In today’s 3D printing world, it seems a vast majority of Makers are seeking larger and faster devices. The greater the printer size, the greater the ability to fabricate larger objects. Now, throw a quick turnaround into the mix, and you will have the DIY community salivating to get their hands on such machine. Cognizant of each of these traits is German startup F&B Rapid Production, who has just launched an Indiegogo campaign for its gargantuan 3D printer, aptly named MetalBro BIG.
According to its creators, whereas most everyday 3D printers are limited by build volume, the F&B team has sought out to devise a printing bed of approximately 27.5-inches (700mm) x 12-inches (300mm), with 27.5-inches (700mm) in the z direction as well. In addition to going to great lengths to produce a massive build area, the Makers designed a hotend capable of speeds up to 600 mm/s.
“Are you an architect or product designer? You have big products or models in mind to print? To get it in plastic you have to pay a lot of money to specialised companies? This has an end now! With this printer you can easily print architecture models like a bridge, a skyscraper or even a house with a big tree in the yard (or printing it all together) is no problem anymore,” a company rep writes.
Like many devices currently on the market, the MetalBro BIG is powered by an Arduino Mega 2560 (ATmega2560) and RAMPS 1.4. Some additional key specifications include:
- Print Technology: FFF
- Layer Resolution: 50 microns
- Positioning Precision: XY – 11 microns, Z – 0.05 microns
- Extruder Nozzle Temperature: 180-300°C
- Supported File Types: STL
- Supported Filament Types: PLA, ABS, PVA, HDPE, Nylon, TPE, Laywood, Laybrick, Ninjaflex, Gel-Lay, Lay-Foamm, and Bendlay
In addition to its MetalBro BIG, the team has also announced that they will be making a smaller model available as well. Dubbed MetalBro300, the printer features a bit smaller build volume, nozzle dimater and print speed, and is also powered by an ATmega2560.
Interested in learning more? Head over to F&B Rapid Production’s official Indiegogo campaign page, where they are currently seeking €50,000 on Indiegogo. If all goes well, the team is hoping to begin shipment to backers March 2015.
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