Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
extruder. However, the similarity ends
there. The Replicator integrates the ex-
truder with the hot-end. The Ultimaker
uses a Bowden cable to separate the
two. The Replicator has a simpler design,
whereas the Ultimaker greatly decreases
the weight of the print head, allowing for
greater print speeds (at the cost of ad-
ditional maintenance issues).
Figure 1-2.
The Replicator
Moving bed
Instead of moving the print head in xy
space, one of the axes is changed by
moving the print bed itself. Usually, a
moving-bed printer will move the print
head in the z-axis. This is a mechanically
simpler design in that the x- and y-axes
are managed independently using en-
tirely linear motion. It has the disadvan-
tage of requiring the printer to move a
significantly heavier print bed, which
could knock loose the printed part. It's
slower, but simpler. Printrbot's models
(
Figure 1-3
) are examples of moving-bed
printers that trade print speed for low
cost and ease of maintenance.
Figure 1-1.
The Ultimaker
