Usually when a company launches a new 3D printer on a crowdfunding platform like Indiegogo or Kickstarter, they try to appeal to backers by presenting an incredibly cheap machine, or one that stands out from the rest because of its features and capabilities. What one Toronto Canada-based company, Monirad Robotics Inc. has managed to do though, with the launch of their Kickstarter campaign this week, is quite remarkable. They’ve presented an extremely affordable 3D printer which also is incredibly robust and feature-packed.
The company, which was launched back in September of last year by a group of engineers and scientists, seems to have a clear understanding of what the consumer desires. The team seeks to raise $50,000 by March 20th so that they can commence production of their Rhino 3D Printer.
“About a year ago while working as a designer, I printed many prototypes on different 3D printers with
price ranges from 500 to 10,000$,” explained Mohsen Chamanirad, founder of Monirad Robotics. “Unfortunately the low cost printers were not reliable, they were slower and since the temperature of the print area was not controlled the parts lacked consistency and durability. Even though the industrial grade one was faster, precise and reliable, it was expensive and had a small print area. This motivated us to design Rhino, an industrial grade, all metal chassis and extruder, 3D printer with ability to control temperature of print area.”
What sets this machine apart from the pack is several key features. First, the frame (or chassis) of the printer is constructed out of solid metal (80% aluminum, 20% steel). This means that the printer can function at rapid speeds without much vibration. Additionally they have added an all-metal extruder, capable of reaching temperatures as high as 300 degrees Celsius, allowing for compatibility with a whole slew of important materials ranging from PLA to Polycarbonate.
The company has also paid special attention to two other incredibly important aspects of any 3D printer, the build platform, and the build chamber. They’ve used a sturdy aluminum build platform, which is capable of distributing heat evenly throughout the entire print area. Additionally they are using a closed loop controller which regulates the temperature within the build chamber. These two features equate to a much more controlled environment for all your print projects. Further specifications of the Rhino can be found below:
- Printer Size: 23″ x 18″ x 21″
- Build Envelope: 12″ x 10″ x 10″ (L x W x H)
- Layer Resolution: 80 Microns
- Print Speed: up to 180mm/s
- Printer Weight: 40lb
- Filament Size and Compatibility: PLA, ABS, Nylon, Polycabonate (Plexiglass ),HDPE at 1.75mm
- Nozzle Diameter: 0.4mm
- Heated Bed: removable 1/4″ Aluminum Sheet
- Heater: 1000W, 110V (operated with a solid state relay)
With all these features, you’d expect a price of well over $1000, but incredibly it’s priced well under that. The fully assembled Rhino 3D Printer is available to ‘Early Bird’ backers starting at just $490. If you are a DIY enthusiast, the price gets even cheaper. The unassembled Rhino kit is available to ‘Early Bird’ backers for just $390. Those who back the project can expect to receive their printers sometime in June of this year should the campaign be fully funded.
Let us know if you’ve backed Monirad’s new printer, and what your thoughts on this machine are. Discuss in the Rhino 3D Printer forum thread on 3DPB.com. Check out the video below of the printer in action:
