This is a companion topic for our recent blog post on blog.unmanned.tech
Joshua Bird is shaking things up in the 3D printing world with his rather brilliant four-axis printer. This contraption combines a traditional print bed with a cantilevered x axis and an extra rotational axis—because who doesn’t love a bit of added complexity? It’s all about flexibility, allowing you to print overhangs beyond the dreary 90 degrees we’ve been shackled to for so long. With a slicing method that allows the nozzle to do the tango instead of sticking to boring old fixed angles, this printer opens the door to some rather fascinating applications.
Now, don’t go thinking it’s all sunshine and rainbows; Bird acknowledges there are limitations. Some shapes might pose a challenge, like those pesky grids that refuse to cooperate when printed mid-air. But fear not, he’s already dreaming of developing a non-planar slicing tool to tackle such rebellious designs.
The cherry on top? This beauty isn’t just for the tech elite. With parts costing between $300 and $400, it’s accessible enough for hobbyists to dabble in their own builds. Plus, the design is open-source, meaning you can join in on the fun and contribute to the ongoing revolution.
If you’re keen to see this marvel in action, check out the YouTube link below. Who knows? You might just be tempted to have a go at creating your very own four-axis masterpiece.
Read the full post over at: