LulzBot Launches TAZ 2 3D Printer

The additive manufacturing (AM) market continues to grow at a terrific rate. Most companies that have decided to ride the boom invest in research and development meant to make their systems bigger and faster, with higher resolutions to boot. Those investments make the companies disinclined to share the secrets of their success, each working with a proprietary mindset, which is totally reasonable.

LulzBot is one company that has gone the other direction with its products. The company uses open source software – such as Slic3r – to run their AM systems, and has stuck with what is essentially a highly tuned RepRap style of 3D printer. Open source development or no, improvements on the basic design do continue, leading to the launch of the TAZ 2.

“At Aleph Objects, we’re continually evolving our LulzBot 3D printers to not only meet marketplace needs in real-time but to raise industry standards for 3D printing as a whole,” said Jeff Moe, president and founder. “Our latest printer, the TAZ 2, represents our community-driven approach by capturing the best-of-class in ideas from engineers and innovators around the world.”

One benefit to open source development is a reduced R&D price tag, which leads to lower priced 3D printers. For an AM system with a build envelope of 12 x 11 x 10 in. (30.48 x 27.94 x 25.4 cm), the LulzBot TAZ 2 is reasonably priced for the Maker crowd or small businesses at $2,395. LulzBot also returns the open source favor by releasing its plans online, making its products highly customizable.

Other than the build envelope, the TAZ 2 shares the same basic specs as its predecessor. The new 3D printer has a print speed of 7.9in/sec (200mm/sec), with a 75µ resolution and a print tolerance of 0.1mm (0.0039in) in the X and Y axes.

Another new feature is an LCD display with an SD card reader that allows the TAZ 2 to print objects without being attached to a computer. The system can print in ABS, PLA, PVA, high-impact polystyrene, and wood filament, and can be (theoretically) modified to print in nylon and polycarbonate. As you would expect for its price, the TAZ 2 is shipped completely assembled, rather than as a kit.

Below you’ll find a video about LulzBot’s TAZ systems.

Source: Aleph Objects