 3D printers come with easy-to-use software for plug and print
capabilities. The software also allows users to create 3D printing projects
incorporating multiple print jobs represented on a range of ‘tabs’.
The design of the Robox 3D printer has been future-proofed with space
provided for a second extruder that will eventually allow dual-colour printing
and/or the ability to print with different materials simultaneously. Its unique
HeadLock system means that different heads can be quickly assembled to
perform a range of different functions.
Chris Godfrey, Global Product Director Test & Tools at element14, comments
that 3D printing is an exciting new technology that has many implications for
the electronics sector. He adds that 3D printing allows short production runs
to be more efficient than ever before facilitating rapid prototyping in design
and reducing the design engineer’s time to market.
The Robox 3D printer is available from element14
in Europe.