When it comes to dual extrusion 3D printers, there are some positive aspects, but also some things about them that can make you want to scream. Dual extruders are not new to the consumer level 3D printing scene, as they have been available for a while now, however, with dual extruders, there usually comes a plethora of annoying issues. Some of these issues include the difficulty in maintaining flow control over the two extruders, as well as making sure the alignment is alway on par with what it should be. Temperature is another issue, as it is difficult to maintain the correct heat levels for both extruders throughout an entire print cycle. There are other annoyances such as drippings, clogging, unwanted system shuts downs, and the list goes on. Owners of dual extruder 3D printers live on average, 5 years less than those with single extruder machines….. Ok, that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but it wouldn’t surprise me if it were true.
Airwolf, today announced the unveiling of their new AW3D HD2x Dual Hot End 3D Printer, a printer which the company believes will solve all of the annoyances that come with dual extrusion systems. It features their innovative and patent-pending new JRx print heads which promise to make multiple extruder printing headaches a thing of the past. The JRx extruders are each powered by their own stepper motors, and are manufactured as a single piece, unlike that of other 3D printers. Because of the co-manufacturing, Airwolf has eliminated the x/y axis alignment issues that arise on other printers.
“Our ultimate goal is to place a 3D printer on every desktop,” explained Erick Wolf, Airwolf 3D co-founder and chairman. “To accomplish this we have to design and manufacture units that include the features customers want at an affordable price. Our new dual hot end AW3D HD2x is the latest example of our commitment and our most significant product ever. We’ve engineered it to be a simple-to-use, hassle-free 3D printer that combines the versatility of two hot ends with the desirability of printing over 20 different materials including polycarbonate and nylon. Basically, we’ve built a $10,000 desktop printer for a fraction of the cost.”
The HD2x’s JRx hot ends are the first “affordable” hot ends capable of running all day at a blistering temperature of 315 degrees C. They are able to print using 2 different colors or two separate materials at the same time.
This new 3D printer also features nylon gears, which are known for their longer life cycles, due to less wear and tear. The build envelope is 1,050 cubic inches with dimensions of 11″ x 8″ x 12″, and the printer is capable of printing in resolutions of up to 0.06mm. It’s speedy too, with the ability to print at up to 150mm/s.
One unique feature about ordering from Airwolf is that they really provide some nice added perks. All orders of the Airwolf AW3D HD2x come with a 2 hour training session at their facility in California (for those interested), as well as a spool of ABS filament, a flash drive with their software, and a set of allen wrenches which can be used for adjustments to the hardware. The new AW3D HD2x is priced at $3,995, and is available to order today.
What do you think? Will you consider purchasing the latest Airwolf 3D printer? What is your opinion on the new patent-pending dual extruders? Discuss in the Airwolf AW3D HD2x forum thread on 3DPB.com
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