The Beast lets Makers 3D print four identical objects at the same time.
Typically speaking, bigger 3D printers mean bigger prices. However, thanks to one Australian startup, that may no longer be the case. Cultivate3D has developed a gigantic desktop 3D printer that rivals the cost of most existing desktop devices on the market.
Called The Beast, and rightfully so, the 3D printer boasts a number of new and innovative features compared to most others available today. Impressively, the machine is capable of printing four identical objects during a single print in completely different colors and materials, as well as constructing a single object within its massive 470mm x 435mm x 690mm build volume. At this size, Cultivate3D says that’s large enough to print two full-size basketballs, four radio-control transmitters or a small child — all at the same time.
From the looks of things, The Beast has the potential of becoming a go-to piece of equipment for anyone looking to pump out giant prints or speed up production of repeatedly printed parts. According to its creators Dan and Josh Herlihy, the machine is capable of achieving resolutions that are significantly smaller than existing desktop FDM 3D printers — 0.00125 millimeters on the Z axis and 0.00625 on the X and Y axes.
What’s more, the printer can spit out objects 10 times quicker than previous gadgets and can be made yet even faster by throwing on its optional larger nozzle. The Beast was designed with flexibility in mind, and will come with a range of add-ons to help transform its functionality.
As incredible as these specs are, perhaps the most eye-opening thing about The Beast is its price. Starting at just $1,850 for its DIY kit and $3,299 for a fully-assembled unit, Cultivate3D’s cost is dramatically less than other printers of similar size and quality.
“The Beast’s enormous build area allows users to print objects that have never before been possible on a printer with such a low price point,” the startup explains. “Our hope is for ‘The Beast’ to make many previously unattainable projects and prints possible and to make it accessible to as many makers, inventors, DIY enthusiasts and artists as we can.”
- Printer size: 690mm x 715mm x 1110mm
- Build volume
- Single extruder configuration: 470mm x 435mm x 690m
- Two-extruder configuration 230mm x 435mm x 690mm
- Four-extruder configuration: 230mm x 214mm x 690mm
- Printer weight: 66 lbs. (30kg)
- Nozzle diameter: 0.25mm-1mm
- Filament: PLA, ABS (J-head model); all types available (E3D model)
- Connectivity: USB, SD card
- Power supply: 110-240V
- Software: Repetier Host and Slic3r
- Operating system: Windows, OSX, Linux
Have a big idea you’d like to print? Head over to The Beast’s Kickstarter page, where the team has already surpassed its $7,129 goal. Delivery is set for January 2016.
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