Kora Alpha 3D Printer is Announced: ‘Biggest Build Ratio in its Class’

It has to stop eventually, right? I’m referring to the incredible pace in which we are seeing new 3D printer manufacturers popping up on an almost daily basis.We have been seeing a plethora of new 3D printers featuring additional options, a variety of build sizes, and ever decreasing price tags. We are going from an industry which was dominated by only a few firms only 2 years ago, to one which is becoming open to just about anyone. This is not so great for those companies that are trying to manufacture 3D printers. More choices mean there is less a chance of the next potential consumer choosing their product. When it comes to consumers though, we couldn’t be in a more perfect situation. Dozens of  manufacturers trying to outdo the next, both as far as 3D printer features go, as well as their price tags, leads to a market begging for mass adoption.

The latest 3D printing company to announce their  entrance into this growing market is Kora. The Great Britain based company has announced that they are now taking orders for their new Alpha 3D Printer. According to Kora, the Alpha has the “biggest build ratio in its class”. The FDM based 3D printer features a large 807 cubic inch volume, with dimensions of 230mm x 230mm x 250mm.

Here are some more specifications of the Kora Alpha:

• Highly accurate and fast heating nozzle (160 – 300 degrees C)
• Layer resolution of 20 Microns to 400 Microns
• Position precision: X: 12.5 Microns (0.125mm), Y: 12.5 Microns (0.125mm), Z: 5 Microns (0.005mm)
• Print speed: 30mm/second – 300mm/second
• Travel speed: 30mm/second – 350mm/second
• Supported filament diameter: 1.75mm
• Nozzle diameter: Comes Standard with 0.4mm (available 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.6mm)

It also features a fast heating hotplate system, a fully integrated LED illumination system, an LCD screen, onboard webcam, WiFi, SD card reader, and an optional dual extruder upgrade kit. The Alpha uses a unique VariBLOCK head unit, which allows for the interchanging of extruder head systems. The company says that this will allow it to print using foods, liquids, pens, and more in the future.

Kora also brags about the 3D printer’s power efficiency and consumption, saying it only costs approximately 4 Pence per CC of filament extruded (including both filament and power consumption costs). It is also designed with quality and safety in mind. It features a solid, powder coated steel frame, which is has an optional fully enclosed build chamber.

The Alpha is priced at $1,895.00 and comes in Red, Black or Silver. The company plans to release a more in depth video, showing the printer in action this coming week. In the mean time, check out the promotional video below:

What do you think? Will you consider purchasing the Kora Alpha? Discuss in the Kora Alpha forum thread on 3DPB.com