Oct 2, 2015 | By Kira
Italian culture is world famous for having perfected the art of simplicity—unchanged recipes, passed down from generation to generation, that focus on the fewest yet freshest ingredients possible and a focus on technique. Basil, mozzarella and Nona’s secret tomato sauce all come together to create the perfect dish, embracing the philosophy of ‘do one thing and do it well.’ Along with margherita and marinara, Italy maybe on the verge of perfecting yet another work of art: the 3D printer. Today, Italian 3D printer manufacturer Kenstrapper has revealed Zero, their latest and most evolved model yet, which seems to strike a balance between simplicity, intuitive features, and high resolution quality.
Unlike their previous models, which featured exposed print beds, filament spools, and wiring, the Zero 3D printer comes in a sleek black box with smooth curves and soft lines that reflect the roundness of its name. Three high-contrast orange windows allow you to peek inside and appreciate the 3D printing process, while ensuring a clean and minimalist design. Of course, its aesthetic form is just a hint at the intuitive functionality found inside.
Kenstrapper’s goal in designing Zero 3D printer was to simplify and speed up the interaction between man and machine, to make 3D printing enjoyable and significantly reduce the risk of failure. To accomplish this, they equipped the FFF 3D printer with four new key features.
The first is Auto-calibration, which addresses the most complicated and frustrating part of using a 3D printer. “We couldn’t ignore the difficulties of many users when they need to interact with a 3D printer and, focusing on this issue, we developed our solution.” The auto-calibration feature ensures that within 150 seconds (2.5 minutes) the print has been fully calibrated and the printing process can begin without a hitch.
The second feature is Siaren, their most intuitive interface yet. A 2.8 inch touch screen displays four main icons and allow you to control all available functions with the touch of your finger, “no knobs, no clicks.” During the printing process, the display shows a circle diagram, which, with a single glance, informs you of the work’s progress.
The two last features will save you from have to stop and restart 3D print jobs. Filament Guardian keeps track of your filament levels and automatically saves the printing process before you run out. You just refill the filament and hit restart. The Pheonix System is another lifesaver, particularly if your workspace is prone to power outages. Pheonix automatically detects power failure, and saves the print so it can be resumed later on.
The printer itself measures 520x590x575 mm, with a print bed volume of 260x260x280 mm—ideal for desktops and at-home projects. It has a print speed of 10mm/s - 330mm/s and can print up to a maximum layer resolution of 20 microns.
Available for €2,750, the Zero was designed for makers, professionals and any individual who wants to print quality designs without the hassle of failed prints or complicated interfaces. It may not be the most revolutionary 3D printer on the market, but it was designed with a clear function and purpose. Trends come and go; we have yet to see if Zero 3D printer will be one of them, or if it will one day be a Classic.
Posted in 3D Printers
Maybe you also like:
- Atossa 3D printed high heels by Behrad Ghodsi bring comfort to consumer shoe market
- Argentinean researchers develop dual syringe 3D printer head for bioprinting polymers
- China successfully launches Pijiang-1 satellite featuring 3D printed parts into space
- Scientists announce a method for 3D printing objects out of living human cells
- Biolinker: world's first biofilm 3D printer made entirely from K'nex
- Laura Thapthimkuna launches Kickstarter for fully 3D printed Vortex Dress design
- 3D printed wheels add superior drift to radio controlled LEGO car
- Blokko launches XR-35 truck of new DIY 3D printed toy series 'Era of Drones'
- American Wind turns wind-generated electricy on its head with 3D printed MicroCube
- Beyond Vision 3D prints blind-friendly fixtures to accommodate visually impaired employees