The SolidRay DLP 3D Printer

Madrid-based kitprinter3D is working on a new resin-based 3D printer, the SolidRay. 

The new machine, shown at top, will be one of the few 3D printer kits that uses resin technology. A projector (provided separately) illuminates a vat of UV-curable resin to gradually produce solid layers of each print. 

The SolidRay isn’t out yet, but here’s what we know so far:

• It’s a kit, not pre-assembled (obviously, coming from a vendor named “kitprinter3d”)
• Melamine frame, which comes in either white or black
• 100ml of MakerJuice UV-curable resin included
• Something called the “easy leveling system”
• Minimum layer size of 0.04mm, which is quite fine
• Print volume of 90 x 60 x TBD mm. We’re not sure how tall the SolidRay can print, but we suspect it’s around 100mm. This is small as far as common 3D printers go, but typical for high resolution DLP machines

Pricing is said to be similar price to a Prusa i3, which at kitprinter3d, goes for €400-500 (USD$420-527), which must be about the lowest price you can go to obtain a resin 3D printer. 

However, there’s a slight catch: the DLP projector is not included in the price. The company recommends acquiring a “DLP Full HD projector such as ACER P1500”. This is not unreasonable, but could add significantly the total price required to get the SolidRay working. As of this writing, an ACER P1500 goes for around USD$650 at Amazon. 

Nevertheless, it may be that you happen to have access to a suitable HD projector, in which case you’re in luck. 

kitprinter3d does not indicate what software is required for the SolidRay, but we are aware of a couple of open source tools that could likely do the job. 

According to the company, the SolidRay should be available for purchase online and in-store sometime in April. 

Via kitprinter3d