If you’re looking for a large, industrial 3D printer, Germany-based BigRep may have a solution for you in its BigRep Pro, an enhanced iteration of the Studio, but with enhanced mechanisms and components that blow its predecessor out of the water.
When looking at FDM 3D printing on an industrial scale, one of the primary issues preventing the wide-scale adoption of this technology is the limitation of the build area. This is the obstacle BigRep is determined to overcome with its incredibly large and highly capable 3D printer line, which includes flagship models like the BigRep ONE and BigRep Studio.
In creating the Pro, BigRep aimed to give a sizable industrial solution for rapid prototyping and production. It’s equipped with proprietary Metering Extruder Technology and an industrial-grade Bosch Rexroth motion control system.
All in all, the latest BigRep machine is a viable option for small businesses and manufacturers looking for an industrial-grade 3D printer that is relatively affordable and has a larger-than-life build volume.
Though we haven’t printed with this meaty machine yet, we’ve pored over the specs to help you decide whether it’s the right one for your needs.
Features
Large build volume
As with any other BigRep-branded 3D printer, the most eye-catching attribute of the BigRep Pro has to be its gargantuan build volume of 1080 x 980 x 960 mm. This should give you the flexibility to print objects of any size and to also print dozens of smaller items simultaneously.
Enclosed frame
The Pro has an insulated, fully enclosed metal frame that provides stable temperature control, as well as glass doors that allow users to watch the 3D printing process unfold. This helps ensure the printing process goes off without a hitch, while also protecting the filament from any outside influences.
Insulated filament cabinet
When printing with industrial-grade materials, you want to make sure your filaments are well looked after. The Pro protects up to four precious spools of filament in a special, humidity-controlled filament chamber boasting air circulation fans to keep the temperature even.
MXT extruder
While size is certainly a major factor when considering a BigRep machine, the new proprietary Metering Extruder Technology (MXT) is what sets the BigRep Pro apart from other large-format options. This extruder system is designed to give a clear separation between filament feeding, melting and extrusion. In having this separation, the user should have full control over the amount of filament and speed of the extruder.
The Pro is equipped with either two of the MXT modular extrusion heads or one MXT and an Advanced Capability Extruder (ACE) extrusion head. (The ACE, claims BigRep, is capable of printing up to 60% faster than its standard extruders.)
CNC Control system
The other performance-enhancing feature found in the BigRep Pro is the newly implemented state-of-the-art CNC control systems and drives by Bosch Rexroth, one of the world’s leading suppliers of drive and control technologies. Coupled with the MXT technology, the German-engineered 3D printer should provides increased print speed, higher precision, and higher quality parts for industrial applications.
Semi-automatic bed leveling
Circling back to the build chamber, the BigRep Pro has a heated print bed mounted with polyimide foil, which should improve the overall material adhesion. It’s also equipped with an inductive sensor that allows for semi-automatic bed leveling. Even before the loaded filament is extruded, it should stay in tippy-top condition thanks to the built-in temperature-controlled spool chamber.
Technical Specifications
An enormous printer like the BigRep Pro should come equipped with some larger-than-life attributes. This large-format system has all of that and more. Here are the technical specifications for the BigRep PRO 3D printer:
- Build volume: 1080 x 980 x 960 mm
- Layer height resolution: 0.1 – 1.6 mm
- Extrusion: Dual
- Extruders: MXT and/or ACE
- Printing technology: FFF
- Certified BigRep materials: PA6/66, ProHT, PLA, PETG, plus ASA, PA-CF, PET-CF, PMMA, and TPU are on the way
- Support materials: Soluble and breakaway
- Print bed temperature: Max. 99°C
- Printer weight: Approx. 1550 kg
- Printer size: 1950 x 2450 x 1790 mm (without towerlight)
- Power: 3 X AC 400V, 50/60 Hz, 5100 W
- Safety certifications: CE approved
License: The text of "BigRep Pro 3D Printer: Review the Specs" by All3DP Pro is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.