Concepts 3D Systems, a new 3D printer manufacturer out of Canada, has announced the Athena, a “smart” LCD 3D printer that makes quite a few big promises. It’s currently crowdfunding the machine via Kickstarter.
In a sea of resin crowdfunding campaigns with dubious claims, Concepts 3D may be a company to watch. It was founded by Nico Martin, who has suggested he may be the inventor of LCD 3D printing. “I’ve been developing mSLA 3D printers since about 2012,” Martin said, “and as far as I know, I am the inventor of this technology”. Martin is clear that he doesn’t own any patents but, in addition to his earliest work with the technology, has researched and developed LCD technology with 3D Currax for 10 years and previously worked with the University of British Columbia to develop microfluidic devices — for which SLA 3D printing is often used as a fabrication technique
As for Concepts 3D’s new printer, the Athena is planned to boast a 10.1-inch 8K LCD screen, a printing area of 219 x 123 x 245 mm, and an XY resolution of .0285 mm (28.5 microns). These are fairly “standard” specs for higher-end resin machines, but will result in high-quality models if performance is as described. the Athena is also planned to feature a “high power” UV LED (which Concepts 3D Systems says is twice as strong as its competitors) and silent, temperature-controlled fans.
Headlining the machine, however, will be what Concepts 3D Systems calls “force sensor” technology, which works to boost print reliability and accuracy via real-time fault detection and failure prevention. It leverages peel detection, crash detection, resin level detection, fail detection, and dynamic wait time calibration — which allows resin to settle before printing to achieve “better printing results”. Meanwhile, Concepts 3D Systems says lift release detection, which dynamically adjusts the lifting height of each layer in an effort to ensure full separation, will decrease print times by as much as 60%.
“Our innovative force sensor technology sets the Athena 3D printer apart from the competition,” Concepts 3D Systems said in a press release. “We understand the pain points that 3D printing enthusiasts face, and our printer has been designed to address those issues. With our force sensor technology, users can enjoy reliable and efficient printing, saving time and resin.”
The Athena will be powered by a mainboard and Raspberry Pi CM4, with Klipper firmware controlling the machine’s “low-level” hardware and NanoDLP behind LCD and printing processes. Concepts 3D Systems also says Lychee Slicer “enhances the user experience” – although it’s unclear exactly what this means.
All told, the Athena is riding a rather strong wave of both developer experience and hype during its ongoing Kickstarter campaign, which promises rewards such as early-bird discounts and free 3D printed models to backers. Those interested can visit the Athena’s campaign page for full details or to make a pledge on a package, which start at around $800 (CAD $1,080).
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Editor’s Note – This article highlights a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign. Kickstarter is not a shop; campaigns are under no legal obligation to deliver on crowdfunding promises, nor offer refunds on unfulfilled campaign rewards.
For more insight, read our article 8 Things to Watch for When Backing a 3D Printing Kickstarter.
License: The text of "Concepts 3D’s ‘Smart’ Resin Printer Knows When Your Prints Fail" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.