Airwolf 3D, the Las Vegas-based 3D printer manufacturer, aims to fill a need in the market for a larger format filament-based machine with its new Evo 2X. It is one of the largest heated 3D printers — capable of handling carbon fiber-filled nylon — that will still fit on a workbench and is priced under $20K.
“Ever since we established our business in 2012, customers have consistently requested larger printers,” says Erick Wolf, founder of Airwolf 3D.
However, it has taken until now for the company to overcome the challenges that accompany developing larger heated enclosed printers. “The power requirements alone for producing printers capable of creating full-size parts in ABS thermoplastic can be daunting,” says Wolf, noting that the Evo 2X can be plugged into a standard 110-volt wall outlet.
Airwolf3D machines have a reputation for durability. The company opts for aluminum over plastic and linear guides instead of ball bearings and rods. “Our 3D printers are designed to run at least 100 hours at a time, ensuring the production of large, consistent parts,” says Wolf. Tthe stepper motor is powerful enough to support up to 23 kilos.
Airwolf 3D manufacture many of its components in-house on their own milling and laser cutting machines, and they even write their own software and extrude most of their own filament in-house.
The Evo 2X has a build volume of 609.6 x 304.8 x 558.8 mm, which is just a touch bigger than a Raise3D Pro3 Plus (300 × 300 × 605 mm) or a Stratasys Fortus 450mc (406 x 355 x 406).
The user experience with the Evo 2X is boosted by a touchscreen interface, remote monitoring, auto-leveling, and easy filament loading.
Unique to Airwolf 3D is its Tri-Heat Technology, which uses two internal chamber heaters capable of heating the chamber to at least 70 ºC and a heated bed capable of 160 ºC.
The heated environment coupled with a hot end that can reach 315 ºC enables you to print with engineering grade materials, including carbon-fiber-reinforced nylon, PC, Ultrafuse stainless steel, as well as HydroFill, Airwolf 3D’s proprietary water-soluble support. Spools hang inside the build chamber, which acts as a filament drying system.
“With Evo 2X you do not need to buy overpriced specialized filament to make large parts,” says Wolf. “We designed the machine to handle readily available engineering-grade materials.”
The cartridge-style dual extruder assembly is said to “achieve increased torque capacity for faster extrusion speeds.” The maximum print speed is 80 mm/s, which can translate to a print time of 40 to 120 hours for each plate.
Apex, is the Airwolf 3D custom slicer, but the Evo 2X is also compatible with Cura and Simplify 3D.
Airwolf 3D offers training through its Airwolf 3D University, where users can learn enough to operate the machine safely and productively. The course consists of six parts, accessible online, with quizzes throughout to ensure users acquire the necessary skills to run the machines.
Tech Specs & Price
- Technology: FDM
- Print volume: 609.6 x 304.8 x 558.8 mm
- Min Layer Height: 40 microns
- Speed: 80 mm/s
- Nozzle sizes: 0.35 mm, 0.50 mm, 0.80 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.2 mm
- Max. extruder temp.: 315℃
- Chamber temp.: 70℃
- Max. bed temp.: 160℃
- Materials: ABS, carbon fiber nylon (PA), PET, PLA, ASA, PETG, +
- Material format: Filament
- Price: $17,000
License: The text of "Airwolf 3D Launches Its Largest Rugged FDM" by All3DP Pro is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.