XFab 3D Printer From DWSLab

This looks to be another pretty cool, and somewhat innovative laser printer that was just announced by DWSLab. It's called the XFab 3D Printer. The XFab is able to print in several different types of materials, and is priced reasonable(Although I couldn't find the exact pricing. Seems one model is $5000, the other $2500). It also have very quick material handling, meaning no leakage or handling of the material.

Here are the Specs for the Xfab printer:

- 3D printing method: Laser Stereolithography
- Working area: Ø 180×180 mm
- Laser source: Solid State BlueEdge® BE-1300X
- Slice thickness: 10-100 microns
- Minimum feature size: 80 microns
- Input file format: .stl, .slc
- Machine size: 420x638x590 mm
- Operating Temperature and Humidity: 22°-25°C/60%
- Power supply: AC 230/115V/50-60 Hz
- Scanning method: Galvanometer

- Software: XFAB Controller, Nauta™ XFAB Edition


http://dwslab.com/wp-content/uploads...-open-H650.png

The great thing about this laser printer is it works with all the following materials:

- Standard acrylate, amber - General purpose.
- ABS-like, grey - High-impact resistant, functional parts, snap-fit, casings
- ABS-like, white - High-impact resistant, functional parts, snap-fit, casings
- Polypropylene-like - Flexible, snap-fit, casings, components, lab equipment
- Rigid opaque, grey - Prototypes, toys, high-detail models, marketing models
- Transparent - Clear prototypes, liquid flow visualization, light cases
- Ceramic nano filled, light blue - Static thermal resistance tests, high definition models
- Rubber-like, black - Handles, gaskets, footwear, ergonomic tests, functional parts
- Rubber-like, transparent - Functional parts, medical devices

Check it out:

http://youtu.be/nI4zwBUzztU

Larry, great find. I so wish I was able to attend CES this year. The printer shown in the video is $5k. Pricey but I find it pretty incredible the range of materials it can use. Quality looks good to. If I had the extra cash laying around I'd probably get one. I love all this competition. It's forcing the Big boys like 3d Systems and Makerbot to really continue to innovate and increase performance.

What is the difference between the $2500 version and the $5000 version?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ronnytedeski

What is the difference between the $2500 version and the $5000 version?

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I only saw one version at CES and it was $5k.

Big printer, as SLA goes. Wider than Formlabs or FSL3D, but also more money.

http://www.3dprinterworld.com/sites/...es/x-fabb3.jpg

The diference is only build size. Seems will release in june/july.

Lot of teasing and advertising but little actual data overall. I tried to email them 3 times... no answer.

I did think that DWS XFab was an international enterprise. But today I can see that just smoke. They have a great 3D printer, but it was make just for italian people. They don't care about the rest of the world. Looks like the only objective on participation of CES 2014 was famous and not sell printer for the world. Take a look on DWS facebook page.

I'm sad about it. I would like to get a X Fab.

This to me, looks by far the best prosumer printer and the one everyone should be looking forward to. It looks to have very similar technology to their MUCH more expensive standard models. The only thing they are doing, is not offering a cast-able resin which is presumably the main reason people go with DWS.)

This photo posted on Facebook earlier looks mightily impressive:

Attachment 983

My only worry is what the material cost is going to be, as they appear to have them completely locked down with their resin trays.

Second DWS, cost of material will be U$200 - U$400. Very pricey!!!

Someone out there has visited the DWS factory at Zane in Italy??

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Valter

Second DWS, cost of material will be U$200 - U$400. Very pricey!!!

Someone out there has visited the DWS factory at Zane in Italy??

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It depends how much resin you get for that.

If it's $2-400 KG that isn't particularly expensive (I pay around $360 kg for the professional resin I use,) but my worry is there much smaller than that.

As they seem to be in locked containers (maybe I've understood it wrong however,) can you also use it all, or do you get lots of wastage in the bottom?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JSenior

It depends how much resin you get for that. If it's $2-400 KG that isn't particularly expensive (I pay around $360 kg for the professional resin I use,) but my worry is there much smaller than that. As they seem to be in locked containers (maybe I've understood it wrong however,) can you also use it all, or do you get lots of wastage in the bottom?

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Good question?

DWS lab sent more news today through their newsletter.

we wanted to thank you for having contacted us and for your interest in our products.

XFab will be available starting from September 2014.
The printer will cost around 5.000 €, taxes (VAT) and shipping costs excluded.

For further details please visit our website www.dwslab.com.
Soon the FAQ about XFab will be published in our website and we will keep you informed by sending you newsletters.
A preorder form is already available online.

We stay at your disposal for further needs.
Kind regards

DWSLab Team
www.dwslab.com

Quote:

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Originally Posted by LambdaFF

XFab will be available starting from September 2014.
The printer will cost around 5.000 €, taxes (VAT) and shipping costs excluded.

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Um... So just under $7000 US...
Well, I wish them luck competing with the Stratasys Objet line at that price point.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by LambdaFF

DWS lab sent more news today through their newsletter.

we wanted to thank you for having contacted us and for your interest in our products.

XFab will be available starting from September 2014.
The printer will cost around 5.000 €, taxes (VAT) and shipping costs excluded.

For further details please visit our website www.dwslab.com.
Soon the FAQ about XFab will be published in our website and we will keep you informed by sending you newsletters.
A preorder form is already available online.

We stay at your disposal for further needs.
Kind regards

DWSLab Team
www.dwslab.com

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Good luck to DWS. But I'll turn my attention to FSL3D, Titan, Autodesk, Form 1. Very pricey.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Feign

Um... So just under $7000 US...
Well, I wish them luck competing with the Stratasys Objet line at that price point.

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The cheapest Stratasys Objet starts just below $20,000 I think.

The DWS is the first affordable SLA printer (with a decent build volume) built by a company which has a proper history in professional 3D printing.

If the results (reliability/accuracy/resin performance/software/support etc.) are anything like what can be achieved with their professional range, then this should be a winner.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JSenior

The cheapest Stratasys Objet starts just below $20,000 I think.

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A while ago, I got a quote on an Objet 24 for around $8000... Granted it's the lowest end of the line, with the Objet Connex printers (the ones that get all the press these days) being above $20,000. It's pretty easy with the Connex segment of the line taking all the spotlight that the much much cheaper Objet Eden and original Objet line get forgotten. The Objet 24 might not have as good a resolution as the XFab is claiming, but it has a slightly bigger build volume. Regardless of the specs, businesses that are looking at printers in this price range will be looking for manufacturer reputation.

Granted, these were quotes from a reseller, and were from about six months ago. They were so far out of my budget that I've not even kept the documents. I'll stand by the statement that DWS is going to be looked at next to Stratasys at the prices they're asking, and I wish them luck with that.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Feign

A while ago, I got a quote on an Objet 24 for around $8000... Granted it's the lowest end of the line, with the Objet Connex printers (the ones that get all the press these days) being above $20,000. It's pretty easy with the Connex segment of the line taking all the spotlight that the much much cheaper Objet Eden and original Objet line get forgotten. The Objet 24 might not have as good a resolution as the XFab is claiming, but it has a slightly bigger build volume. Regardless of the specs, businesses that are looking at printers in this price range will be looking for manufacturer reputation.

Granted, these were quotes from a reseller, and were from about six months ago. They were so far out of my budget that I've not even kept the documents. I'll stand by the statement that DWS is going to be looked at next to Stratasys at the prices they're asking, and I wish them luck with that.

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If you can still get that price I would pick it up. Last retail price I have on the Objet 24 is is $19,900. By memory, the connex start at over $50k.

What is wrong with DWS' reputation? They are nowhere near as big as Stratasys but they have been around for many years and they sell a complete range (10+, going up to $100k's) of SLA printers. They aren't a start-up company like Form 1, B9, Titan etc.

I've never had any first hand experience with using their printers, but their example models at shows, for me, are the best quality of any company. Whether there cheaper printer will live up to the same standards I don't know.

My big problem with this flurry of cheaper SLA/DLP printers is that nobody seems to have made one that 'just works' yet. They aren't complicated machines, but they all in some way or another suffer from inaccuracy, unreliability, poor warranty, poor customer service, poor quality resin, bad software, bad resin etc. I'm really hoping DWS gets it right and can start kicking everybody else into gear!