London, UK – A1 Technologies has just launched the revolutionary RapMan, a cutting-edge 3D printer that is also highly affordable.
Until now, the lowest cost 3D printer has been the SD300, which builds good solid models out of layers of PVC sheet. This has proven to be a good technology both for designers/manufacturers and for schools. However, priced at over £11,000, it is affordable for only a limited number of schools — for many it is out of reach.
A1 Technologies is launching the RapMan 3D printer, which will allow this genre of technology to be affordable for all schools with Design & Technology on their curriculum and also within the new Diplomas for Engineering, Construction and Manufacturing. It is also a great tool for after-school engineering clubs.
A1 Technologies’ RapMan comes in kit form. Building the RapMan allows pupils to learn basic engineering principles; research has demonstrated that it is well within the capabilities of 14 year olds, or even younger. Once the RapMan is built, 3D parts can then be produced using a specially designed extruder head laying down a fine bead of molten plastic.
3D printing typically takes place inside a ‘black box’, which means that pupils are divorced from the process. With the RapMan, the printing is completely open to view; the machine has been specially designed using clear acrylic parts so that students can see and understand the production process.
Accessibility does not just apply to the use of the machine; it is also accessible in terms of price. At £750, it will cost £10,000 less than the nearest equivalent product. The price includes everything needed to assemble and run the equipment, including software to slice an .stl file and convert it into the G Code read by the RapMan machine.
RapMan is also highly cost effective to run, with materials costing from £20 per kilo. This means that a typical 3D model produced on the RapMan will cost pence rather than pounds.
RapMan also offers a good variety of materials. Supplied in filament form in 1kg reels, the RapMan can extrude a wide range of polymers, including ABS (widely used in car parts amongst other applications).
MPF
