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.
Atmel | Bits & Pieces 