Blueprinter Prepares for Launch

As the days before RAPID 2012 grow short, we have a steady stream of new 3D printers to talk about. Last week we had a look at Stratasys’ new printer, Mojo, and previous to that we examined 3D Systems’ new printers, the ProJet 3500 Series and the ZPrinter 850. It isn’t just the giants getting into the act, either. We recently covered the Solidoodle and today we’ll look at the upcoming Blueprinter.

Located in Denmark, Blueprinter’s 3D printer is set to launch sometime this half of 2012. Part of what makes this new system interesting is the process it uses to build objects. In place of a Fused Deposition Modeling-like process or laser sintering, BluePrinter uses what it calls selective heat sintering (SHS).

SHS uses a thermal print head instead of a laser to fuse thermoplastic into the desired shape. According to the company, this process allows for a layer thickness of 0.1 mm and a print speed of 10 mm/hour. A potential drawback to this new contender in the 3D printing arena is Blueprinter only offers a single color (white) for its builds.

The build envelope is 160 x 200 x 140 mm (6.3 x 7.87 x 5.51 in.) and the company says objects created by the BluePrinter don’t require support materials, instead being supported by the build material. Powder removal can be completed either inside the printer or at a separately available removal station. The 3D printer is priced at around $16,000.

“One of our most important objectives when developing our novel 3D printing solution was to make it as simple to use as possible,” says Torben B. Lange, CEO. “Our target group includes engineers and designers in the small and medium-sized segment, as well as engineering and design departments in large organizations.”

Below you can find a video about BluePrinter.

Sources: Blueprinter, Economy Tribune