mUVe 3D Set to Launch New DLP (SLA) 3D Printer Starting at Only $999

mUVe 3D is known for their mUVe 1 resin based 3D printer, which was successfully funded on Indiegogo a little over a year ago. Now, Dean Piper, the founder of mUVe 3D informs 3DPrint.com that they will be opening pre-orders for their new beta mUVe 1 DLP 3D printer, “hopefully this evening”.

The mUVe 1 DLP 3D Printer is a stripped down version of the original mUVe 1 laser based 3D printer, but without the mechanical components of the X and Y axis and of course without the laser. The DLP technology will certainly make for one heck of an open-source SLA printer. The price of this new printer? The kit will cost you $999 without the DLP projector. If you wish to purchase it with a projector, it will cost a total of $1,549 with the 1280×800 projector, or $2,099 with the 1920×1080 version. These are extraordinarily low prices for a high quality DLP 3D printer.

“We recently decided to make a DLP system to help continue to bridge the gap between the person who knows little about 3D printing and wants to get started doing high quality printing for less money,” mUVe founder Dean Piper told 3DPrint.com. “To date I don’t know of another company that can offer what we do, for as little money as we do.”

If you are confused about the difference between the laser based machine and the new DLP one, besides the fact that the laser version utilizes a laser whereas the DLP version utilizes a light projector, Piper explained to us some of the differences:

Prints from the mUVe 1 DLP printer – Click to enlarge

“The laser system operates like an upside down RepRap. The X and Y axis move the laser around underneath the vat; the laser shoots up through the vat onto the build plate. The problem with driving an SLA machine that has a laser like a RepRap, is that a laser really requires proper controls. Otherwise it’s a bit sloppy.”

“The DLP machine is a replacement of just the X and Y axis on our laser printer.  We’ve actually managed to make a bolt-on for our case that allows you to add the DLP projector to the laser system. So you can literally have both DLP and laser in one machine.”

That’s right, you could utilize both a digital light processing (DLP) projector as well as a laser in the same 3D printer. The printer, with both the laser and DLP options in it is expected to be released at a later date, and priced at around $2,499.

Those people who have the original mUVe 1 with the aluminum case, will have the option to purchase a projector mount from mUVe 1 and retrofit their current machine to make it DLP compatible. The mount will only be priced at $150, and will allow for the addition of any projector that you’d prefer.

The new DLP model will use the same Z-axis as the laser version, including the dual-motor tilting peel system. The projector mount on the DLP printer will be completely adjustable, so that you can easily change the resolution of your prints. Any project that is compatible with UV resins will work, including low resolution, affordable 1024×768 projectors. Another very unique feature is that the mUVe 1 DLP will allow for the mounting of 2 projectors, which would allow for the increase of print resolution without having to spend a ton of money.

Piper also has been working to improve their original mUVe 1 Laser 3D printer.

“We’ve worked over the last year, since our IndieGoGo campaign last April, to add proper laser intensity and pulsing controls to the main open-source RepRap firmware,” he explained. “As of now we can make the laser pulse a set number of times per millimeter, with specific intensity, and with a specific pulse duration. All of the settings are user adjustable and can drive pretty much any laser, including a CO2 laser should a person want to do so. So we’re just now getting to the point where print quality should start getting better and better.”

For those interested in pre-ordering this truly groundbreaking new SLA 3D printer, keep an eye on the mUVe3D website, as pre-orders should open up anytime now.  Feel free to discuss this news in the mUVe 1 DLP printer forum thread at 3DPB.com.