UltiMaker has entered the high-speed 3D printing world with their introduction today of the new S8 3D printer.
The S8 succeeds the popular S7 device and offers a number of new and intriguing features.
The main feature is an enhanced mainboard, which provides significantly more processing power. UltiMaker said it offers 5X more capacity, and this has been leveraged to increase print speed, a feature they call “UltiMaker Cheetah”. They say it is “the world’s first and only jerk-limited 3D printer motion planner, with third-order
continuous, smooth motion, and corner blending algorithm.”
UltiMaker explains:
“UltiMaker Cheetah enhances motion control, resulting in precision of 0.15mm ± 0.15% and eliminating issues such as ringing, blobs, and mechanical stress which typically occur at high speeds. UltiMaker Cheetah enables the S8 to achieve up to 4x faster print speeds for high-performance production timelines.”
I believe this is the first high-speed 3D printer from the company.
More features of the S8:
- Large build volume: 330 x 240 x 300 mm
- Build plate temperature: up to 120°C
- Chamber temperature: 50°C
- Sound level: Less than 50 dBA
- Filtration: 95% of UFPs removed
- Filament: 2.85mm
- Maximum hot end temperature: 340°C
- Minimum layer size: 0.06mm
- Maximum volumetric flow rate: 35 cubic mm/s
- Webcam: HD & HDR
Another interesting feature is the ability to quickly swap hot ends, or as UltiMaker calls them, print cores. The S8 is compatible with all existing print cores, AA+, CC+, BB, and DD. The “+” versions are new and specially designed to handle the high flow rates of the S8.
The combination of print cores and thermal properties means the S8 is capable of printing an enormous range of materials at high speed. The S8 works with UltiMaker’s materials ecosystem, which offers a wide choice of both branded and third-party materials. The company is also launching a new PA 612 CF copolymer material alongside the S8’s launch.
There are two models of the S8 available, similar to the S7: a base model and a “Bundle”, which includes a six-spool automated materials system underneath the printer. Like previous bundles, this system will autoload and unload filaments, as well as condition the material while stored.
The S8 will offer print speeds similar to competing high-speed machines, but with a far more robust materials ecosystem and materials handling process.
Via UltiMaker
