GAIA Multitool — Multifaceted 3D Printer & More Hits Kickstarter

 

TYTAN 3D says the GAIA Multitool is a multifunctional device ready to function as a 3D printer, CNC router, laser cutter, engraver and a variety of other fabrication tools.

The GAIA Multitool is available in three versions, the Standard, MAXX and MINI and each one is capable of printing with thermoplastic materials such as ABS or PLA, but the developers say it’s the machine’s ability to 3D print objects from clay, ceramics or porcelain which has garnered it the most attention.

The company say the GAIA Multitool is unique in that, aside from it’s ability to print in plastics, it can use materials created by users from paper to paste or even chocolate. Using a pair of different extruders – one with a 1 liter tank mounted onto the nozzle, and a second one which contains a 10 liter tank – the multitool can print objects (at least in the case of the MAXX version) more than 1 meter tall.

But Janusz Wojcik of TYTAN 3D says the single most important feature of the lineup is the quality of the components they used to build them. He says that, while the GAIA Multitool may look like a common delta 3D printer, the components are more typical of a professional CNC machine, from IGUS joints to 32 bit electronics based on Smoothieware to HIWIN linear guides and a heated ceramic table.

Designed by the pair of Polish designers and fixtures in the 3D printing community – Wojcik and Pawel Rokita, they also are well-known for organizing the largest 3D printing fair in Poland, Days of 3D Printing. Additionally they operate a popular FabLab in their hometown in Kielce aimed at 3D printing hobbyists and amateurs.

Now with the GAIA Multitool, the two men have built a high quality machine aimed at expanding the functionality of a typical 3D printer, but they say they need funds to begin full production of the device and to that end, they’ve just launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise those funds.

“Looking at our machines you might expect that we’re already a fully operational company,” says Wojcik. “That is unfortunately not currently the case. The creators of GAIA Multitool have completely different ‘day jobs’ and this project was born ‘after hours.’ We need financial backing to make this part-time dream a full-time reality.”

The GAIA Multitool Standard has a working area of 30 x 36 cm, the GAIA Multitool MAXX features a working area of 45 x 105 cm and the GAIA Multitool MINI has a working area of 20 x 20 cm.

All three of the versions are made to utilize the array of 10 interchangeable toolheads via their delta kinematics setup.

Backers of the Kickstarter campaign can purchase the GAIA Multitool MINI for $1500 through what the company calls an early bird special, and there are optional items such as the 3D printing head for ceramics and 1 liter of material, a Bowden extruder version, an FDM head with 1.75 mm nozzle, a diamond stylus for etching metal and glass materials, a knife attachment capable of cutting foil or adhesive letters, a CNC milling machine toolhead, a head equipped with a marker for drawing or a laser engraver.  Prices for the Standard and MAXX versions go up from there.

You can find more details and commitment levels for the GAIA Multitool Kickstarter campaign here…

Will you be backing the GAIA Multitool Kickstarter campaign from designers Janusz Wojcik and Pawel Rokita? Let us know in the GAIA Multitool forum thread on 3DPB.com.