The 3D Printing Industry Awards 2022 shortlists are now available for voting. Who will win the 2022 3DPI Awards? Have your say by casting your vote now.
Large-format 3D printer manufacturer BigRep has announced the launch of a new “one-stop digital platform” at the Formnext trade show.
Utilizing the firm’s free BigRep CONNECT offering, it’s said that users of its machines are now able to seamlessly connect their hardware and monitor print progress within a unified digital space. By providing adopters with all the print information they’ll need at the click of a button, BigRep says its software could offer analytical and productivity benefits, as well as delivering some organizational convenience.
BigRep’s large-format offering
Based in Berlin, but with offices and technical centers in Boston, Singapore and Shanghai, BigRep is a developer of large-format Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) systems. Over the last eight years, the firm has worked with the likes of BASF, Bosch Rexroth, Etihad Airways and Deutsche Bahn to build out and deploy a portfolio of machines, software and materials.
This offering now includes the BigRep ONE, BigRep STUDIO G2 and BigRep PRO 3D printers, the latter of which is the firm’s largest to date. Alongside a whopping one cubic meter build volume, the system packs BigRep’s MXT control system and a state-of-the-art CNC controller, providing it with the speed and precision to produce huge molds, prototypes, tooling or patterns with high accuracy.
While BigRep’s machines are open material, meaning that users can safely utilize third-party polymers in them, it opted to showcase the PRO with a range of its proprietary filaments at Formnext. To help users get the most out of these plastics, which included HI-Temp CF, PRO-HT, TPU, PLX and PETG, the firm also promoted its suite of consultation, ROI calculation, part analysis and application services.
Introducing BigRep CONNECT
BigRep’s free, fully web-based control center is designed to provide the users of its 3D printers with a way of closely controlling their production workflow, no matter where they’re located. Using the platform, it’s possible to monitor parameters like chamber temperature and which material is loaded, while getting running updates on system performance.
The software also features print job management functionality, which allows users to upload files, organize their job queue and preview prints, as well as tracking their progress. For those wanting to get a bit deeper into 3D printing analytics, the program even provides more detailed data in areas such as machine and filament usage, in a way that could help adopters better utilize their products.
Elsewhere, when it comes to the firm’s wider ecosystem, BigRep CONNECT is built to work natively with BigRep FLOW. Launched in May, the latter is a customizable software as a service (SaaS) platform that streamlines the 3D printing of packaging, tooling and other factory parts that meet specified benchmarks and qualifications.
BigRep 3D printer users can apply for a free BigRep CONNECT account here to get started.
BigRep is one of many operating in the FFF space to have fleshed out the software offering it markets alongside its systems. Stratasys continues to update its popular GrabCAD 3D printing software, which thanks to the GrabCAD Software Partner Program, now provides users with access to integrated Riven and Oqton functionalities.
Similarly, Raise3D’s ideaMaker software is not just a print management tool, as it now allows users to apply textured finishes and engage in parameter optimization. The firm also offers its web-based RaiseCloud 3D printing platform that enables the remote control, monitoring and reporting of the full production workflow.
Check out our full Formnext news round-up for the latest from 3D printing’s leading trade show.
To stay up to date with the latest 3D printing news, don’t forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter or follow us on Twitter or liking our page on Facebook.
While you’re here, why not subscribe to our Youtube channel? featuring discussion, debriefs, video shorts and webinar replays.
Are you looking for a job in the additive manufacturing industry? Visit 3D Printing Jobs for a selection of roles in the industry.
Featured image shows the BigRep PRO 3D printer. Photo via BigRep.
