Ceramic printers get lost in the shuffle when it comes to discussions about additive manufacturing technologies. They have been around for a while but often go unnoticed. ClayXYZ is looking to overturn that notion. With an ambitious kickstarter, the company is looking to launch a printer along with an attachable extrusion device for developing intricate ceramic designs.
The company have priced the both products quite low. Their goal is to bring cheap and easy production methods to the average consumer. In terms of sales strategy, ClayXYZ are giving consumers the choice to buy the extrusion device and the 3D printer either as part of a kit or as individual devices. Therefore, prices can range from $399 (just the extrusion device and clay) to $799 (the printer plus the full kit).
The extrusion device acts as a peripheral item and is also compatible with various other 3D printers (although, they have not specified which ones). This can allow various printers to create pots, vases, masks and various other clay objects. This printer makes models from ordinary clay that users can repurpose from previous prints quite easily.
The company set a target of $10,000 and then surpassed it by about 3 times. So far the company has collected $31,744 even though the kickstarter ends on July 8 2017.
Clay Models
ClayXYZ have stated that users do not need to know much about modelling with clay or making 3D models to use the device. They also stated that their will be many models available on an online library. The company has tested all the models in the library.cIn addition, they encourage users of the device to share their own unique designs.
Advantages of Printing Clay
ClayXYZ insist that the entire printer operates on a 3 step method. Users load the clay, which the extrusion device processes by removing the air bubbles for optimum print quality. Next, they download and pass the model to the printer. Finally, they start the print and wait till it is complete.
While the print may be ready, it is not fully complete. The print still needs drying. On top of that, users will have to leave it in a kiln for about 20 hours. After that, it will be more or less a functional ceramic item. While it is strenuous, this method results in items that are ready for use.
One of the core advantages of clay is its reusability. Users can melt it in the water and reapply the material for new prints. There are also many different types of clay with various properties. You can employ clays with varying density, color and elasticity depending on the type of item that you want to print.
Clay can also be processed for more aesthetically interesting prints. This can be done through glazing. Users can glaze clay with different colors and then heat it solid using a kiln. Another advantage of clay is that it is widely available. You can buy it online on sites like Amazon. It’s also an environment-friendly, non-toxic substance.
All images retrieved from ClayXYZ’s Kickstarter page.
