If there’s one thing that universally attracts consumers, it’s convenience. The more user-friendly, the better – as long as it’s paired with quality, of course. Desktop 3D printer manufacturers love to highlight the special features that contribute to the convenience factor of their printers: a handy filament spool holder, an attached toolbox, etc. It’s a bit more difficult to make industrial 3D printers super-convenient; they generally don’t lend themselves to portability, for one thing. 3D Platform, however, has just released an industrial printer that’s about as convenient as it gets.
The 3DP Workbench is the first 3D printer to feature an actual full, built-in workbench. The large-format printer is mounted on an industrial workbench with 12 built-in drawers and cabinets for storage of tools and supplies. A solid hardwood work area tops the bench next to the printer, which is significantly wider than the bench itself, allowing it to maintain a large build area (1m x 1m x 0.5m) without making the entire apparatus clunky. The whole thing is very portable – it has wheels for easy transport, and the printer has a folding gantry so that it can easily fit through doors.
“The 3DP Workbench is more than just another 3D printer, it has been designed through a professional user-experience process—with input from engineers, product developers and top creative talent around the world—incorporating tools they need to take our 3D platform to the next level,” said John Good, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for 3D Platform. “The result is a comprehensive toolkit that increases capacity, enables them to expand their capabilities and bring their ideas to life.”
The printer features 3DP’s SurePrint Servo Technology, which the company recently upgraded, increasing the print speed, detail and accuracy that already made 3DP’s previous industrial printer, the 3DP1000, stand out. The servo motors have 85% more torque than standard stepper motors, enabling faster acceleration and deceleration during the printing process while the closed loop system generates a fine level of detail – down to 70 microns – at high speed (70-100mm/s). The open print bed allows users to have full access to the printed part, allowing advanced capabilities like core modeling and adding inserts such as metal or electronics.
The Workbench is also a highly flexible printer. The hardware allows for easy nozzle change, and the printer is capable of printing with a wide variety of open market materials including PLA, PETG, ABS, NinjaFlex, nylon, T-Glase, HIPS, PVA and more. No proprietary filament limits here. It’s easy to use, too, especially as industrial printers go; print jobs can be remotely monitored and controlled via smartphone or tablet, and additional features include auto bed leveling, filament level sensors and under-gantry LED lights for increased visibility. It’s also environmentally friendly with 60% reduced energy consumption and 50% lower running temperature.
The official release of the 3DP Workbench, which retails at $27,000, will come at the end of Q1 of 2016. The printer will be demonstrated onsite at the Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) Education and Training Conference in St. Louis from April 3-6. What do you think of this technology? Discuss in the 3DP Workbench 3D Printer forum over at 3DPB.com.
