These pages are dedicated to introducing ceramic 3D printing to creative people at all skill levels and from differing backgrounds. So, when I find a YouTube video that I believe to be helpful, I want to include it and comment on my observations.
First, let me say I find the vast majority of reviews for new products to be utterly useless. Generally, the reviewer opens the box, tries the product, makes a video giving their reactions and then sets the product aside never to return to it. The video I am including in this post, byNathan Builds Robots is a refreshing departure from that formula!
Realistic First Time Expectations
Clay is not plastic.
Nathan could have edited out all of his startup hurdles. But, that would have deprived us of the reality of using a new 3D printer that uses an entirely new material. I really appreciated that Nathan walks us through each step including those that resulted in the kinds of failures that we need to overcome to be successful. Not only did Nathan learn from those bumps in the road, we learned, with him, how to put them behind us.
I came away believing that I just witnessed what I can realistically expect from my own first time experience with a ceramic 3D printer. This, alone, is enormously valuable. But, how Nathan proceeds through his learning curve is even MORE valuable.
Rewards of Tenacity
We constantly use 3D design and printing to emphasize the life lesson "Your Failures Are Not Final". You can bet we will show this video to our students because it show how we can turn failures into success by using critical thinking skills to come up with new solutions to try. We also use 3D design and printing to help students build "Resiliency" skills.
Nathan's tenacity is a great example of resiliency in action.
As we watch Nathan evaluate each printing attempt, we see him using the critical thinking skills that can turn that failure into developing a strategy to overcome that hurdle. Nathan wasn't content to print once and quit. He recorded repeated attempts over several days and every day brought about better and better results.
While he acknowledges that he has more to learn about the ceramic printing process, I look forward to future videos from Nathan as he continues to refine the ceramic 3D printing process.
Multi-machine Applicability
Another thing I appreciate about Nathan's video is that what he is experiencing and learning will have broad applicability across all of the new desktop ceramic 3D printers. The quest to find the right clay viscosity, flow pressure along with cleaning and firing tips will be useful to ALL of us, no matter which printer we end up purchasing. So, I, for one, have subscribed to his channel. I can't wait to see more.
The is no point in continuing to consider ceramic 3D printing if our life, or organizational, situation cannot implement every aspect of the workflow required to successfully integrate ceramics 3D printing into our goals.
This is probably not a complete description of the final workflow demanded of a user of a ceramic 3D printer. But, it will give us a good start at trying to determine how well we might be able to fulfill the basic requirements.
3D Design for Ceramics
Clay Selection & Procurement
Clay Preparation
3D Printing Process
Cleanup
Post-Printing Processing
Firing
Marketing (if applicable)
Anticipate Scalability
Obviously, this is a simplistic list of the elements of the workflow. But, it is a good start for taking a realistic look at our ability to truly implement ceramic 3D printing into our 3D printing goals for those we serve.
Workflow Requirement #1: 3D Design for Ceramics
Even the most talented traditional clay artist would fail to benefit from 3D printing if they could not find a way to create the virtual files from which to print. Fortunately, for us, we have found that our students enjoy using Moments of Inspirationto print with our traditional 3D printers, so at a bare minimum, we are confident that we can successfully meet the needs of this requirement.
But, it gets better than that. Quoting from the Eazao Blog:
"The major upgrade of the Eazao 3D printer this time is the software part. We cooperated with the Shandong University IRC Laboratory
to develop a series of software specifically for ceramic 3D printing,
which will greatly enhance the experience of Eazao 3D printers and lower
the entry barrier.
The software will be released for free in the near future. The
software is in the stage of intensive improvement. We integrate modeling
and slicing together to achieve a seamless connection between design
and manufacturing. It is currently divided into the following four
sections: sweeping modeling, lofting modeling, rotation modeling, and
texture mapping. At the same time, we also developed an interactive
modeling tool based on leapmotion."
The development version of this software is available for free download atClayontec.com. I have downloaded the software and, while it is not yet complete, I am convinced that ANYONE will be able to use this software to design almost unlimited designs suitable for meeting this requirement. It's remarkable software that produces very complex designs with very simple controls.Equally importantly, it can even be used to add material qualities to designs our students have created in MOI3D or any other CAD/3D Design program.
In the past, the question about whether or not an individual might have the skills to design clay vessels for a 3D printing was probably the biggest barrier to adoption of 3D ceramic printing. But, thankfully, Clayon goes a LONG way to make this particular question almost moot.
Not every clay will work well in a 3D printer. Before buying the printer it is important that we ensure we have the information we need to select the proper clay for our 3D printing needs.We are fortunate that Manassas Clay is nearby and we enjoyed working with them when we explored powder-binder ceramic printing.
For those not having a great resource like this locally, the good news is that ceramics 3D printing is not a new technology, even if consumer desktop ceramic 3D printing is new. There are many articles by skilled 3D ceramic printer users that clearly spell out the kinds of clay appropriate for 3D printers. We will cover this topic extensively in the future.
This is one of the most serious questions we need to ask ourselves before fully committing to incorporate ceramics into our 3D printing environment. The first step is to admit the challenges. The next step is to ensure we have come up with effect ways to meet those challenges.
There are videos and articles that can help us understand the clay preparation process. So, that does not concern us.
The real issue has to do with effects of introducing clay, itself, into our environment. Let's face it. Clay can be messy.
Part of our responsibility is to ensure that we have planned the processes to minimize negative aspects of using clay. This includes identifying equipment to keep the area clean and safe. We're ahead of the game in this regard because we already had to deal with the impact of using fine clay powders, which are far more potentially harmful than working with moist clay. We found many ways to use our regular 3D printers to create tools to help us keep our space as clean as possible.
Notice that I emphasized the word "fully" above. Some of our mitigation strategies might require obtaining a single printer for testing before we can fully understand what it will take to introduce it as an essential element of our program.
Workflow Requirement #3: 3D Printing Process
What is required for feeling confident with this step is going to be quite different from person to person.
We know that printing with ceramics, while similar to that of printing with plastic will have its own unique requirements. But, we not only have FDM printing experience; but, powder-binder and SLA technologies as well. Each of these have their own challenges and learning curves. But, we have always treated our learning space as a LAB. For this reason, we're confident that not only can we learn to use the ceramic 3D printer; but, thrive with using it.
For those with NO 3D printing experience, the Clayon software, mentioned earlier, combines both design and preparation of the files used by the printer. It even has a special functionality where it will test a design and report the likelihood of printing success.
Clayon Evaluation Report
This makes it significantly more likely that even a novice can find success with their desktop 3D printer. I might also add, that I have found that Eazao's support team has responded to all of my questions in a timely manner. Help is also available on their Facebook group.
Support has to be factored into determining if one can be successful with this aspect of using a desktop 3D ceramic printer.
Workflow Requirement #4: Printer Cleanup
One of the major differences between traditional 3D printers and a ceramic 3D printer is the absolute necessity of disassembling and cleaning parts as necessary to remove the potential negative affects of clay hardening. "Due Diligence" demands we consider this aspect of using s ceramic 3D printer in our environment.
TIME is one of the factors we need to address. Who will be expected to perform the cleaning is another.Actually, in a educational setting, they are related. The class period for a person starting a print may end before the print is completed.We will need to come up with workable policies before 'fully' integrating ceramics 3D printing.
Even in a home setting, it would be wise to ensure that just as much importance is placed on cleaning the printer as using it.
Workflow Requirement #5: Post-Printing Processing
When we finish a print with a traditional 3D printer we can usually get by with no significant post-processing. But, every printing attempt with ceramics will require some form of post-processing. This is true even of failed prints where it should be handled in a way that allows it to be recycled.
Without going into detail, post-processing involves a series of steps leading to final firing. These include, drying, low-firing, decorating and hand shaping. It's the place where the magic happens that can fulfill the need for hands-on creating that traditional clay artists cherish.
For us, it is also a place where those who face challenges in using 3D design software can be included in the creative process. Planning for this step in the workflow is a critical part of the "Due Diligence" required to get the most out of the ceramic 3D printing experience for participants of our program.
Workflow Requirement #6: Firing
We face a significant hurdle here.
There are reasons why a traditional clay kiln my not be permitted on our site.For others, the challenge may be the cost of a traditional kiln.
Fortunately, I have a kiln, at home, large enough to fulfill the requirements of firing in batches as we get started. And, the printed objects using a desktop ceramic printer can be dried enough to survive travel. (That was NOT the case of powder-binder prints!) But, to ensure continuity we will need to make long-term arrangements with an outside provider of kiln services.
While it limits the sizes of the objects our students might produce there is another option provided by Eazao and others.
That is a Microwave Kiln. The viability of using a Microwave Kiln can be tested independently, even before buying a desktop 3D printer.
Microwave Kiln
For home users, in particular, a Microwave Kiln allows them to get started with ceramic 3D printing without having to make a large investment in a traditional kiln.
For some, whether or not there is a market for what they produce is irrelevant. But, for us, it is an important consideration.
If there is potential that some of the at-risk individuals in our program may be able to develop their ceramic design and printing skills to the point of being self sufficient then we would be remiss in not providing training for them if at all possible.
The bad news about the parts produced by consumer 3D printers is that they lack perceived value. Parts produced on industrial quality printers are usually limited to the industrial marketplace and those markets are narrow and specialized. It is hard to learn those markets.
Ceramic 3D prints have a much higher perceived value by many orders of magnitude.
The possibility that one can discover a market for 3D printed ceramic parts they design has real potential. So, from the potential alone, ceramic 3D printing deserves serious consideration. But, marketing success does not just happen. It will take as much 'due diligence' effort as any of the other aspects when evaluating whether or not ceramics 3D printing can meet the ultimate goals and aspirations of our program.
Workflow Requirement #8: Anticipate Scalability
Our initial consideration concerns a small desktop ceramic 3D printer. This is perfect for exploring the potential of 3D printing in ceramic materials. But, ultimately we need to fully consider the scalability options should we need to expand. This is more than just thinking about bigger printers. It also has to do with the scalability of the skills learned while working with an entry level ceramic printer. The include design skills that might be expanded and hands-on skills related to the workflow involved with the entire clay creation process. Do the peripheral skills gained by working with ceramics enhance the future opportunities for users. For instance, our organization also has a home building vocational initiative. How might working at the entry level in 3D ceramic design relate to the future of 3D home building technologies?
Adding scalability to the evaluation might end up adding some elements to the workflow, like airbrushing, creating multi-object installations or incorporating into home building. So, it is important to begin with scalability in mind.
SUMMARY
Whether it be an individual or an organization, successful implementation of Ceramic 3D printing depends on being willing to ask serious questions that take into account the entirety of the ceramic workflow. Fortunately, Eazao has made some significant moves beyond simply creating and building a piece of hardware. Those moves, like the creation of Clayon, go a long way to make positive answers to the questions possible for the widest community of potential users.
Whether we are looking for a personal printer or one that will be used in an educational/vocational setting, due diligence requires that we survey as many options that may serve our needs as we can find.
Before learning about the Eazao Zero, I had known about other extrusion ceramic printers. What drew my attention to the new Eazao was the compact size and simplicity. So, my search for alternatives is filtered by those primary considerations. It would be a LOT easier had I NOT been able to find another comparable ceramic printer. But that was not the case.
The Tronxy Moore 3D ceramics printer is built on a similar form factor as the Eazao Zero. It uses a similar two-part clay delivery system with an external 'putter' pushing clay through a tube to the print head. In fact, at first glance it almost appears that the Moore 1 and the Eazao Zero might have come off the same assembly line. But, on close examination that is likely NOT the case.
Here are the images, side by side.
Tronxy Moore 1 / Eazao Zero
While I do not have either printer for hands-on examination. Watching the videos and web pages for each indicates that, in reality, there are some significant differences. The first, of course, is the orientation of the towers and build sizes. The Moore 1's tower is on the left and the Eazao Zero tower is on the right. The dimensions and build areas are also different.
Printer Size
Build Area
Eazao Zero
350x300x500mm
150x150x240mm
Tronxy Moore 1
355x252x370mm
180x180x180mm
Other differences are a bit more difficult to identify through images and videos. But, it appears the bearings and tracks that guide movement are of different types. There are differences in the motor end of the putters. In addition, the Eazao appears to have a full-size SD slot in the front while the Tronxy's Mini-SD slot is on the side.
Each of the differences between these two units has the potential to affect the user's experience. But, without having the luxury of being able to test them side-by-side, we can only make educated guesses as to what those differences mean.
I will also point out that the Tronxy Moore 1, at the time of this writing, can be purchased for about $300 LESS than the Eazao Zero. We cannot ignore a difference that large. But, we've learned that neither similar hardware nor purchase price are the only factors for great user experiences.
NON-HARDWARE COMPARISONS
I have poured over every video and/or document I can find from either company related to ceramic 3D printing. It is clear that Eazao, has just as much interest in supporting users with design and workflow applications as it does in making reliable hardware.Moreover, the software documentation from Eazao is much more clear than we've come to expect from 3D printer manufacturers. They seem to have excellent translators. And, so far, responses to questions to Eazao have been prompt and appropriate.
I have not had enough time to be fair to Tronxy concerning their commitment to users for the entire ceramic workflow. None of the Moore 1 videos I have discovered so far have revealed much more than the features of their 3D ceramic printer. But, a manufacturer having a commitment to the user's success through the entire workflow is something we feel that is very important to our decision making process.
PRELIMINARY THOUGHTS
Both manufacturers are using better than average XYZ rail strategies. I do have a bit more experience with the linear motion bearings with well-spaced rods under the print table that appear to be used by Eazao.But, the actual differences in table stability may be minimal.Clay handling appears to be similar; but, I still need to ask some questions about potential differences. (Eazao claims they have some patented parts in their putter.)I also have a personal preference for the full-size SD card slot being located on the front of the printer rather than a mini-SD.It makes life easier. Adapters to allow for the use of full size SD cards with printers having mini-SD slots are readily available.
But, at first glance, I think we could accomplish what we need to accomplish with either of these ceramic 3D printers.
What continues to be give a slight edge toward the Eazao Zero is their team's long experience with printing in clay and the fact that they are demonstrating that they realize a user's success goes well beyond hardware.3D printing in ceramics is a much different experience than printing in
plastic. So, experience building standard FDM printers may not guarantee a
full understanding of the ceramics workflow when it comes to answering
owner's questions. But, admittedly this is only an assumption.
It is clear that Eazao understands how to support users through the entire workflow process. More importantly, it appears they actually WANT to!
THIS BLOG RELATIVE TO THESE DESKTOP OPTIONS
The fact that we have identified TWO desktop ceramic 3D printers is good news. Our goal is to expand the use of 3D printing of ceramics in home studios and education. I am committed to doing what I can to help others wanting to create ceramic work via desktop 3D printing have the best experience possible. Most of the research we will do and publish will apply to ANY and ALL desktop ceramic 3D printers. I love 3D and I love the creative spirit I see in ceramic artists.
Due Diligence is important in educational and social enterprise settings. The next few posts explore some of the factors when considering 3D printing of ceramics in our situation.
3D Print Ceramics with the Eazao Zero
I am at the point in my life where most of the decisions involving pursuing a particular technology are based on how it might positively impact the life of at-risk students and, in particular, those on the autism spectrum. While there is an element of fun in all these pursuits involving 3D technologies, moving in any new direction has to be done while keeping a very serious goal in mind.
So, decisions cannot be made on a whim. We must do some serious "Due Diligence" and laboratory evaluations before adopting a new technology for introduction to those we serve. We've long considered ceramic 3D printing to be a worthy technology to explore because items printed in ceramics have an inherently greater perceived value than objects printed in plastic and, thus, we recognize its career potential for neurodiverse individuals interested in 3D design and printing.
As far as previous explorations into potential ceramic 3D printing methodologies goes, much of it was based on in-house experience with both powder-binder and professional SLA printing. Here, for instance is a video showing students on the autism spectrum using a powder-binder printer to turn some 3D scanned historic objects into prints. It's a great example of students helping students.
Why The Interest in Eazao?
Neither powder-binder nor SLA ceramic 3D printing were found to suitable for meeting the goals we have projected for our program. But, finding the Eazao's line of 3D ceramic printers encourages us to look more deeply at this new potential. While there are many factors to consider we'll just point out two in this post and introduce others in subsequent posts.
Eazao Zero Ceramics Printer
Factor #1: Scalability
One of most immediately appealing things about Eazao, as a company, is that one can start with a modestly priced desktop Eazao Zero ceramic printer to learn the basics of all aspects of exploring ceramics 3D printing and marketing. This includes the necessary workflow from clay selection and preparation to actually having product to sell. Even if one only begins with the microwave kiln, they are able to gain experience in all the steps required to produce viable and valuable ceramic works.
Then if that stage of development is successful, they can leverage that experience and grow by moving on to the much larger Eazao Mega 5 without having to change manufacturers.
Eazao Mega 5 Ceramic 3D Printer
For others, their advancement might mean printing smaller rather than bigger. Their Eazao Zero one experience might put them in the front of the line in a university setting for using the Eazao Bio microfluidic 3D printer. Since 2013, the at-risk students with whom I have contact, have enjoyed field trips to the University of Maryland's Fischell Bioengineering lab to watch experiments in growing living tissues aided by 3D printing. Their interest and the quality of their questions is astounding. So, I don't dismiss the possibility that one of our students might find themselves working in such a lab or even doing experiments on their own.
Eazao Bio Microfluidic 3D Printer
The breadth of the ceramic offerings from Eazao, offering scalability, is one of the reasons why they deserve consideration.
Factor #2: User Focus
Equipment manufacturers are notoriousfor having the attitude that just just making a well-working product is enough.It is not. That is particularly true for something like a ceramics 3D printer which crosses boundaries of experience.
Some of the potential users will have a typical clay artist background.They know hand working and finishing clay.But, they may not have even the tiniest experience with 3D printing.Other potential users may know 3D design and have used a traditional 3D printer.But, their experience with the workflow required to create a ceramics product may be sorely lacking. If there were ever a user base that needed help in bringing these two worlds together, it is the Eazao Zero 3D printer user.
So, we felt is imperative to try to divine the philosophy of Eazao's team regarding their relationship to the success of their users by searching articles, videos and social media posts.
The workflow for being able to successfully deliver a final 3D printed ceramic object is certainly more demanding than most 3D printing users face. Users of PLA filament don't have to prepare their own materials. They simply open a box and start using it. Traditional clay artists don't have to worry about things like leveling a print table, setting a gap and avoiding overhangs. There is something new to learn no matter from which camp an Eazao Zero user comes.
While the product is so new that Kickstarter contributers continue to receive them, there are already a fair number of videos from Eazao covering a variety of issues owners might face as the begin to set up their printers and begin trying to use them. This bodes well for the attitude we can expect from Eazao toward it user base.
While it's impossible to know for sure, based on their Kickstarter Page, the initial user base may be around 500 units. As the Kickstarter demand is fulfilled, is is only good 'due diligence' practice to keep a sharp eye out for how Eazao responds to inevitable issues* and user confusion.
So far, it appears to be much higher than most of the support for a new product I've seen over the last few decades. And that is good news.
* All manufactured products have some initial issues. It's unfair not to expect them. It's how those issues are addressed that makes the critical difference.
If one takes the time to look through all of the posts in this blog, I have explored several different technologies promising to enable the at-risk young at-risk people with whom I work to 3D print in ceramics with the ultimate goal of being able to support themselves.
Sadly, thus far, none of the technologies we studied has brought us closer to that goal.
All this time, and in truth, since the time I obtained my very first 3D printer, there has existed another type of ceramic printer that has been conspicuously missing from this blog. And, that is clay extrusion.
Why I have avoided Clay Extrusion in the Past
Before going further, I need to explain why a person professing an interest in 3D ceramic printing would avoid THE most common methodology of printing ceramics in 3D. The answer lies not in the technology itself; but, the target audience I hope to reach.
The early kits, based on modifying existing 3D printers, required a commitment to tinkering and a level of technological skill that didn't suit the user I have in mind. The next generation of dedicated ceramic printers tended to be large, complex and costly enough that only experienced ceramic artists or universities could afford. Again, those that I hope to help have more limited means and space. Until now, I didn't see a fit between those I want to help and the existing extrusion ceramic printers.
The Parallel in my Search for a Standard FDM 3D Printer
I started blogging about 3D printing in 2007. But, until 2012 my articles were only exploratory. The 3D printers before 2012 were largely aimed at tinkerers and hobbyists. It wasn't until 3D Systems announced the first 3D printer specifically aimed at consumers that I found a printer that I thought matched the audience in whom I was interested. It was compact, simple to operate and required no construction on the part of the owner.
I dove deeply into helping Cube users get the most out of their investment with the CubifyFans Blog.
In the first 5 months (beginning in January 2012) of my blog I could only write articles preparing potential users for its public release. It wasn't until May of 2012 that the Cube 1st Generation was released.
1st Generation Cube 3D Printer
From that time until the present, I was able to effectively serve an active community of users of 3 generations of Cube 3D printers by finding ways to get around issues and providing free tricks and designs of tools that enhanced their experience. While most Cube owners have gone on to purchase newer and more advanced 3D printers, the Cube was an excellent introduction to a lot of people to the benefits of 3D printing and the blog continues to have followers. And it was able to do so by reaching a consumer base rather than a technical or tinkerer base.
From that time forward I have watched the consumer market for 3D printers blossom and mature. So, how does this relate to ceramics 3D printing?
Recently, I learned about a small 3D ceramic printer that may be the parallel answer for ceramic 3D printing that I have been searching for the last two decades. I can't be absolutely sure, since the first units are just being delivered to Kickstarter supporters. But, it does look promising. Here is why I think that.
EAZAO ZERO CERAMIC 3D PRINTER - COMPACT AND SIMPLE
The first thing that jumped out at me was the compact size of the Eazao Zero. The basic construction of the 3D printer platform is a tried and true form factor familiar to many first time consumer 3D printer users.
Eazao Zero Ceramic 3D Printer
The small footprint perfectly fits the needs of those with limited space and fits well in an educational classroom environment. The 1.4mm nozzle diameter size and 0.4 -1mm layer depth was a very pleasant surprise. Lest some might consider the 150 x 150 x 240 mm build area limited, I
have to say it is one of the things that appeals to me most! I can
easily visualize a lot of beautiful ceramic objects that could be
printed in that 5.9" x 5.9" x 9.4" envelope.
EAZAO ZERO CERAMIC 3D PRINTER - HISTORY
The Eazao Zero is the 2nd generation ceramic 3D printer fromCerambot, a company that released its first ceramic delta printers in 2019 through a Kickstarter campaign. They know ceramic extrusion printing. The fact that, in spite of the current supply chain challenges, the Eazao is in the hands of some supporters is a great sign.
Cerambot Team
EASAO ZERO CERAMIC 3D PRINTER - COMMUNITY FRIENDLY
The price point of is well below the $3K cost of previously released ceramic printers. Based on the success of their Kickstarter campaign, with approximately 500 units funded, provides a solid foundation for building a community of users that can be a great source of help to each other. Unlike those relying on DIY built printers, every one of these users will be sharing experiences with the same equipment platform. This has tremendous benefits as my CubifyFans experience can attest. What works for one user is likely to work for all users when it comes to clay preparation and slicer settings. That fact, alone, is worthy of calling the Eazao Zero a real game changer.
EASAO ZERO CERAMIC 3D PRINTER - THE BREAKTROUGH PRODUCT?
A breakthrough product is one that so significantly addresses the needs of an under served market that it virtually launches that product category to new levels of acceptance.The Spreadsheet did that for computers. MP4 compression did that for videorecording. for more than 20 years, I have mourned the fact that the benefits of 3D printing has failed to reach the market penetration that it deserves in the ceramics community.
I think the Eazao team just might have found the right combination of compactness, ease of use, simplicity and uniformity of operation that has the potential to introduce 3D printing to a vastly larger community of users.
I look forward to following their progress. Nice job!
As you already know, we have been exploring ceramic 3D printing using a Form2 printer. While we will still move forward on that front, and we HAVE found the keys to better reliability, I can't escape the sinking feeling that there has to be a better way.
There are three issues.
First, when I spoke to FormLabs about the Form3, they weren't exactly encouraging about using their experimental ceramic resin with the new Form3. They were distinctly non-commital at the time I asked.
Secondly, the whole idea of a part coming loose from the print plate and falling into the vat of resin is just plan wrong and full of potential issues. We first faced it with the ProJet 1200 where falling parts, for whatever reason, were a constant threat to the integrity of the vat window. With all of these hanging-part orientation printers if you don't absolutely get every last piece, no matter how tiny, out of the vat of resin after a support failure, you are going to cause BIG problems and possibly damage the printer.
Third, while I realize that even top-down resin printers will require some supports, the nature of those supports compared to the supports required for keeping a prints from dropping off a print plate in printers like the Form2 should be as different as night and day. All the Top-Down supports need to do is support... not adherence. They should, therefore, be somewhat fewer and lighter in structure.
Yet, the Form2 has done a great job at convincing us that we cannot dismiss ceramic resin printing because the detail is amazing and the whole ceramic firing work-flow is shorter than that of powder/binder prints. It is performing well as a TEST platform.
With all this in mind I began a search for what is known as a Top-Down resin printer. There aren't very many and the recent past is rife with companies trying to create them via Indiegogo or Kickstarter having disappeared in the dark.
My research, just days old, turned up five potential possibilities.
Billed as "The World's Smallest High quality 3D Printer" and introduced on Kickstarter, it seems to have disappeared into the night. The web site linked to the project no longer comes up/
So that was a bust.
TOPDOWN CANDIDATE #2: THE JUELL 3D
The Juell 3D actually looks like an excellent printer!
Juell 3D Printer by Park Dental Research
But, alas, it is designed specifically for the dental industry and seems to require very specific resins from the manufacturer. I could not find a single instance of the Juell 3D-3 printer being used outside of the dental industry. Even so, it was well worth learning about. And, they are, apparently doing VERY well.
This printer was not a barn-nurner on Indiegogo, raising only $ 16,485 toward its goal of $250,000.
Indiegogo Page
Yet, it lives!!! This fact, alone, is pretty amazing.
But, for us, there is one glaring show-stopper... the noise. Watching the "Walkthrough" video, I realized the noises it makes would drive me crazy. and, that means it would have the potential of driving our autsim-spectrum students right over the edge.
So, until that situation changes, we'll not be pursuing that one just yet. But if you can take the noise, it is well worth exploring.
OK! Now we are talking not just one top-down printer; but, a series of industrial level printers that run EXTREMELY fast!
So far, the last two printers we've listed, #4 and #5, are the only viable options to pursue at this time. So, while I pursue them through extensive due-diligence research, I'll make sure I report every finding with our readers.
While they are located in Brisbane, Australia, prospective buyers can find a button for scheduling a phone call to talk in person right on the web page. I will give that a try and report back to you.
But, from the short time I have had since beginning my quest to find a potential Top-Down printer, the Gizmo seems not only to be the biggest; but, by far, the fastest. This video, from 2017, shows a 19 minute print and from what I understand they print even faster with their latest projectors.
And, they are the only printer that mentions Tethon3D's Porcelite in their documents. That's a good start
So, we continue toward cramic 3d printing on two different tracks... powder/binder and ceramic resin. It's one or the pther... it's BOTH.
