Reify-3D Launches Indiegogo Campaign to Raise $50K for Solus SLA-DLP 3D Printer

November 14, 2014 by Bridget O'Neal 3D Printers 3D Printing

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With an Indiegogo campaign just launched to raise funds for their production phase, Taiwan-based startup Reify-3D brings you their SLA DLP-based 3D printer, Solus, after two years in development. We recently reported on Reify-3D and the Solus prior to their launch, interested in their commitment to SLA technology in producing a powerful but affordable 3D printer.

Solus is special due to a number of reasons, but pointedly because of Reify-3D’s patent pending peeling technology which means you no longer have to replace or re-coat your resin tank. This increases efficiency and affordability, with a printer built to stand the test of time — and the bonus of being a strong SLA printer. Add to the list that the Solus also offers high resolution, is affordable, and versatile enough to allow you to work in a number of different applications and industries.

Solus 3D printed vertebrae

In a fixed Indiegogo campaign launched to raise $50K by December 13^th, Reify-3D offers those who pledge at least $25 a 3D printed novelty gift in the form of a vertebra — harking back to their project in fabricating bone tissue and stem cell scaffolds for a leading medical university. After that the Solus is being offered at discounted prices, with the models for first-in-line backers being sold at $999 (note: these are already sold out).

The Solus 3D printer is available to second-in-line backers at $1,099, and to third-in-line backers at $1,199. Shipping and handling is not included in those prices. Also not included in those prices is the projector, which can be added on at a cost of $300-$600 — still making it very affordable.

At Reify-3D, founded by Canadian Mark Kuhnlein, they understood there was a problem with the majority of SLA 3D printers in that users were frustrated by their low quality in peeling material durability. At Reify-3D, they focused in on working to prevent the effect of that issue on print quality and the amount of print failure caused by it. Dedicated to finding a solution, they spent two years researching and developing a 3D printer that has come to fruition in the form of Solus, featuring:

High-strength, low-surface energy film
TUF tilt peeling technology
High level of reliability
Optimal light transmission for highly detailed prints

The peeling technology sets Solus apart, but it is also a very durable machine, built with stainless steel parts, thick laser cut anodized aluminum, and securely locking, extendable legs. The maximum XY build area is 14.5 x 11 cm and the maximum height is 20cm. Solus will work with most non-LED DLP projectors and the addition of a close-up filter and adapter.

The Solus is user-friendly and offers flexibility that makes attractive for:

Lattice Ring with 300 micron wire mesh

Research
Jewelry
Engineering
Design
Medical
Dental

With most SLA 3D printers featuring a PDMS silicon layer or an adhesive-backed Teflon film for their non-stick peeling surface, these features can cause the concerns of print quality and failure that Solus was trying to iron out. Using a ‘durable film sourced from the semiconductor and flat-panel industries in combination with a patent-pending tilt peeling method,’ smooth peeling and consistent light transmission solve the print quality and print failure issues, and the user is left satisfied with a 3D printer that produces sharp details and all the maintenance issues eliminated. The Solus teams reports that they have been able to print single objects that almost completely fill the build area of 14.5 x 11 cm.

With an acrylic-based resin tank, the peeling material is impervious to nearly every chemical, and has been tested with MakerJuice, Spot-A Materials and Reify-3D formulations. Any other resins curing around 400nm should work. Reify-3D is currently testing resins from other manufacturers, as well as casting resins.

3D printed ring

Offering DLP stereolithography technology, the Solus is highly accurate and able to print as small as 25 micron XY resolution. Surface finish is remarkable, especially considering the affordability of this printer, as such quality is usually only available in much more expensive 3D printers. Printing is easy, fast, and worry-free, with the projector curing a complete layer at a time.

Have you experienced issues with peeling surfaces causing reduction in print quality and even print failure? Share your thoughts with us in the Solus forum over at 3DPB.com.

Solus specs: