HKEF 2013: CEL Robox 3D Printer

It looks like a microwave oven … but this 3D printer is by far the BEST we’ve seen at the HKEF 2013 this year. It took their UK design and engineering team almost 2 years in research and product developement to come up with the Robox … the first model of their Robox will be launched in December 2013. 

Designed and devloped in the UK, the CEL Robox 3D printer uses a technology known as Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF). It works in a similar way to a hot-melt glue gun, but uses plastic filament instead of glue sticks. A digitally controlled head is used to laydown the material layer on layer to make the 3D objects. (Specs & Photo Gallery below)

The CEL Robox comes with their propriertary software called AutoMaker which translate your 3D designs into a language that Robox can understand.

Features:

Door Safety

• Protection cover for safety considerations and inner environmental temperature control
• Not allowing access to build chamber before it is safe to do so
• Ensure moving parts cannot be touched during operation
• Allowing users to see and monitor the whole printing process

Reel Feed Stock

• Optional method detecting a code on each reel of material which is assembled
• Automated setup of printing profiles and usage data
• Reduce the amount to imput from the user to a minimum

FFF Fead

• Patent Nozzle Head
• High printing resolution and fastest speed at the same time
• Easy interchangeable of printing heads and other functional heads

Bed

• Innovative and cost effective linear guide layout
• Fast heat up to minimize waiting time to print
• Precise temperature control over whole surface

Specifications:

Source: Cel-Robox

Other related 3D printers

There were other 3D printers on display at the HKEF 2013 … this one was made by some Chinese company (I forget the name) and looks a bit “raw”. However, I was pretty impressed with the prototypes (or objects) it produced.