Raise3D enters photopolymer 3D printing by announcing the launch of the DF2 DLP 3D printer

Raise3D – one of the largest manufacturers of industrial and desktop FDM/FFF 3D printers in the world, announced its official entry into the resin 3D printing market, presenting its first device of this type at the Formnext fair in Frankfurt am Main. The 3D printer called DF2 is based on Digital Light Printing (DLP) technology, offering high speeds, high precision and extraordinary reliability. At the same time, Raise3D presented a comprehensive ecosystem, which includes post-processing stations, proprietary resins and customized software.

DF2 integrates several components to provide a complete workflow during the 3D printing process. The company’s ecosystem includes:

• Raise3D DF2 3D printer: used to produce small production batches with high resolution and smoothness; all this thanks to the precise and reliable Z-axis table lifting system, efficient material management, heated chamber, high-quality optical system, advanced anti-aliasing and Air-Peel technology for quick and easy layer separation
• Raise3D DF Wash: automated cleaning solution with effective process control and easy maintenance; features solid cleaning capabilities via dual turbine washing as well as an air drying system with dual fans; It is possible to work with various cleaning agents such as alcohol, IPA, TPM and water
• Raise3D DF Cure: advanced curing station equipped with multiple UV and reheat curing profiles; uses dual curing sources at different wavelengths (365/385/405 nm)
• Raise3D resins:
  • standard resin: user-friendly, matte finish; currently available in white, with additional colors in development; it is ideal for prototyping and creating detailed models due to its excellent printability
  • durable 2K resin: durable and impact-resistant; offers strength and stiffness similar to ABS, making it an optimal choice for load-bearing components such as instruments, fixtures and housings
  • high detail resin: with a matte finish, ready for direct painting and coating, this resin captures the finest details and offers high resolution; is intended for the production of prototypes requiring very high resolution and for complex models and intricate works of art; it is currently available in apricot and will soon be available in a transparent variant
  • 3K Rigid Resin: Mirroring the stiffness of glass fiber reinforced thermoplastics, the resin provides high stiffness along with excellent thermal and chemical resistance and is ideal for printing thin-walled parts
• ideaMaker Slicing software: adapted to the DF2 3D printer, simplifies the DLP printing process; features offered include anti-aliasing, automatic handling, contour compensation, suction cup detection, texture generation and reduced Gcode size, among others.

Raise3D announces that it will continue to invest further in the development of resins. A wide range of materials, such as high-temperature resin, are on the horizon for the production of end-use parts that meet special application needs and drive technological advancements. At the same time, the company also cooperates with strategic partners in this area, such as Henkel and BASF Forward AM. With the introduction of the DF2, Raise3D has successfully tested a wide range of materials, including LOCTITE 3D IND405 and LOCTITE 3D PRO476, Ultracur3D RG 3280 and Ultracur3D RG 1100 B. As part of the company’s strategy, the 3D printer will enable customers to explore new possibilities in resin 3D printing, announcing ORP (Open Resin program), aimed at identifying and selecting the most effective resins to work with DF2.

Other important features of the 3D printer include Smart Build Plate technology – an intelligent build platform that seamlessly integrates with post-processing devices thanks to built-in RFID tags. They record the type of resin used and the washing and curing settings. This allows operators to easily manage the washing and curing phases, regardless of their knowledge of the products being manufactured. The 3D printer also offers features such as automatic resin refilling, automatic resin material recognition, ultrasonic liquid level monitoring and assisted cleaning of the resin tank. In turn, Air-Peel technology significantly reduces the peeling force, making the removal of the layer from the foil faster during printing. This innovation is supported by an ultra-thin air layer that facilitates smoother peeling and increases the printing speed and isotropic properties of printed products.

The DF2 is built with high-quality components ensuring long-lasting use and excellent image clarity. The basic light engine includes selected LED light sources, a DMD chip designed for 3D printing at a wavelength of 405 nm, and a low-distortion glass lens optimized for DLP technology.

The 3D printer uses advanced machine vision technology to calibrate the system, ensuring accuracy at every step. Additionally, each device is factory calibrated and ready for immediate operation. The DF2’s heated chamber provides the stable temperatures necessary to achieve consistent printing results, especially when using special resins that require a heated environment. The design of the 3D printer is resistant to dust and spills, which additionally guarantees constant performance and durability.

Pre-order for DF2 will begin on November 7, 2023. Customers can enjoy an exclusive 10% discount on all orders placed between November 7 and November 30, 2023. Shipping to customers is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2024.

Device prices:

• DF2 3D printer = €4,499
• DF Wash = €1,399
• DF Cure UV imagesetter = €1,599
• Auto Fill Station = €449
• TOTAL = €7,946
• Complete DF2 Solution set = €6,999

Source: Raise3D press materials