Bigger is almost always better, at least when it comes to 3D printers. Bigger is not better, however, when you have to give up print accuracy in order to obtain that larger print envelope. One upstart company based in 
Yes, I know it seems like every day we see a new crowdfunding campaign pop up for yet another 3D printer trying to get off the ground. Many of these machines are priced extremely low, in order to attract as many early backers as possible, and thus create a media frenzy around their particular funding campaign.
As we have seen earlier this week with the MOTA 3D printer, which had to cancel their campaign, this can get companies into a lot of trouble. A fine businessman once told me to always underpromise, and overachieve. This advice does not seem to be followed all too often within the 3D printing crowdfunding space. That said, I have the feeling that the X Force may actually be following this business advice. Although it is priced at $1,800 AUD for their backers, the machine certainly packs a punch. The price point puts this 3D printer below that of the Makerbot Replicator models, but above many of the cheaper, smaller machines on the market today.
What the X Force does, is combine a very large build envelope (300 x 210 x 360 (mm)) with the ability to print very accurately. Below are some of the secifications of the X Force 3D printer.
- Printer Size: 450 x 360 x 560mm
- Printer Weight: 25KG
- Print Envelope: 310 x 210 x 360mm
- Layer Thickness: 0.04-0.2mm
- X/Y-Axis Speed: 3000mm/min.
- Z-Axis Speed: 200mm/min.
- Print Nozzle Diameter: 0.4mm
- Print Platform Temperature: 0-110 Celsius, adjustable
- X/Y-Axis Position Accuracy: 0.00635mm
- Z-Axis Position Accuracy: 0.00125mm
- Printing Materials: ABS/PLA/NELON168
- Filament Diameter Supported: 1.75/3mm
As you can see, it clearly is a force to be reckoned with, one which would make a tremendous addition to any small business or home. The company is looking to raise $50,000 AUD by August 24th in order to begin production, as well as hire a few more hands and move to a larger production facility. The project launched yesterday, and has thus far raised a little over $1900 AUD.
Have you backed this 3D printer? What do you think about the specifications related to its price? Let us know in the X Force 3D printer forum thread on 3DPB.com
