3D-Group Debuts Huge New Mammoth 3D Printer with Patent Pending Technology

We all have heard the saying, “Bigger is better”, many times in our lives. When it comes to diamonds, gold bars, and yachts, this usually holds true. However, with other things, this isn’t always the case.

As far as 3D printers go, there is a lot of debate on whether or not a larger printer is worth the extra money over smaller printers that usually come with lower price tags. The debate is a never ending one, one which 3D printer manufacturers must decide for themselves. Recently we have seen some rather large 3D printers debut. These include the SeeMeCNC PartDaddy, which is a huge 15 foot tall delta 3D printer. Also we have seen a recently announced 4 meter tall delta 3D printer out of Japan, and in China, they have created a 40x40x40 foot 3D printer, which they have already used to 3D print a boat.

Just recently at the Inside 3D Printing Conference in Australia, a company called 3D-Group, debuted the “Mammoth 3D Printer”, which they refer to as the “World’s Largest 3D Printer”. While the title probably does not actually belong to this 3D printer, it is certainly a one-of-kind machine that features some new technology that we have not yet seen from 3D printers in the past.

“The Mammoth uses 4 custom built Hi-Flo 3D-Industries extruders,” 3D-Group CEO Jason Simpson told 3DPrint.com. “It can print with most materials and can do a maximum model size of 1275mm x 1275mm x 1275mm or 50 inches square. It uses the filaments that other FDM printers use including ABS, PLA, Nylon, PET, HIPS etc. We are about to test the new Bronzefil by Colorfab.”

So far Simpson tells us that they have used the 3D printer to print many large items such as gears, large letters, and statues. They have printed some objects that have taken several days to complete. The build volume is so large that it is capable of printing out an entire set of dining room furniture.

Where the Mammoth differs from other large 3D printers, is that it features a one-of-a-kind patent pending zone heated print bed. This means that certain portions of the print bed may be heated to specific temperatures while others are left unheated. This allows for the use of multiple materials for different objects, that can all be printed simultaneously. It also reduces the electricity needed during a print. The printer’s four extruders are unique, in that they include a larger melt area and heat isolation than you would see on the typical FDM based 3D printer.

The Mammoth can print at speeds up to 150mm/s, and can be fed with different diameter filaments. When using 3mm filament, it can print in layers with a height of 0.8mm and a width of 2mm. As for the price, the Mammoth is currently selling for $80,000AU, which is approximately $75,280 USD. While this may seem a bit steep, when you realize the quality craftsmanship that has gone into the production of this machine, and the fact that it features technology not available in any other 3D printer on the market today, it’s really a pretty good deal. The company also says that it is capable of printing with much higher quality than the printers that Local Motors is currently using to 3D print an entire car.

What do you think of the new Mammoth 3D printer? Discuss in the Mammouth 3D Printer forum thread on 3DPB.com.