New day, new low cost printer from Asia. The bad thing about many new devices as this one, in my opinion, is that it uses some sort of custom cartridges (update: the cartridges can be hacked now and counter reset: look below) and custom software. But on other hand, some people like that.
Da Vinci 1.0 technical specifications
Technology: FFF (FUSED FILAMENT FABRICATION)
Maximum build volume (WxHxD): 7.8W X 7.8H X 7.8D INCH (20 X 20 X 20 CM)
Printing Mode: FINE: 0.1 MM (100 MICRONS); STD: 0.2 MM (200 MICRONS); SPEED: 0.3 MM (300 MICRONS); ULTRA FAST: 0.4 MM (400 MICRONS)
Print Head: SINGLE NOZZLE (dual extruder models are announced by the company in the future)
Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 MM
Print Speed: 150 MM/s
Filament Diameter: 1.75 MM
Print Material: ABS
Panel Type: 4 X 16 LCM
Language: ENGLISH, JAPANESE
Connectivity: USB 2.0
Net Weight (Cartridges included): 51.9 IB/23.5 KG
Price: 499 USD
File Types: .stl, G code, XYZ Format
OS Supports: Windows XP (.Net 4.0 required), Windows 7+, Mac OSX 10.8 64-bit +
da Vinci proprietary filament can be reset and cheaper common standard filament used with cartridges and make the daily operation much cheaper. Here are tutorials, guides and software used for the procedure.
Da Vinci announced that hey will start to sell cheaper user replaceable ABS refill filament for their custom cartridges. It will be their filament and they will deliver it with a chip enabling the printer to recognize new spool. The refill will be sold in 25 - 27 USD range for 600g. The company also announced that they will start to sell PLA filament also.
Vicknes Waran from the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and colleagues created the model using the latest generation of 3D printers, which can print plastic in a variety of textures, from rubbery to hard. By tweaking the printer's settings, they mimicked the consistency of skin, bone and membranes to build up the layers inside a skull. To reproduce a jelly-like tumour, plastic was injected into an anatomically accurate cavity created by the printer, based on scans from a patient. It was then coloured red to add realism. The skull is an improvement over existing models that use a single material because it allows trainees to see, feel and even hear how each type of tissue responds. Patient-specific replicas can simulate different medical conditions, allowing students to rehearse an entire operation ahead of time. The researchers also made models of the head. These can be reused, but the model brains with internal structure are custom-made for each practice session. Each costs about $600 to make, which makes it an affordable option. The team has already created even more sophisticated model brains with cavities that students can probe. "It bleeds and has fluid for brain endoscopy," says Waran.
It looks like PC case aimed at gamers / PC modders that has a 3d printer in it. Beside great design it has no other innovative features and there are no tests or videos of it working. It also uses some custom software and some sort of custom filament cartridges. I'm all for diversity, competition and options and like it's design so hopefully we will see more of it in the future.
If you ever wondered how does a small DIY 3d printingcompany looks from the inside here is the video tour of Makible facilities. Busy place! Looks like your MakiBox is getting ready to be shipped ...