14 DAY TRIAL // 3D printers have been experiencing a significant advancement in both performance and affordability, but the balance between the two is still rather tenuous. This is what Zeni Kinetic hopes to overcome.
The company has introduced the Origin 3D printer, which is said to possess professional capabilities but the same price level as any consumer-oriented models.
You see, consumer 3D printers provide a small build chamber and a decent but not that great implementation of FDM, or fused deposition modeling, where plastic filament is heated and forced out through an extruder in liquid form.
This allows a printer to essentially build an object drop by drop. The end results usually have lots of wrinkles, which have to be subsequently polished.
The Zeni Kinetic Origin 3D printer not only has a larger build area than normal for consumer models, but has a better resolution than most.
Specifically, the build volume is of 300 x 300 x 300 mm / 12 x 12 x 12 inches, while the layer thickness can be as little as 75 microns. All the while, the print speed is of 150 mm/s.
There's another advantage that the Origin has over other printers: it has an open 180 degree design, meaning it lets you access the printed items and internal components from both the front and back of the printer.
This does come at the cost of there being no closed build chamber, but it's not like most 3D printers, consumer and business-oriented, all have such a thing. Indeed, most are open-air models.
For those who wish to know more about the printer, the soon-to-be launched Kickstarter Origin 3D Printer campaign contains plenty of details not included in the press release below.
Here are the highlights: fully enclosed mechanics, internal plate aluminum frame, easy bed leveling, USB connection for PC control, and upgradeability, with advanced, future parts easy to add to the main whole.
For example, the Origin Plus package brings a dual extruder system (your choice of .35mm or .5mm nozzles), a heated bed (Up to 120°C / 248°F) and a removable build plate (from tempered glass). Origin Ultimate adds an LCD controller, SD card slot and software calibration for wear leveling, plus a better print speed (200 mm/s).
Also, if you're fast you can claim a Holiday Special, which will deliver your Origin Plus package in time for Christmas.
The Origin 3D Printer Prime (basic), Origin Plus and Origin Ultimate have prices of $700 / €700, $900 / €900 and $1,150 / €1,150. The limited holiday special comes for $950 / €950.
