Computex is the largest ICT trade show in Asia and the second largest in the world. It attracts visitors from all over the globe, and exhibits the latest and greatest from tech companies around the world. XYZPrinting took this exceptional opportunity to roll out its new line of 3D printers/scanners. With the average cost of a 3D printer still too expensive for most consumers, XYZPrinting definitely garners a lot of attention from those looking for an affordable 3d printing solution.

3D Printers with SLA Based Technology

The company didn’t stop there. Early Tuesday morning, representatives revealed an additional 3D printer, which differs from their usual FFF based models. The da Vinci Nobel is the company’s first 3D printer that relies on stereolithography (SLA) technology. Many 3D printing devices are Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) based models that rely on a heated hot end extruder to melt a plastic filament and create objects with a fixed cross-sectional profile. The da Vinci Nobel differs in that it uses a laser to shape photosensitive resin, which makes for a better final resolution of the printed object.

Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) vs. Stereolithography (SLA) Technology

This is a big deal for 3D printing. FFF became commercialized in 1990 and is the leading cause to the drastic price drop in 3D printing technology. Objects created by FFF are produced by extruding small thermoplastic filament that harden immediately and form layers. The software of the printer directs the nozzle that controls the heated filament and forms the desired object. SLA technology produces the same results with a better resolution, due to its particular process. Instead of using heat to form the filament, the machine utilizes light –in this case a laser– to harden liquid resin and shape an object. The liquid resin is exposed to lighting under conditions similar to that of a darkroom. The exposed resin hardens and the process is repeated until the model has been built. Each layer is cured with laser UV light.

When to Expect SLA 3D Printers

XYZPrinting’s da Vinci Nobel release comes just in time. Several companies are now capitalizing on this technology and releasing SLA printers, including the Titan 1 by Kudo3D and the Spark by Autodesk. XYZPrinting has stated that the Nobel 1.0 will cost under $2,500 USD. This makes it a very affordable option in comparison to other SLA printers on the market and those slated for release. You can expect to see the da Vinci Nobel available for purchase later this year. In the meantime, see what affordable 3d printers are available now at Studica.com.