Wondermaker 3D has finally launched their tool-changing multicolor 3D printer on Kickstarter.
The machine in question is the WonderMaker ZR Ultra, a four-way tool changer, which we first heard about back in the spring. A tool changer has separate hot end/extruder pairs for each of the four colour filaments.
This approach completely avoids the need to purge material, because each toolhead is dedicated to a single filament. There is no need for filament swapping. Tool changing also offers faster print speeds because there is no waiting during a filament swap.
There are actually several variants of the ZR Ultra:
- ZR: Single toolhead system
- ZR+: Includes an enclosure to capture heat
- ZR Ultra: Standard model with four toolheads
- ZR Ultra-S: Has sealed enclosure to REALLY capture heat
Let’s take a look at the specs for this device.
The build volume is a bit larger on the base ZR system, at 300 x 300 x 300 mm, while the ZR Ultras are slightly smaller at 300 x 270 x 290 mm to accommodate the tools. This is quite a healthy build volume that should accommodate almost any common print job. It’s even large enough to attempt printing small helmets in one piece.
The toolheads can reach 300C on all systems, meaning they are capable of printing engineering materials. However, systems without an enclosure will have trouble printing any material that can warp, such as ABS, ASA, PA, PC, etc.
Wondermaker 3D provides an optional enclosure for the open gantry options that can be installed by the operator.
The print plate can be heated to 100C, and on the sealed ZR Ultra-S, the build chamber is actively heated up to 60C. That would mostly eliminate warping for most materials, and you’d be able to print in almost any polymer.
The ZR series also includes the normal FFF system features such as automated calibration, filament out detection, power off handling, colour touchscreen, etc.
Wondermaker 3D claims the ZR Ultra can swap toolheads in only five seconds, which is extremely fast. This is far faster than typical filament swappers, which must push and pull filaments endlessly. Wondermaker 3D said they take two minutes, but that’s not always the case. However, filament swaps are always far longer than five seconds.
One challenge you may encounter with the ZR series is that the four spools are mounted on the outside of the frame. This means they are exposed to the ambient air, which is not so good for hygroscopic materials. Some alternative systems offer drying chambers for such materials, but these are not available on the ZR Ultra.
The big feature, however, is the cost of the system. At launch, Wondermaker 3D offered early bird customers the ZR Ultra at only US$549, said to be a 45% discount. That implies that the MSRP would be US$1000.
Even at the MSRP, the ZR Ultra would be one of the least expensive tool changers on the market. The flagship tool changer has long been the Prusa XL+, which is currently priced at US$3,939, almost 4X the MSRP of the ZR Ultra. However, the Prusa XL+ does have one more toolhead.
The low price is certainly attractive. Wondermaker 3D has attracted over 1000 backers, pledging over US$800K for the inexpensive tool changer.
In desktop 3D printing, it seems that cash is king.
Via Kickstarter
