I have been a big proponent of stereolithograhy (SLA) based desktop 3D printers because of the edge that they have in regards to speed, print quality and resolution when compared to FDM-based machines. I truly believe that the future market for desktop 3D printers will belong to those companies who embrace SLA over FDM. As the prices for the technology continue to slide, we have been seeing a number of smaller companies popping up, offering SLA printing solutions.
The wave of SLA-based printers started in October of 2012 when Formlabs raised close to $3 million in a campaign to create the first affordable desktop SLA 3D printer. From there, Autodesk has joined in on the fun, announcing earlier this year their intentions to enter the SLA space as well, and provide an open source platform called Spark for other companies to use in their SLA printers. Now it appears that a Chinese company called Artisan Make is entering the market as well.
The Shenzhen-based company was launched back in September of 2011 and has been working on this SLA printer called ‘Make’ since July of last year. After numerous prototypes and tests over the past year, the company has begun the mass production of these machines. The Make 3D printer will feature the following specifications:
- Printing Speed: 3-20 times faster than FDM.
- Suitable For Printing Accurate Small Samples
- Printing Material: UV Resin
- UV Resin Clean Compound
- Printer Dimensions: 380 x 380 x 550mm
- Build Envelope: 125 x 125 x 180mm
- Printer Weight: 15kg
- Fluid Bath Service Time: 20-30 times
- Minimum Layer Thickness: 0.025mm
- Printing Material: Photosensitive Resin (multiple colors)
- File Format: STL
The printer is particularly useful in the production of precise jewelry and dental casts, allowing for fine details to come through, which never would have been possible through the use of FDM-based 3D printers. The price of the machine is 22,800 Yuan (approximately $3,715), which includes a full one year warranty as well as a 500ml bottle of photosensitive resin. Orders may be placed immediately.
Additionally, Artisan Make is feverishly working on other 3D printing technologies. They are collaborating with Norge Systems to manufacture the Ice1 and Ice9 selective laser sintering 3D printers which have recently launched on Kickstarter. Let us know your thoughts on this brand new SLA machine in the Make SLA 3D printer forum thread on 3DPB.com. Check out some of the Make’s sample prints below:
Subscribe to Our Email Newsletter
Stay up-to-date on all the latest news from the 3D printing industry and receive information and offers from third party vendors.
You May Also Like
3D Printing Market Reaches $3.45B in Q2 2024, Marking 8.4% Year-Over-Year Growth
The global 3D printing market continued its upward trajectory in the second quarter of 2024, totaling $3.45 billion—a year-over-year increase of 8.4%. Despite a slight sequential decline from $3.47 billion...
New ABB Cobots Are 10 Times More Accurate for 3D Printing and More
ABB has introduced Ultra Accuracy GoFa cobots, which are ten times more accurate than the company’s previous cobots. While older industrial robots have driven innovation in concrete 3D printing, wire...
AM Expands Beyond 3D Printing at IMTS 2024
As discussed in our previous article on the Western hemisphere’s largest manufacturing trade show, the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS), the industrialization of 3D printing was on display. This was...
Ursa Major & US Navy Make $25M Joint Investment in New 3D Printed Rocket Motor Prototype
Ursa Major, the Colorado-based company dedicated to building a North American rocket propulsion supply chain with advanced manufacturing, has become one of the first recipients of funding from the DoD’s...