Description
Scara Elite 3D Printer
Scara Elite
The Scara Elite is capable of printing multiple large objects non-stop. It can even be combined with a Continuous Flow hopper to print structures and walls. The advanced design and substantial construction can handle onboard loads like the 3D Potter 3600 ml clay extruder or a hose assembly. Where it shines is when it’s coupled with 3D Potter’s new large capacity continuous high-pressure hose extrusion system. Clay loads between 85 – 250 lb continuous extrusion are now possible.
**Note: This item does not qualify for free shipping. Shipping will be billed separately. Please contact us for an estimate.**
User Interface (WiFi)
Duet Web Control is a fully developed UI for the Scara. Opened in a web browser, it can be used on your laptop, tablet, phone, or other WiFi capable device.
Print Status
Once a print is started, it shows information about the model being printed. Layer times, estimated time remaining, file information and more are available for view. It also allows for print and extrusion speed control to be adjusted in real-time.
G-Code Files
The G-Code Files page allows g-code files for printing to be uploaded, edited, or downloaded. A summary of the file is given such as size, layer height, and what the file was generated by.
Speed and Noise
The Scara Elite is capable of extreme speeds. However, speed is relative when it comes to ceramic 3D printing. Realistically you probably don’t want to exceed 130 mm/s. Many factors determine the speed like nozzle size, layer height, and achieving a good adhesion on the interlayer of the clay. Even with a fast printing speed, it maintains low noise, so it can be operated in any area without disturbing the surrounding environment.
Construction and Design
High precision and accuracy were achieved with this large Scara arm robot only through diligent design and robust construction techniques. The majority of this structure is made out of heavy aircraft grade 6061 aluminum utilizing CNC and welded components for maximum strength and rigidity. The main rail components are from IGUS, which is one of the leading German manufacturers of precision guide rails. The drive motors consist of very sophisticated hybrid closed-loop stepper motors. These have onboard computers with telemetry that continually update their position for zero error positioning.
Drive Mechanisms
This is no souped-up 3D printer, this is a dedicated heavy-duty purpose-built robot. The main drives are sophisticated harmonic drive units. These are the same drives used on large industrial robots similar to the ones that are now in most of the large manufacturing facilities. These drives are extremely heavy duty and capable of precision movement down into the fractions of a second of a degree. This means very precise prints with no backlash or jittery movements at realistic speeds. These drives are designed for maximum rigidity with extreme accuracy.
Space Needed for Setup
The real advantage is this machine can be positioned on a substantial tabletop and you can start printing right away within a limited envelope area. Or you can give it its own dedicated space for a partial or full envelope. The space needed is determined by the end-user and how much of the print envelope they choose to use. Whether on the tabletop or the floor, the Scara Elite will require direct mounting for maximum stability. This is achieved with multiple screws to secure the printer to the surface it is on. If you choose to use a tabletop it must be of substantial construction, the minimum is 1.5″ thick heavy plywood or wood construction. If an inadequate table is used, the results from the printer will be diminished depending on the build envelope and speed at which the prints are created.
Software Requirements
None! The only requirement is a web browser interface. For object generation, the Scara Elite is similar to the rest of the 3D Potter line ceramic printers. It is just like any other 3D printer which requires an STL file to be sliced by a third-party program. We recommend slicing, and then loading the file to the SD card in the printer, which can be done over WiFi.
Build Envelope
The Scara Elite offers 84 inches in Z height and 112 inches in diameter. The build envelope is quite unique because it’s capable of printing 360 degrees with continuous rotation. This means you can create a huge vessel with the printer initially residing inside the vessel or structure. This opens up a whole other opportunity to print small habitat structures (houses).
Another unique ability is printing multiple objects within the specified envelope in a sequential mode. For instance, you could print a particular vessel starting on the far left side and continue to print these vessels until there is no more space left.
What’s included:
– Scara Elite V4020
– Closed loop stepper on X, Y, Z, extruder
– Nozzle Set
– Parts Box: Alan key set, grease, Acme driver tool, tie wraps, extra screws
– Power Supply, USB cable
– Extruder not included
Specifications
Average speed: 1.2’’ to 3.9’’/s (30 to 100 mm/s)
Power Supply: Output – 24V ~15 amps, Input – 110-220V, 50-60 Hertz (No 220V power plug supplied for customers outside of USA).
Power consumption: 24V ~10 amps, ~240 Watt
Main controller board running Duet3D with Atmel SAM4E8E: 120MHz ARM Cortex-M4
