Airwolf 3D Debuts with a Speedy Desktop 3D Printer

It might just be my age talking, but the first thing I think of when I hear the word “airwolf” isn’t an additive manufacturing (AM) system. I still have fond memories of watching the old TV show as a kid, realizing it was essentially Knight Rider in helicopter form. Airwolf 3D doesn’t fire missiles at bad guys, however, instead it builds 3D printers, which is probably a nobler enterprise in the end.

One of the newer AM manufacturers to cross my desk, Airwolf 3D is attempting to carve itself out a niche in the crowded desktop 3D printer market by advertising the speed, build envelope and simplicity of its product. The company’s newest product, the AW3D HD, recently made a big splash at the 3D Printer World Expo. 

“Our high-performance 3D printers are fast, accurate and easy to use, making them ideal for teachers, gamers and software designers attending the Expo,” stated company president Erick Wolf. “The first thing people want when they buy a 3D printer is to make something, so they can just download an STL from several locations on the Internet and slice and print. And unlike other printers that may only offer eight different printing materials, our 3D printers accept up to 12 from multiple sources, which makes them remarkably cost efficient.”

According to the company, the AW3D HD offers a perimeter print speed of 150 mm/s, with a travel speed of 400 mm/s. It has a minimum layer thickness of .06 mm and is capable, as was noted above, of printing in 12 different materials including ABS, PLA, TPE, and Laywood-D3. The new AM system has a build envelope of 12 x 8 x 12 in. (300 x 200 x 300 mm), and a total build volume of 1,150 cubic inches (18,878 cubic centimeters).

If you are into looks, the AW3D HD is sleek and professional in appearance, though lacking some of the bling (like a touch screen) that has begun to appear on other 3D printers. It also lacks Wi-Fi, which may be its biggest drawback for some potential customers, relying instead on a direct connection via USB port or SD card. The AW3D HD currently sells for $2,995.

Below you’ll find a video about the AW3D HD.

Sources: Airwolf 3D, Business Wire