While most consumer grade and priced 3D printers are engineered to extrude plastic resins – which generally produces cheap looking trinkets – the Cerambot promises hobbyists, designers, and artists the option to use a more eco-friendly and organic material as their medium: clay.
The mechanical printing mechanism’s industrial linear guide rails are rated up to 0.1mm in precise accuracy with a print resolution of 100 microns. The delta-style printer was chosen over a Cartesian set-up to reduce print times and allow for taller objects to be produced, with a patented worm gear motor with speed reducer capable of printing out complex designs. Perhaps most impressive is noting the Cerambot designers have eliminated the need for an air compressor, engineered to remove air bubbles from the mixture before extruding semi-wet clay, also resulting in a lower price.
Once printed, clay objects will need to be fired in a kiln to harden and strengthen to permanency. Some clay can also be fired in a common kitchen oven, but unless you’re already a practicing ceramicist, you’ll probably have to take your 3D printed creation to your local ceramics studio and rent some firing time.
The Cerambot is compatible with common open-source software like Slic3r and Cura. If only the printer was compatible with chocolate fondant frosting…
Just note, clay printers do have limits, as shown here. But for objects with more modest proportions and intricacy, the Cerambot should work well enough. The developers are currently seeking backers, with special early adopter pricing starting at $199 for the printer.
from WordPress https://connorrenwickblog.wordpress.com/2018/12/07/cerambot-is-an-affordable-3d-ceramics-printer/
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