BCN3D Technologies, the Barcelona-based desktop 3D printer manufacturer, has released a new dual-extruder FFF/FDM system, named the BCN3D Epsilon.
Intended for more demanding settings compared to its range of Sigma desktop machines, the BCN3D Epsilon is designed to provide large-scale FFF 3D printed parts with high-performing materials. As such, BCN3D is currently in negotiation with a number of automotive manufacturers, like BMW, Nissan, Seat, and Renault, that are looking to adopt the new system into their production workflows.
Alongside the release of the BCN3D Epsilon, the company has also partnered with global chemical firms BASF and Mitsubishi Chemical (MCPP). Working together, the two companies have developed a new range of filaments for the new BCN3D Epsilon 3D printer, suitable for critical applications. Planned for shipment in mid-December 2019, the BCN3D Epsilon is available for €6995 + VAT.
“We are facilitating the use of industrial materials such as ABS, polypropylene, and polyamide. Up until now, affordable printers could not offer any guarantees when working with these materials. We are also introducing materials with composite fibers because the characteristics of this new printer make it possible to do so,” commented Xavier Martínez Faneca, CEO of BCN3D.
“We want to be identified as a major player in the industry and this product and its features will help us gain visibility”
Developing a larger, high performing desktop 3D printer
Founded in 2012, BCN3D initially stemmed from a research group at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia’s (UPC) additive manufacturing division, the CIM-UPC center. The group aimed to develop affordable, easy-to-use, and versatile 3D printers with an open-source framework.
Thus far, the company’s product range has included the Sigma R19 and the Sigmax R19 FFF dual extruder 3D printers. Both use the company’s Independent Dual Extruder (IDEX) technology which allows users the freedom of two new print modes: Duplication Mode and Mirror Mode.
Having recently raised $3 million in seed funding, and subsequently established itself as an independent company separate from UPC in March 2019, BCN3D sought to create a desktop 3D printing solution for more demanding work settings compared to the Sigma range. Despite the success of its Sigma 3D printers, the company identified demand for a high-performing FFF 3D printer with a greater build capacity for industries such as automotive and engineering.
“BCN3D was designed as a desktop printer manufacturer and will stay there, no doubt. However, the desktop market has a lot of players and there is more competition than ever before. In addition, the entire market has matured and now it expects more from 3D printing than what it did just a few years ago,” explains Eric Pallarés, CTO of BCN3D.
This drove the company to launch the new BCN3D Epsilon, which has been developed to enable companies to create functional 3D printed parts, prototypes, manufacturing models and tools with increased performance and efficiency. “BCN3D started to develop some of the features of BCN3D Epsilon even before the spin-off last March. At that time, we were able to expand the engineering team and invest more resources. That was the starter pistol that signaled the official launch of the projects, even though many things had already been approved and designed,” added Pallarés.
Increasing productivity with the BCN3D Epsilon
The new BCN3D Epsilon features an enclosed passive heated build chamber, as opposed to the open design on the Sigma and Sigmax 3D printers. This is intended to help the system easily process technical materials, like fiber-reinforced filaments for tougher applications. BCN3D’s material partnership with BASF and MCPP also allows the system to produce “ready-to-use” functional parts in the manufacturing, engineering and product design sectors. BASF and MCPP’s material range for the new BCN3D Epsilon comprises ABS, Polypropylene, Nylon, TPU, PET-G and PLA filaments.
BCN3D’s new system also comes equipped with a larger 420 x 300 x 400 mm build volume, compared to the 420 x 297 x 210 mm on the Sigmax R19 system. The bigger volume will allow manufacturers to 3D print large-scale parts, and the inclusion of IDEX technology helps to improve 3D printing productivity as well. BCN3D has also launched a new cloud-based platform alongside the Epsilon allowing users to print 3D files from anywhere, named the BCN3D Cloud.
“BCN3D Epsilon is a productive printer, thanks to its capacity to process large volumes and its IDEX technology. Its 5” touch screen and cloud connection features make it easy to use. It is versatile and is compatible with a large range of hotends and materials. And it is safe because it comes equipped with industrial-grade HEPA and carbon filters and an emergency stop feature”, explains Eric Pallarés.
The BCN3D Epsilon is set to be presented at this year’s Formnext show in Hall 11.1, Stand 111-F51, from 19 to 22 November.
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Featured image shows the BCN3D Epsilon 3D printer in the workspace. Photo via BCN3D.
