Large Build Volume

Given Peopoly’s history of creating large-sized MSLA 3D printers, it should come as no surprise that its latest release, the Forge, also comes with a sizable print volume. 288 x 163 x 350 mm, to be precise.

For comparison, this is slightly larger than the Elegoo Jupiter, but not quite on the level of the very large Phrozen Mega 8K. Given its size, the printer is mainly geared toward small-batch manufacturing in workshops, labs, businesses, or factories, but can be used at home too. If you’ve got the space for it, that is.

6K Screen & Parallel LED

In terms of resolution, the Forge comes with a 6K monochrome screen housing 5448 x 3064 pixels, which allows fast curing times and an XY voxel size of 50 microns. Unlike Phrozen’s Mega 8K, which strives for high-resolution prints (43 microns at an even larger area), the Peopoly Forge looks to excel in other fields, mainly in usability. For the time being at least, 50 microns can still be considered a par score in resin 3D printing, even with more and more manufacturers decreasing print granularity further.

Pixel size is only a factor determining print detail, though. The Forge’s LCD screen is also stated to have a high contrast ratio (500 nit) which should allow for faster printing times and improvements to model details.

Underneath the LCD, Peopoly uses a parallel LED array as its light source that promises an even distribution across the entire LCD and increases UV light efficiency significantly. This should aid further in the production of crisp details and ensure uniform results across the print surface, ideal for batch printing.

Vlare Control Board

One of the standout features of the Forge is the Vlare Core board it is running on. Vlare is a relatively new company looking to challenge CBD-Tech’s hegemony over resin printer control boards and promises to bring a handful of new features to the table. The Forge is the first printer to house such a Vlare board and looks to bring greater control with features such as multi-layer exposure. This allows, for example, to print more robust supports and can be especially helpful when making full use of the Forge’s large build volume.

Vlare is also stated to support an advanced anti-aliasing algorithm that produces smoother print surfaces while maintaining better resolutions than older boards. We have yet to test it out, but this could significantly cut down on post-processing time for model makers and improve results overall.

Aside from Vlare’s Vlare Slicer, the board supports open file format, onboard EMMC storage, and can also be controlled via third-party slicers such as Mango3D’s Lychee Slicer or the Voxeldance Tango slicer.

Remote Control & Monitoring

The Vlare board also offers Wi-Fi connectivity for users to control and monitor prints remotely. And we really do mean monitor, as the Peopoly Forge comes with a built-in infrared camera that allows you to keep an eye on your prints wherever you are via the web-based interface.

You can start, pause, and stop prints via the simple-to-use Nexus software from Fiberpunk. With it, users can also manage multiple printers from a single dashboard, ideal if you plan to set up a Forge print farm for your business. Plus, you can set up an email notification alert to never miss anything ever again.

Temperature Controlled Vat

If you use a printer professionally, you’ll place a particularly high value on repeatability and printing consistency.

One of the variables that might affect the consistency of prints is the resin temperature. Back in the day, Peopoly provided a little heater for its Moai series that could be placed inside the chamber and ensure a comfy room temperature. For the Forge, Peopoly takes it one step further. The 3D printer comes with a temperature-controlled vat and a heater that allows users to dial in the resin temperature anywhere from 25 – 30 °C, the perfect printing temperature for resins. With engineering-grade materials in particular, this should ensure consistency across multiple prints – a first in the realm of affordable resin 3D printing.

Upgradability

Besides its already considerable list of ease-of-use features, the Forge also is meant to be highly customizable with optional add-ons available to meet different production requirements.

For one, the Forge comes with easy-to-remove panels on all sides and 20 x 20 mm extrusion frames and T-slots to mount extra features. Workshops with high ventilation requirements could hook up the printer directly to an air duct vent, for example. Furthermore, users in colder environments could also mount additional heater units in the chamber to maintain print and resin temperature or install LED strips for an illuminated work area. To power such add-ons, the Forge features USB slots.

Peopoly also states that users of the Forge can easily access and adjust internal components for upgrades and maintenance. It will provide a detailed guide to assist the user with customization.

Further features

Additional features on the Peopoly Forge include:

• CNC machined print plate: The single-piece CNC-machined print plate is said to help produce repeatable results. Unlike some manufacturers, the print plate is non-perforated, making it easier to remove prints and clean off excess resin.
• Improved fan noise: We remember all too well the jet-engine-like sound of Peopoly’s Phenom back in the day. The Forge is said to be more power-efficient and therefore needs less cooling. As such, the fan noise has also dramatically decreased, apparently.
• Robust dual-rail Z-axis design: You want extra robustness and sturdiness for any moving part on a printer of this size. With the Forge’s dual-rail Z-axis design, it looks to feature just that.
• Large vat: The vat is stated to hold up to 2.5 liters which should provide more than enough resin for full volume prints