Vancouver-based 3D printing start-up 3DQue has extended the compatibility of its 3D printer automation upgrade, Quinly, to all Creality Ender 3 clones.
By opening the upgrade up to Ender clones such as the Aquila 3D printer from Voxelab, the consumer-centric brand of 3D printer manufacturer FlashForge, 3DQue will extend the freedoms of autonomous high-volume 3D printing to thousands of engineers.
“Recent advances in 3D printers, components, and materials make it possible for individuals to make finished, ready-for-market goods,” said Mateo Pekic, 3DQue Co-founder. “Quinly automation eliminates the need for entrepreneurs and engineers to babysit their printers, freeing them up to focus on other priorities like family, job, and innovation.”
The Quinly upgrade
3DQue was founded in 2018 by Pekic and entrepreneur Stephanie Sharp with the goal of providing makers and entrepreneurs with high-volume 3D printing capabilities. The company has already developed and launched its proprietary QSuite and QPoD product offerings, first unveiled at RAPID + TCT 2019.
3DQue first installed its QPoD platform at Mitsubishi Chemical Performance Polymers (MCPP), and the firm was able to conduct extensive material compatibility testing to examine its potential as an alternative to injection molding. Powered by the firm’s QSuite technology, QPoD can operate 24/7 and enable the mass-production of switch cube frames at a rate equivalent to 100,000 parts per year.
3DQue launched its Quinly automation upgrade kit for Creality’s Ender 3 machines in May. The kit includes a subscription-free automation software, gravity-assisted print bed and the STL files needed to print machine ‘tilt’ brackets. Essentially, the Quinly package enables those seeking to run a 3D printing business to ramp up their production without having to constantly monitor their products’ progress.
Using 3DQue’s gravity-assisted bed also enables users to process a wide array of filaments, while achieving continuous model release, and producing up to 90% of parts without the need for adding rafts. Similarly, the upgrade also reduces the risk of stringing or batch failures as the platform’s continual operation means users no longer need to try to squeeze multiple parts onto the same build plate.
The DIY Quinly kit offers Ender 3, Ender 3 Pro, and Ender 3 V2 users the ability to upgrade their machines and improve their system throughput while removing the need for close monitoring. Now, 3DQue is extending this capability to Ender 3 clones to enable thousands more engineers to carry out continuous 3D printing production runs.
Extending autonomous capabilities
According to 3DQue, Ender clones provide good value due to often being equipped with the latest hardware features, such as silent motherboards and high-quality stepper drivers, in addition to pre-installed upgrades like auto-leveling. By offering Quinly for such Ender 3 clones, 3DQue is seeking to open up autonomous high volume printing to the masses.
Based on testing, the firm is confident that Quinly will work “seamlessly” with all Ender 3 clones and is currently seeking beta testers to ensure machine compatibility. Those companies wishing to become a beta tester can apply for rebates on the Quinly packages they purchase for testing.
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Featured image shows an Ender 3D printer fitted with 3DQue’s DIY Quinly kit. Photo via 3DQue.
