gCreate goes big with two new 3D printers

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gCreate has introduced the next big thing in 3D printing. Meet the gMax 1.5+ and 1.5 XT+. 

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Last fall, Brooklyn-based startup gCreate unveiled a pair of 3D printers in their gMax line: the gMax 1.5 and gMax 1.5 XT. Despite already having one of the larger build volumes on the market, the team has decided to once again improve upon its capacity by increasing the printable height by nearly two inches.

The newly-revealed gMax 1.5+ and gMax 1.5 XT+ boast volumes of 16’’ x 16’’ x 12’’ and 16’’ x 16’’ x 21’’, respectively, and feature interchangeable bed plates and extruders that enable print jobs in a variety of materials including PLA, ABS, Ninja Flex, Carbon Fiber, water soluble PVA, WoodFill, Bronzefill and stainless steel, among many others.

Like the rest of its family members, both the 1.5+ and 1.5 XT+ are embedded with an Arduino Mega 2560 (ATmega2560) along with a RAMPS 1.4 shield and run Marlin firmware. All gMax machines are comprised of 80/20 aluminum frames in either black anodized or natural silver. Additionally, each kit ships with 3D-printed plastic parts in four different colors: red, yellow, blue or carbon fiber.

Aside from that, it boasts a redesigned LCD screen with an integrated USB connector, better wire management and 2D pen plotting capabilities. By using 8mm four-start precision stainless steel screws, gCreate has also drastically increased its Z-axis speeds while maintaining a minimum of 80 micron layer heights.

Since coming to scene in 2013 with a successful Kickstarter campaign, the team led by Anna Lee and Gordon LaPlante has taken into consideration a vast amount of feedback from its users in order to enhance the overall 3D printing experience. Some of these improvements include its all-aluminum carriage for hassle-free calibration and bed swapping, as well as a metal X-axis extruder plate for simplified leveling and tool head changing.

• Printer size: 28.5” x 24” x 21.5”
• Build volume: 16″ x 16″ x 12″ (1.5+); 16″ x 16″ x 21″ (1.5 XT+)
• Nozzle diameter: 0.5mm J-Head Mk V-BV
• Layer thickness: 80-360 micron
• Power supply: 120V/240V 300W Micro ATX
• Connectivity: USB, SD card, OctoPrint and MatterControl
• Software: Compatible with all major slicing engines and host software (slic3r, Simplify3D, Cura, Printrun, MatterHackers)

Both printers are now available and will ship fully-assembled, calibrated and tested. The gMax 1.5+ starts at $2,495, while the 1.5 XT+ at $2,995.

gCreate unveils a pair of new 3D printers

Last year, Brooklyn-based startup gCreate launched a successful Kickstarter campaign for its large and versatile 3D printer, the gMax. Now, the team has returned, this time with a pair of upgraded systems: the gMax 1.5 and gMax 1.5 XT.

“After over a year of prototyping, listening to customer feedback, and refining the gMax 1.0, we are eager to put into effect all of the exciting changes we’ve made towards this latest and greatest version. Designing and manufacturing in-house is allowing us to execute changes quickly while still maintaining excellent standards of quality,” explained gCreate Founder Gordon LaPlante.

While the build volume of gMax 1.5 measures roughly the same as its precursor (16″ x 16″ x 10″), a tighter design allows for a smaller printer footprint. Meanwhile, its bigger brother gMax 1.5 XT comes in 16″ x 16″ x 18″.

Like the original, each of the printers are powered by an Arduino Mega 2560 (ATmega2560) along with a RAMPS 1.4 shield.

While last year’s gMax only came in partially-assembled kit form, the new 1.5 has the option to ship fully-tested and assembled. Furthermore, 1.5 XT is partially assembled – extruder and wires all pre-installed.

The fused filament fabrication (FFF) uses an extruder whose nozzle has a diameter of 0.5 mm, while the print resolution ranges between 50 microns to 450 microns, depending on speed preference. Both printers are equipped with a dual extruder add-on feature, an LCD screen and built-in SD card reader, providing users the option to print without a computer. Each one is also compatible with Octoprint.

In order to create a stronger, superior printer, the team has implemented design upgrades such as new end-tapped corners, a vertical aluminum frame system, a redesigned extruder and wiring layout for easier assembly and improved cooling, replacing key plastic parts with carbon fiber.

Those interested in exploring these megaAVR based machines some more can head to gCreate’s official page here.