ClayXYZ is crowdfunding their new desktop clay 3D printer on Kickstarter, offering reusable material to create ceramic artwork. 

We all remember the vast enjoyment we got from playing with clay in our school art class. Hand-molding lopsided vases and creating sculptures before glazing them with colorful paint and sticking them in the kiln. ClayXYZ is attempting to integrate this fun form of artistic expression into a desktop 3D printer.

The New York startup is now launching the ClayXYZ 3D printer on Kickstarter. They consider their concept to be “the most user-friendly desktop clay 3D printer ever.” With it, users will be able to print custom cups, vases, bowls, and more.

ClayXYZ Believes Clay is the Way to Print

One of the main advantages of clay over PLA and ABS is the reusability, making it environmentally friendly. Even after printing, you will be able to melt the material down and reuse it. Additionally, with ClayXYZ’s model, the material can be loaded into the extruder with much more convenience.

The printer aims to please both the beginner and expert designers and artists. Although the machine boasts accessibility, the clay material is also modifiable and repairable after the print is complete. According to the crowdfunding campaign, the final product doesn’t require baking, and can air dry in under 24 hours.

ClayXYZ is also offering a vast array of options as far as material and post-processing goes. They claim that users can choose from different style clays, and can also glaze the artwork with different colors and fire it in a kiln.

You will also be able to create more aesthetically pleasing prints by using conventional post-processing techniques. After applying a moist sponge midway through the drying process, you will be able to decorate your objects. Simply add four to five layers of glaze to the model and bake it in a kiln for around 20 hours.

On the Kickstarter page, ClayXYZ explains how they were able to construct a clay 3D printer that performs accurately. The mechanical frame is made from 2020 aluminum that us equipped with a screw drive linear guide structure. The printers uses an Arduino Mega2560-controlled A4988 drive module to operate the high-precision stepper motor. Additionally, they’re integrating a RepRap compatible Marlin firmware to help the printer reach 15 microns of resolution.

Turn Your Regular FDM Printer into a Clay 3D Printer

If you’re not prepared to invest into another desktop 3D printer, ClayXYZ is also offering the extruder to help transform your current model into a clay 3D printing machine. The extruder component will employ a special air compressor, which helps remove bubbles out of the clay.

Currently, ClayXYZ is offering the extrusion device for a pledge of $349 or more, while the entire printer kit is available for a pledge of $749 or more.

While this product sounds incredibly exciting for kids and artists alike, keep in mind that it is currently in the crowdfunding stage. Therefore, proceed with caution if you decide to invest some money into this marvelous idea.

However, the ClayXYZ team seems to have a promising and well-documented idea on their hands. At the time of this article, the crowdfunding campaign raised $50,000, 5 times more than their aim. If all goes according to plan, the company hopes to start production at the end of the year and start shipping in March 2018.

Source: Kickstarter