Aleph Objects and IC3D Develop First Open Source Filament

Aleph Objects, makers of the LulzBot brand of desktop 3D printers and parts announced a partnership with IC3D to develop the first open source filament. The main goal is to democratize manufacturing.
The filament is Open Source Hardware Association (OSHW) certified.

Video of the talk at the 2017 Midwest RepRap festival:



GitHub repository with filament specifications and other materials:

https://github.com/IC3DPrinters/filament-extrusion/tree/master/Open%20Source%20Filament


Lulzbot is also selling the filament at 35USD per 1kg spool:

https://www.lulzbot.com/store/filament/IC3D-ABS

Source news release:

https://www.lulzbot.com/filament-freedom

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LulzBot TAZ MOARstruder for Heavy-duty 3D Printing

For those demanding high-volume jobs on big objects LulzBot has released their MOARstruder extruder.
It is priced at 395 USD.


From produce description:

Bigger. Faster. Stronger. MOAR: The LulzBot TAZ MOARstruder Tool Head is a high output tool head with an extra-long heater block, dual print cooling fans, and a 1.2 mm diameter nozzle. These features enable high-speed printing and tough 3D printed objects.

Here is the video presentation:



MOARstruder homepage:

https://www.lulzbot.com/store/tool-heads/lulzbot-taz-moarstruder-tool-head

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Aleph Objects announces LulzBot Mini (Update: new unboxing and review video)

Aleph Objects announced their new 3d printer: The LulzBot Mini. It is still under development and it looks like smaller machine which will probably also be more affordable.

From the release:

Here at Aleph Objects, we're proud to make products that work for you. And we would like to say "thank you" to everyone who voted for us at the Denver BizTech Expo! Because of you, our newest 3D printer (which is still in development) won "Best Hardware Solution" as voted by attendees. This is a great honor and we are happy to provide products that fit your needs.

The LulzBot Mini will feature a final build volume of 6″ x 6″ x 6″, and will feature a powder coated aluminum frame. Other new features include an auto-leveling build platform, developed in partnership with SparkFun Electronics. The LulzBot Mini will also have an all-metal hot end, capable of reaching temperatures of up to 300°C (572°F), which we developed in partnership with RepRap Discount.

The LulzBot Mini will be a multi-material 3D printer, able to use even more filament choices than ever before, while retaining the open and non-proprietary filament format that is so essential in the rapidly growing 3D printing industry.

The options for different materials include PLA, ABS, Nylon, Tritan, Polycarbonate, T-Glase, as well as exotic materials which mimic that of wood, stone, and bronze.
And as always, all LulzBot products are Open Source Hardware. This means that as a LulzBot Mini 3D printer owner, you are investing in a machine that respects your freedom. You are free to see the source files and make modifications and even upgrades to your machine.

Source: https://www.lulzbot.com/blog/lulzbot-mini-3d-printer

Update (30.1.2015.):

Here is unboxing, initial setup and small review / test video by James Bruton of new LulBot Mini:



LulzBot Mini technical specifications:

Printing

• Print Surface: Heated borosilicate glass bed covered with PEI film
• Print Area: 152mm x 152mm x 158mm (6in x 6in x 6.2in)
• Print Volume: 3,650 cm3 (223 in3) of usable space
• Top Print Speed: 275mm/sec (10.8in/sec) at 0.18 layer height
• Layer Thickness: From 0.05mm to 0.50mm (0.002in - 0.020in)
• Supported Materials: ABS, PLA, HIPS, PVA, wood filled filaments, Polyester (Tritan), PETT, bronze and copper filled filaments, Polycarbonate, Nylon, PETG, conductive PLA and ABS, UV luminescent filaments, PCTPE, PC-ABS, and more every day
• Usable Filament Sizes: standard 3mm (0.1in)
• Multi-Software Compatible: Freedom to use any number of 3D printing software programs, Cura LulzBot Edition comes standard. Other compatible software includes OctoPrint, BotQueue, Slic3r, Printrun, MatterControl, and many more. 

Physical Dimensions

• Overall Dimensions: 435mm x 340mm x 385mm (17.1in x 13.4in x 15.2in)
• Weight: 8.55kg (18.85lbs)

Electrical

• Power Requirements: 100 - 240 VAC with auto-switching power supply
• Operating Temperature Range
• Maximum Tool Head Temperature: 300°C (572°F)
• Maximum Heated Bed Temperature: 120°C (248°F)

LulzBot Mini comes with new Lulzbot Hexagon Hotend which goes up to 300 Celsius!
LulzBot Mini looks great and comes with several tools in the package:

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Two new extruders from Aleph Objects LulzBot: the Dual Extruder and the FlexyDually

Aleph Objects just released two new extruders: the Dual Extruder and the FlexyDually Extruder. Both extruders are priced at $494.95 and beside their special functions can use standard filament materials like PLA, ABS, PVA, HIPS and LayWood.
Since Aleph Objects is strongly supporting open source, extruders are fully open sourced and you can find files for bot of them.


The Dual Extruder is optimized for dual extrusion






From LulzBot product description:

It's time to unleash your LulzBot TAZ! Our all-new Dual Extruder Tool Head is an upgrade for advanced users that provides the capability to 3D print in two colors of the same material, or take advantage of multi-material 3D printing.

Whether you use your LulzBot TAZ for personal, professional, or educational purposes, your 3D printer is now more versatile than ever. The main benefits of this tool head include being able to print more complex objects with support structures and more aesthetically pleasing objects that feature multiple colors or multiple materials. See this in action by watching the video available at the bottom of this product page.

The Dual Extruder Tool Head features two of our standard extruders on a single carriage. Each extruder can heat up to 240 degrees Celsius and handle a wide range of materials including PLA, ABS, HIPS, PVA, LayWood, and more. Further, the standard nozzle size for each extruder is .35mm, meaning you can get finer resolution on your prints.

The Dual Extruder Tool Head is an advanced accessory suggested for expert users only because both the software and hardware aspects of using these upgrade require more technical capabilities. However thanks to the LulzBot TAZ's modular carriage design, installing your Dual Extruder Tool Head only takes a few short steps for owners of the LulzBot TAZ 4. Owners of earlier versions of the LulzBot TAZ can also make these upgrades, however additional steps will be required.
Like all products made by Aleph Objects, Inc., the Dual Extruder Tool Head is fully Open Source Hardware so you can view the source files to make and share modifications and improvements.

Technical specifications:

• Required filament diameter: 3mm
• Nozzle size for both extruders: 0.35mm
• Note: Because this tool head uses thinner stepper motors, you will be able to take full advantage of the LulzBot TAZ's build volume without compromising build area.

https://www.lulzbot.com/products/dual-extruder-tool-head

The FlexyDually Extruder is optimized for printing with flexible filaments

From LulzBot product description:

It's time to unleash your LulzBot TAZ! Now advanced users can print with both flexible and standard materials, during a single print run. Whether you use your LulzBot TAZ for personal, professional, or educational purposes, your 3D printer is now more versatile than ever. You can use multiple materials to make parts with built-in dampeners or grips, stretchable straps with built-in buckles, or fittings with gaskets.

The FlexyDually features one standard tool head for materials like ABS, PLA, and HIPS, and a second Flexystruder Tool Head that allows you to print with flexible filaments like NinjaFlex. Both of these extruders can heat up to 240 degrees Celsius and are mounted on a single carriage. Each standard nozzle is .5mm which is optimized for flexible filaments, but this also limits the resolution that can be achieved with this tool head. See how strong certain combinations like ABS and NinjaFlex can be by watching the video below.

The FlexyDually Tool Head is an advanced accessory recommended for expert users only because both the software and hardware aspects of this upgrade require more technical capabilities. Once mastered, this tool head dramatically increases the applications for your LulzBot TAZ. 

Thanks to the LulzBot TAZ's modular carriage design, installing your FlexyDually Tool Head only takes a few short steps for owners of the LulzBot TAZ 4. Owners of earlier versions of the LulzBot TAZ, and the LulzBot KITTAZ, can also make these upgrades, however additional steps will be required. Be sure to select the right version before purchasing your FlexyDually.

Technical specifications:

• Required filament diameter: 3mm
• Nozzle size for both extruders: 0.5mm
• Note: Because this tool head uses thinner stepper motors, you will be able to take full advantage of the LulzBot TAZ's build volume without compromising build area.

https://www.lulzbot.com/products/flexydually-tool-head

You can see it in action here:

http://diy3dprinting.blogspot.com/2014/05/flexydualie-open-source-dual-extruder.html

(was this extruder named Dually or Dualie in the past ...hmm ... I'm not sure why the difference in name...)

Nice jobs LulzBot, I love your Open Source commitment!

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FlexyDualie open source dual extruder for printing in hard and flexible materials

James Bruton from XRobots made this review and demonstration of new open source extruder from Aleph Objects creators of Lulzbot. FlexyDualie enables you to print with two different types of filament, one rigid and one flexible (NinjaFlex in this case).

He shows properties of objects printed in flexible and hard materials and software setup needed to get the dual material printing possible.

He uses Autodesk123D Design for the featured objects,  which is free software. Each piece is exported as as separate STL and then the "combine multi-material STL" function is used in Slic3r to generate the g-code to drive the FlexyDualie.

His site with more details:

http://xrobots.co.uk/alien2/index_concept.html

Here is Aleph Objects site with all the data if you want to build it yourself:

http://devel.alephobjects.com/lulzbot/TAZ/accessories/Dual_extruder_w_flexy/ (looks like this link is not working)

or

http://devel.lulzbot.com/TAZ/accessories/flexy-dualie/

FlexyDualie extruder

Hard rims with soft wheel, uni-directional flexible joint and tank track

Update:

James shows Alien 3d printed costume hand made with this technique here:

http://diy3dprinting.blogspot.com/2014/06/3d-printed-steampunk-alien-xenomorph.html

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LulzBot TAZ 4 3D Printer just released!

Lulzbot TAZ series of printers is getting constant upgrades and new model releases. Nice work! And they are still fully open source.


TAZ 4 technical specifications:

Printing

• Print Surface: Heated Borosilicate glass bed covered with PET film

• Print Area: 298mm x 275mm x 250mm (11.7in x 10.8in x 9.8in)

• Print Volume: 20,500cm3 (1238 in3) of usable space

• Top Print Speed: 200mm/sec (7.9in/sec)

• Print Tolerance: 0.1mm (0.0039in) in X and Y axes. Z axis is dependent on layer thickness

• Layer Thickness: 0.075mm to 0.35mm (0.003in - 0.0138in)

• Supported Materials: ABS, PLA, HIPS, PVA, and wood filaments

• Usable Filament Sizes: standard 3mm (0.1in)

Physical Dimensions

• Overall Dimensions: 680mm x 520mm x 515mm (26.8in x 20.5in x 20.3in)

• Weight: 11kg (24.25lbs)

Electrical

• Power Requirements: 100 - 240 VAC

• Temperature: Maximum operating temperature (Extruder), 240C (464F)

• Temperature: Maximum operating temperature (Heated Bed), 120C (248F)

It is priced at: $2,194.95


TAZ 4 homepage:

https://www.lulzbot.com/products/lulzbot-taz-4-3d-printer

TAZ 4

Previous model, the TAZ 3:

http://diy3dprinting.blogspot.com/2013/12/lulzbot-taz-3-3d-printer.html


Lulzbot factory tour and interview about open source business model:

http://diy3dprinting.blogspot.com/2014/02/lulzbot-factory-tour-and-open-hardware.html

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World record of 109 LulzBot 3D printers running simultaneously

Is this a world record? I don't know, but it is certainly impressive ...

From video description:

At Aleph Objects, Inc, we believe we hold the world record for most 3D printers running simultaneously. On April 3rd, 2014 we recorded 109 LulzBot 3D printers running simultaneously. If you know anyone who has done more, let us know!

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_jUObUGLTA

Here is the LulzBot factory tour and interviews about open source business model:

http://diy3dprinting.blogspot.com/2014/02/lulzbot-factory-tour-and-open-hardware.html

There is a Reddit thread about this:

http://www.reddit.com/r/3Dprinting/comments/228b7h/3d_printer_world_record/

At LeTourneau university they claimed world record with 108 machines printing which is ONE less than Aleph Objects record:

http://www.ktre.com/story/25168394/a-letourneau-university-world-record-in-3d

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Lulzbot factory tour and Open Hardware business model

Marcin Jakubowski made series of videos with Jeff Moe, CEO of Lulzbot. He explains how open hardware approach is helping their business and gives insight in technology and production process.


Lulzbot production lines makes one TAZ 3d printer every 40 minutes



Here is link to ohai kit:  http://ohai-kit.alephobjects.com/


Jeff explains open hardware business model philosophy in more detail. High percentage of 3d printer users want open source machine and want easy modification of the machine. Also: why would investors give you money for something that has all the design details free on internet ...




Lulzbot printer cluster set up for 135 printers that print next generation of printers. Printers printing printers. 200000 parts printed until now ...




Lulzbot TAZ assembly process:




Lulzbot printing in Ninjaflex rubber filament:




At Aleph Objects they are very committed to open source philosophy, they internally use only open source software and made their operations manual public:

http://devel.alephobjects.com/ao/documentation/AOOM/AOOM.pdf


Lulzbot recently released TAZ 3:

http://diy3dprinting.blogspot.com/2013/12/lulzbot-taz-3-3d-printer.html


Also check out OpenSourceEcology project which aims to develop open source kit for all machines needed for starting up civilization from zero:

http://opensourceecology.org/

https://www.facebook.com/OpenSourceEcology

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Lulzbot TAZ 2 3d printer

From Fundable campaign:

Built upon the philosophy of freedom, Aleph Objects, Inc. is transforming the 3D printer industry. Based in Loveland, Colorado, we founded the LulzBot brand on a dedication to the free and open exchange of information and innovation, and in doing so, have made a name for ourselves in the growing maker community. In fact, LulzBot 3D printers are the only 3D printers to carry the Free Software Foundation's Respects Your Freedom certification. Our TAZ printer is our fifth generation printer and is representative of the best and brightest ideas sourced from a global community of passionate innovators.
Why TAZ 2 is the Best Desktop 3D Printer for You:

• TAZ offers the largest build area of any assembled desktop 3D printer. Print your large part in one complete piece or multitask by printing many smaller prints simultaneously.
• New to TAZ 2 — print without being attached to a computer. TAZ 2 comes with a LCD display with a SD card reader for untethered printing. 
• You have the flexibility to use the optimal material for your project by choosing from the broadest selection of printing material.
• Minimize your ongoing printing cost with free software upgrades, free upgraded designs and the ability to do self repair.
• Create detailed, higher quality prints with 75 micron print resolution.
• Finish your prints faster and more reliably with excellent hot-end control and 200mm/s print speed.

Now on Fundable:

http://www.fundable.com/lulzbot-taz

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