‘Johnny Lab Machine’ 3D Printer Debuted at Rome Maker Faire Featuring Multiple Extrusion Methods

As the introduction of numerous new 3D printers are providing all sorts of options for consumers, lately we have seen a trend towards printers entering the market offering unique material options. In the last few months alone, several interesting machines have been introduced, capable of printing in a variety of materials, above and beyond your typical ABS and PLA filaments. Whether it’s food, pelletized plastic, or pasty substances such as clay or caulk, the options available are certainly expanding.

One Italian company, called Design for Craft, founded by Carlo De Mattia and Emilio Antinori last year, is working on a 3D printer they call ‘Johnny Lab Machine‘. The machine, which features average specifications, and an above average build volume, promises to offer users a whole slew of material options. Below you will find some of the basic specs for the Johnny Lab Machine:

• Max Print Speed: 60mm/s
• Layer Resolution: Up to 10 micron
• Nozzle Size: 0.35mm and 0.50mm
• Build Envelope: 200 x 200 x 250mm
• Filament Size: 1.75mm and 3mm

The machine, which is not specifically designed for desktop use, is being targeted towards the laboratory, as its name implies. With the extruder tethered to only the z-axis, this printer differs from most on the market to day. With that said, what makes the Johnny Lab Machine really stand out is its versatility and compatibility with numerous material options.

If the user wishes to print with thermoplastics, they will immediately have several options. The printer can use popular spools of filament, in both 1.75mm and 3mm sizes, as well as use stick filament if users wish to feed various colors into the machine by hand. Additionally, the team would like to add an attachment, making pelletized thermoplastics also an option, which could save a great deal of money over traditional filament. Lastly, the company is also looking to add a cold extrusion module to expand the applicable uses of the machine even further.

The team at Design for Craft presented the prototype of this machine at the Rome Maker Faire 2014, which took place October 3-5 at the Parco della Musica Auditorium in Rome. The price of this machine, once ready, has yet to be released.

Let us know what you think of this new 3D printer. Discuss in the Johnny Lab Machine forum thread on 3DPB.com.