German RepRap Adds New Features, Releases Fourth-Generation X400 3D Printer

Founded in 2010, German RepRap has established a serious reputation as a developer of filament and 3D printing software, as well as that of a 3D printer manufacturer. The Munich-based company was the first to offer the RepRap style industrial 3D printer to the world, and they have only continued to forge ahead, expanding their offerings continually, along with winning awards, working with innovative resellers, developing new materials, and more.

As they continue to lead in developing FFF 3D printers, German RepRap is introducing the X400 v4. This new 3D printer is designed for fabrication of larger objects, but also low volume production of industrial parts. In their announcement of the fourth-generation X400, German RepRap states that the new 3D printer is high-end, with the following features:

• Impressive speed and accuracy with layer thickness of up to 0.1 mm
• Ultra-quiet operation
• Quality components, featuring milled metal parts and tight tolerances
• Automatic bed leveling
• Commercial-grade ventilation design

“The automatic bed-leveling feature means the print bed needs to be calibrated only once, eliminating time-consuming adjustments before each print job,” states the German RepRap team. “The new ventilation design ensures consistent operating temperatures throughout each job, which, in turn, improves process safety. Several dedicated fans in the printer maintain temperatures in the extruder, around the printed object as well as in the print area. This also improves the processing of materials such as PVA (polyvinyl alcohol).”

The X400 v4 also offers a filament tracking system. If materials run out during a print job, it is paused until the user attends to the issue. It is also sensitive to any irregularities in printing speed (many times that we would not be able to see), and will react, ‘secure the printing process,’ and prevent it from being canceled.

An industrial-grade computer is also built into the X400, allowing for standalone 3D printing, featuring a USB interface and touchscreen. Simplify3D software is included with each X400. The user has complete control over the 3D printing process and is able to set individual parameters, adjust for complex geometries, and more.

Dual extruders can be used for printing with multiple colors and materials, and Simplify3D permits different parameter settings for printing the different geometries of one part.

“The user-friendly DD3 dual extruder technology with a full metal hot end tops off the printer’s features,” explains the German RepRap team in a press release for the new 3D printer. “The extruder can be fitted with different nozzles to adjust for various applications and materials to be used. Contact pressure is variable, as well, to facilitate the processing of softer materials.”

The new 3D printer has shown itself to be reliable in continuous operation too. Users around the world can purchase the X400 v4 through German RepRap’s global network of resellers, with the option of maintenance contracts. Servicing is provided on site, by trained technicians, according to German RepRap. Find out more about the X400 v4 here, as well as checking out their list of distributors.

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