The Factory 2.0 printer, from Polish 3D printing firm Omni3D, is now available after nearly two years of research and development. This FFF printer seems poised to fabricate objects, components and products that are ready for use, accurate to 0.03mm with an industrial build envelope of 50cm x 50cm x 50cm and a head movement speed of 35cm/sec.
“Dimensional precision is particularly important in industrial productions. The priority for all elements of the production – also including our Factory 2.0 – is accuracy, which guarantees a perfect match between elements and an ideal end product,” says Konrad Sierzputowski, Omni3D board member and Factory 2.0 product developer.
Specs and improvements include:
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10 microprocessors to control all printing aspects from temperature and humidity to the filament flow for specific applications;
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Decreased the flexibility of the rubber belts driving the axes to increase durability and accuracy;
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An increase of the print area of each axis to 50cm;
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Automated table leveling;
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Full control of the print process via a closed heated chamber;
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Active control of the printer through a 7-inch display;
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Omni3D’s own intuitive software for full control over the print process.
“The majority of the devices available on the market use similar solutions, which share the same problems and limitations. Seeing this, we have decided to take the challenge to the market niche. In this way, our offer is now targeted only at entrepreneurs and the broadly understood industry,” said Slawomir Mirkowski, Omni 3D board member.
Mak3r software appears to enable a greater number of accurate prints by not requiring users to determine each specific build criterion – using predefined settings that preset most of the printing parameters and having close integration with the Factory 2.0 printer.
The Factory 2.0 has the potential to be a transformative force. This could be relatively affordable depending on where you're coming from, but if it lives up to its promise to produce high-quality, customizable composite products with higher tensile strength than aluminum, then it may be worth your time. It does seem to be at an advantage when it comes to material cost with the 2.0 – estimates at 15 cents plus $30 per kilo of basic material per hour. This would allow for efficient large-scale use in mass production.
Omni3D is already contracted to print wind turbines for two Fortune500 companies in California. The Factory 2.0 printers are being tested in the manufacturing process of a notable German car company this year as a replacement for CNC machines.
“Similar printers are currently sold on the market only by two American companies,” said Sierzputowski. “We certainly have the advantage of availability, low price, and maintenance costs of our equipment. Factory 2.0 printers operate in an open ecosystem – composites from various manufacturers can be used with them. This definitely improves access to innovative materials and reduces maintenance costs.”
I'd be curious to see it in action. To learn more click here.