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Avante Technology Releases Fabricatus 3D Printer Controller

Avante Technology, which recently released its own line of 3D printing materials, has expanded its presence in the DIY 3D printing community with the launch of a new controller board for desktop 3D printers, the Fabricatus.  The Fabricatus controller is designed to handle two extruders and other add-ons, like digital displays and WiFi communication.

Using an ARM Cortex M3 CPU, built to support multiple operations in real time, the Fabricatus can handle up to six, independently programmable motor drivers, allowing users to control dual extruders and program each motor individually.  The board is also designed with USB, Ethernet, and SD memory ports, giving 3D printer designers a variety of methods for handling 3D printable files.  With 10 MOSFet outputs, designers can operate heaters, fans, and lights.  Four analog inputs can be used for multiple heaters and four end-stops.  The Fabricatus additionally includes an expansion port, in the case that a display screen or WiFi module is needed for extended capabilities.   For electrical installation, the board relies on high current, fused ribbon cable connectors.  The Fabricatus is based on open source hardware design and runs on Smoothieware firmware, making it compatible with already existing open source designs.

fabricatus controller board from avante technology

Priced at $299, with a pre-order price of $249 through September 10 and bulk pricing available, the board will be officially released in October of this year.  Configured with a number of possible add-ons and 3D printing features in mind, the Fabricatus seems to be versatile enough for those designing a machine with their favorite options, including dual extruders, WiFi connectivity, and LED lights.  The bulk pricing may also give 3D printer manufacturers a possible alternative supplier of controller boards for their 3D printer line.

If you are thinking of purchasing the board, however, I do recommend looking closely at the picture of the Fabricatus.  You’ll notice that the controller is manufactured in China, with the product name (LPC1768-Mini-DK2) stamped above the manufacturer’s logo.   A bit of research with that information in hand and you may be able to find a similar product online already implemented in other 3D printing projects at a lower price, though I can’t say that Avante isn’t changing the board or working with the manufacturer to add specific features or enhanced quality control.

Feature image via Media Timez.