The Spanish 3D printer maker BCN3D has announced a new model, the Omega 160, a large scale FFF 3D printer with a 60L build volume that’s aimed at industrial applications including tooling, jigs, and fixtures.
The new printer builds on BCN3D’s existing FFF technology and its IDEX independent dual extruders system, which I’ve covered in more detail in a previous story here. In this case both the toolheads can be used together to double the productivity. Furthermore, for the Omega 160 the X motors remain stationary during the printing process to minimize inertia, for higher print speeds.
It uses 1.75 mm direct-drive high-speed extruders capable of speeds up to 300 milimeter a second. They include custom E3D Revo hotends, which offer best-in-class extrusion reliability, as well as an easy-swap nozzle change. There is a dedicated calibration zone outside the printing surface for toolhead alignment.
The build chamber is 450 x 300 x 450 mm, which should allow it to print large technical parts. The chamber can be heated to 70ºC while the bed can be heated to 120ºC, for printing materials such as ASA, PA, ABS and reinforced PA. The idea is that heating the chamber close to the material’s glass transition temperature should reduce internal tensions in the material during manufacturing, preventing issues such as warping and cracking. In addition, maintaining a constant temperature leads to more uniform construction of parts.
The printer is equipped with a temperature and humidity-controlled material operations system that prepares filaments for printing. It also allows for automatic filament loading and unloading. A sensor detects when the filament has run out so that there’s no need for an operator to change the filaments.
The printer includes piezoelectric sensors for automatic XYZ calibration by measuring multiple points to adjust printing surface height (Z) and (XY) offset between nozzles. This optimizes the way the first layer is put down and particularly the adhesion, so that it holds to the bed but can still be removed when the printing is done.
The Omega I60 also comes with a built-in camera, a flexible build plate and an uninterruptible power supply. There are barcode sensors for recognizing spools and components, plus, a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen. Its fitted with HEPA and carbon filters, as well as WiFi and Ethernet.
Roll your own
An important part of the philosophy behind BCN3D is being open to using a wide range of materials without artificial limitations, which also allows customers to create their own materials and profiles. The company also collaborates with material manufacturers to create specialized materials and profiles with features such as flame retardance.
However, BCN3D has also developed a range of materials specifically for the Omega 160. These include Omega Proton for prototypes and Omega Impact ASA, with high UV resistance which is suitable for tooling subjected to repetitive loading. There’s also Omega Resistant Nylon, which is said to be resistant to chemicals and solvents and can be used as a drop-in replacement for materials like Acetal that is often found across production lines. The range is rounded out by Omega Tooling CF, which has been formulated for producing metal replacement parts, metal forming dies, bend tooling and end-use parts that require exceptional strength.
At the same time, BCN3D has also updated its existing Epsilon series with the release of its v2 firmware. This adds new features, including first-layer live adjustment, new calibration routines, and improved duplication and mirror printing capabilities.
The Omega 160 costs €19,995+VAT with the first units due to ship in September of this year. You can find further details from bcn3d.com.
This article was first published in the Printing and Manufacturing Journal on 17 July 2023 www.nessancleary.co.uk
