The Pharaoh Delta 3D Printer by Mass Portal: So diverse it can print an offroad scooter

When it comes to electronics, quality is key. This is why Apple has been so successful in the continual development of their iPhone, and it’s the same reason why people are willing to pay tens of thousands of euros for Rolex watches. There is something about the quality of a product that is calming to the mind. When it comes to 3D printers, many manufacturers claim that they offer quality machines. I’ve tried out over a dozen different 3D printers so far, and I must say that while some are of quite high quality, the majority are not something I would be willing to compare to a Rolex watch, or even an Apple iPhone.

One company from Latvia, is looking to change all of this, with the European release of their brand new 5th generation 3D printer. Mass Portal, a company that we touched on last week, when we covered a story about a 3D printed levitation device, thinks that their 3D printer offers something that other manufacturers in Europe do not.

The Pharaoh Delta 3D printer, which is slated to be released in Europe sometime in early 2015, offers a lot to be excited about when it comes to desktop 3D printing. Targeting at-home users, as well as use for schools and offices, Mass Portal prides themselves on the machine’s smooth, quiet, precise and easy operation, which stems from what they feel may be the “first high quality, mainstream delta 3D printer”.

The latest generation of the Pharaoh will include many improvements over the previous models. This includes a new 5″ touch screen, running a custom Pharaoh printer control software. This aims to make the 3D printer a lot easier to use.  The touchscreen will allow you to select the files you want to print and then begin printing right away, or if you want to control the parameters in which the printer is printing with while it has already started a job, you can do that as well. Also upgraded are the “brains” of the printer. The electronics which run the machine have been updated to a 32-bit system, which runs Repetier Firmware, allowing for more precise, calculations and higher printing speeds.

The Pharaoh has a build area that has a diameter of 20cm and a height of 20cm, and features an all-metal bowden extruder which can print with temperatures of up to 300 °C with uniform results. This opens the door to printing with almost any filaments on the market today. As for print speeds, Mass Portal tells us that when it is compared to other 3D printers, this one can print at faster speeds with lower levels of vibration and noise. “Precision linear guides ensure smooth and precise movements, driven by 0.9 degree step angle motors,” they explain.

The extruder can be fitted with brass nozzles ranging in diameter from 0.25- 0.7mm.

Here are some further specifications for the Mass Portal Pharaoh:

• Dimensions – 32cm width x 31cm depth x 63cm height
• Weight – 17kg
• Build area – 20cm heigh x 20cm diameter
• Printing materials – PLA, ABS, PET, PS, Flexible filament, and many thermoplastics
• Filament diameter – 1.75mm
• Layer thickness: 0.02-0.6mm (dependent on nozzel size)
• Print bed: Heated brass (up to 120 °C) – Automatic bed leveling system
• Printing speeds: 20-300 mm/s
• Compatible with multiple slicing apps — Slic3r, Cura, Simplify3D, other
• OS support: Windows (XP SP3 +); Mac OS X (10.6+); Linux
• File formats: STL, OBJ, G-code
• Connections: Wi-Fi, USB 2.0, Full-size SD card reader

No price for the Pharaoh has been announced as of yet. Mass Portal will be on hand at the upcoming Euromold event, and be located in hall 11, stand F121. On hand at the show, they will have a 3D printed offroad scooter which was printed entirely on the Pharaoh. It features multiple parts all printed in different types of material. For example, the treads are printed with flexible NinjaFlex, while ColorFabb XT Copolyester was used to print the frame elements and body panel, and FormFutura Flex EcoPLA was used for the seat, gasoline can, and handles. Be sure to check out the scooter, as well as their 3D printers at Euromold later this week.

What do you think? Will this printer bring anything to the market in Europe that already isn’t there? Would you consider purchasing the Pharaoh? Discuss in the Mass Portal Pharaoh forum thread on 3DPB.com.