‘Artisan Make’ Introduces New ‘Make’ SLA 3D Printer in China

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: