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Overview
Introducing the 3D PotterBot Scara V4
The Scara V4 is the first viable large-scale ceramic 3D printer using real clay. The advanced design and substantial construction can take on board loads like the 3D Potter 3600ml and 4000ml clay extruders.
3D PotterBot Scara V4
The 3D Potterbot Scara V4 is our largest model for 3D ceramic and paste printing. It is capable of printing multiple large object non-stop. It can even be combined with a continuous flow hopper to print structures and walls.
User interface (WiFi)
Duet Web Control is a fully developed UI for the Scara. Opened in a web browser, it can be used on your laptop, tablet, phone, or other WiFi-capable device.
Print Status
Once a print is started, it shows information about the model being printed. Layer times, estimated time remaining, file information, and more are available for viewing. It also allows for print and extrusion speed control to be adjusted in real time.
G-Code Files
The G-Code Files page allows G-code files for printing to be uploaded, edited, or downloaded. A summary of the file is given such as size, layer height, and what the file was generated by.
Software requirements
None! The only requirements is a web browser interface.
For object generation, the Scara V4 is similar to the rest of the 3D Potter line ceramic printers. It's is just like any other 3D printer which requires an STL file to be sliced by a third-party program. We recommend Simplify3D, and then loading the file to the SD card in the printer, which can be done over WiFi.
Build envelope
The Scara V4 build envelope is quite unique because it's capable of printing 360 degrees with continuous rotation. This means you can create a huge vessel with the printer initially residing inside the vessel or structure.
Another unique ability is printing multiple objects within the specified envelope in a sequential mode. For instance you could print a particular vessel starting on the far left side and continue to print these vessels until there is no more space left.
Speed and noise
The Scara V4 is capable of extreme printing speeds, however speed is relative when it comes to ceramic 3D printing. Realistically, you probably don't want to exceed 130 mm/s. There are many factors which determine the speed, like nozzle size choices, layer heights, and your goal for achieving good interlayer adhesion of the clay.
The Scara V4 is very quiet, so it can be operated in any area without disturbing the surrounding environment.
Construction and design
We were able to achieve high precision and accuracy with this large Scara arm robot only through diligent design and robust construction techniques. The majority of this structure is out of heavy aircraft grade 6061 aluminum utilizing CNC and welded components for maximum strength and rigidity. The main rail components are from IGUS* which is one of the leading German manufacturers of precision guide rails. The drive motors consist of very sophisticated hybrid closed-loop stepper motors. These have on-board computers with telemetry that continually update their position for zero error positioning.
Drive mechanisms
This is no souped-up 3D printer, this is a dedicated heavy duty purpose-built robot. The main drives are sophisticated harmonic drive units. These are the same drives used on large industrial robots similar to the ones that are now in most of the large manufacturing facilities. These drives are extremely heavy duty and capable of precision movement down into the fractions of a second of a degree. This means very precise prints with no backlash or jittery movements at realistic speeds. These drives are designed for maximum rigidity with extreme accuracy.
Space needed for setup
The real advantage is this machine can be positioned on a substantial table top and you can start printing right away within a limited envelope area. Or you can give it its own dedicated space for partial or full envelope.
The space needed is really determined by the end-user and how much of the print envelope they choose to use. Whether on the table top or on the floor, the Scara V4 will require direct mounting for maximum stability. This is achieved with multiple screws to secure the printer to the surface it is on. If you choose to use a tabletop it must be of substantial construction, the minimum is 1.5" thick heavy plywood or wood construction. If a inadequate table is used, the results from the printer will be diminished depending on the build envelope and speed at which the prints are created with.
Print Area
The Print Area is unique due to its 360-degree capability. This means you can create a huge vessel with the printer initially residing inside the vessel or structure. This opens up the possibility to print Large ceramic objects and even Concrete.
Another unique ability is printing multiple objects within the specified envelope in a sequential mode. For instance, you could print a particular vessel starting on the far left side and continue to print these vessels until there is no more space left.
For PDF drawing see the button below
Package Contents
3D PotterBot Scara V4
Package Contents
What's included:
• Scara v4
• Closed loop stepper on X, Y, Z, extruder
• Extruder size of your choice.
• 5 anodized aluminum nozzles (standard sizes: 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8mm when extruder is purchased)
• Parts Box: Alan key set, grease, Acme driver tool, tie wraps, extra screws
• Power Supply
Specifications
Specifications
Printing Envelope:
X/Y- 72" Diameter Circle (1829mm)
Z- 45” (1143mm)
Minimum Printing Envelope:
X/Y- 22" Diameter Circle (558mm)
Printer size:
W-34” L-18” H-44”
Normal operational space needed: W-40” L-36” H-~70”
Maximum operational space needed: W-88” L-88” H-~84”
Height to the top of the extruder fully extended is H~84” (2134mm)
Weight with extruder: 90 lbs. (41kg)
Average speed: 1.2’’ to 3.9’’/s (30 to 100 mm/s)
Power Supply: Output - 24V ~15 amps, Input - 110-220V, 50-60 Hertz.
Power consumption: 24V ~8 amps, ~192 Watt
Main controller board running Duet3D with Atmel SAM4E8E: 120MHz ARM Cortex-M4
Helpful Resources
The Pugmill
The easiest way to load extruder tubes is with a pugill. For best results, a de-airing pug mill and a double auger will give you better performance than a single auger.
Although a single auger is adequate, the consistency of the clay is more critical when it comes to loading the tubes. The consistency of the clay should be similar to standard throwing clay, but wetter. This can be accomplished by running the clay through the pug mill and adding a small quantity of water. If too much water is added to the clay the pug mill can actually not function sufficiently enough to load the tubes. This happens because the auger has no traction against the side of the pug mill as the clay mixture becomes too loose. It also depends on the pug mill and its ability to forcefully push the clay. It is necessary to have an adaptor for the nozzle of the pug mill to attach the polycarbonate tube for loading.
Recommended De-airing Pugmills
The Peter Pugger VPM-9 and VPM-20 series, which are ready-to-use with the 3D Potter machines with their existing pugmill adapter are a great option for your needs.
Loading By Hand
Using a 25 lb. bag of prepared clay, cut the clay into 4 pieces and put a microfiber towel in between the 4 pieces. Add 15 ounces of water to the bag, close the bag and make it airtight. Wait until the water has penetrated the clay, approximately one to two days. Now using the moist clay roll it into a cylinder a little bit smaller than the inside of the tube you are loading.
Put the nozzle on the tube with tape over the end and gently tap the clay into the tube. Make sure to tap the tube and nozzle on a soft surface. This is the best method to load your tubes without a pug mill.
Wall Mount Clay Extruder
We now offer an easy way of handloading tubes without the added expense of purchasing a large pug mill. Although a de-airing pug mill is by far the best way to load the tubes, this wall-mounted loader is a very good second choice.
Why Buy From 3D Universe?
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Purchase orders are accepted from qualifying organizations with Net 30 terms for orders of $200 or more. Email us for more information.
