3D Printers

The New TAZ 5 3D Printer Comes Bearing Good LulzBot News

Industrial 3D printer manufacturers may be suffering in the stock market, but desktop manufacturers like Aleph Objects are doing quite well, if Aleph Objects’ press releases are any indicator.  The LulzBot maker has just announcement, among other developments, the release of the LulzBot TAZ 5.

lulzbot TAZ 5 3D printerAccording to the company, LulzBot brand 3D printers are selling like hot cakes, due to “a surge in demand and expanding global distribution channels.”  These sales have enabled the company to more quickly develop the TAZ 5, currently available for $2,194.95 through the company’s distribution partners or LulzBot itself.  The main improvements include an all metal hot end, capable of achieving temperatures up to 300°C (572°F) for printing with a variety of materials, and a PEI bed surface for improved surface adhesion without tape or solvents.  As seen from previous iterations of the TAZ, Aleph Objects is known for upgrading its printer in increments, due to collaboration with the LulzBot community.

aleph_objects 3D printing historical_sales

In addition to the new TAZ, Aleph Objects has begun shipping the LulzBot Mini, unveiled last year and available for purchase for $1,350.  The company has also partnered with Chinese filament supplier eSUN and Fenner Drives, makers of Ninjaflex, to launch a number of specialty filaments, including all of the following, as stated in the press release:

Finally, Aleph Objects is offering support for the LulzBot-specific version of Cura.  While Cura will continue to act as an open source printing software, Cura LulzBot Edition will cater specifically to LulzBot users.

As Aleph Objects touts the open source mentality, I can’t help but think that the company’s success is also a success for open source design, as a whole.  May we all be free from patents as a means of speeding up innovation and proliferating awesome technologies!