Dozens of the biggest names in professional 3D printing turned out for the first edition of Additive Manufacturing Europe 2016 today, taking place in the bustling tech city of Amsterdam. While the exhibition floor was packed with newest-edition 3D printers, filaments, product demonstrations and more, one particular booth stood distinctly apart: Zortrax.
From their sleek black booth located at the show’s entrance, the Poland-based creators of the best-selling M200 desktop 3D printer unveiled the M300, a ‘go big or go home’ upgraded machine that offers the same impressive specs as their previous iteration, but with the significantly larger build space of 300 x 300 x 300 mm—large enough to print an entire motorcycle helmet in on go, according to the company.
Answering a Big Question
While the M200 3D printer is already considered quite a highly rated machine in terms of quality, ease-of-use, and of course, reliability, Zortrax’s product designers found that a large number of their users wanted something…bigger. In fact, Bartek Cymer, Zortrax’s Marketing Director, told me that it was the single most common customer request.
“The Zortrax M300 is our direct response to the needs of our customers,” said founder and CEO Rafal Tomasiak. “They’ve often indicated the need for a device that is as accurate and reliable as our previous M200 3D printer, but which would allow them to create larger, professional prototypes as a whole – without the necessity of splitting up a project into a series of smaller components.”
While the M200’s 200 x 200 x 180 mm build volume is certainly respectable, the M300’s much larger area allows makers, hobbyists and professionals alike to tackle brand new design feats and prototyping capabilities. At the same time, and like all Zortrax machines, the M300 provides consistent, professional reliability, printing at a resolution of 90 to 300 microns.
Sizable Opportunities
In addition to a larger print bed, the Zortrax M300 also includes a few special features. For example, each M300 comes with side covers that protect the 3D printing process and allow users to control the temperature within the build space, preventing deformations (the M200 offers side covers as an optional addition). Another handy upgrade are the much larger filament spools, and the ability for users to check how much filament has already been used, making it easier for them to plan and prepare their print jobs.
Speaking of filament, the Zortrax M300 is compatible with four types of Zortrax-brand filaments: Z-ULTRAT, Z-HIPS, Z-GLASS and Z-PETG. This variety of materials allows users freedom to design, while still ensuring Zortrax’s stamp of quality. According to the company, the Zortrax M300 3D printer will soon be available for purchase in 50 countries worldwide, with an expected price tag of around $5,000. Just about twice the price of the M200 for exponentially bigger professional level business opportunities.
Zortrax’s futuristic booth, complete with a life-size 3D printed Dark Knight costume, several working M200s, and of course, the M300, is sure to be a hit for the remaining days of the AM Show 2016. We’ll be present and sharing more news from the event as it continues.
