Text: Thomas Masuch
Faster scanning and production
With its new Scancube IV 7, Scanlab promises optimized scanning performance and a significant increase in printing speed in the field of SLS manufacturing. This includes writing speeds of up to 1,840 cps and a wide range of application-specific tunings. In addition, the unit’s power compatibility has been increased to up to 300 W. Its technical design, which facilitates operation without cooling, is intended to simplify integration into a wide variety of machine concepts. The Scancube IV 7 rounds out the Scancube IV product family, which already includes scan heads with 10- and 14-millimeter apertures.
Improved precision and durability
The new UltraCraft Reflex RS Turbo from HeyGears is a revised version of the established Reflex RS 3D printer. Among its key technical updates are an optimized exposure unit and a more precise Z-axis module. Enhanced Amber Screen technology also reduces unwanted light scattering during the printing process, ensuring more uniform layer exposure and improved edge sharpness of components. In addition, the printer features the precision-manufactured C5-Grad Z-axis module guidance system, which HeyGears says limits positional errors to ±2 µm. Motion control is based on the company's proprietary Dynamic Motion 3.0 algorithm generation, which, according to internal comparison tests, can increase printing speeds by up to 33 percent depending on the geometry and material used.
Automated door opening
3DQue, which specializes in the automation of desktop printers, is now offering the new AutoFarm3D Door Opener as a solution for various Bambu models (X1C, P1S, P1P, E). This is the manufacturer's response to the trend toward increasingly closed desktop printers. With the new solution, the print head can push finished components off the platform into a collection container. The process is controlled by the AutoFarm3D software, which can also be used to manage print jobs, statistical evaluations, and status monitoring.
Large format for less than $1,000
A number of printers, some of which are also suitable for industrial use, are becoming increasingly affordable. This is clearly demonstrated by Sovol's Kickstarter campaign: In it, the new SV08 Max could be pre-ordered for less than $1,000, and by the end of June 2025, a total of around $550,000 had already been raised. The printer offers a build volume of 500 × 500 × 500 mm, CoreXY kinematics, linear guides, and an aluminum frame. Contactless leveling via an eddy current sensor measures the 500 × 500 mm print area in less than 90 seconds. The printing platform consists of an 8-mm-thick aluminum plate with 1,300 W heating power that enables it to reach up to 100°C. The hot end temperature is a maximum of 300°C. Klipper is used as the software, and slicing is done with Orcaslicer. The SV08 Max is equipped with Wi-Fi (2.4/5 GHz), USB, HDMI, and Ethernet. An integrated HD camera enables live monitoring of the printing process.