Italian 3D printer manufacturer WASP just unveiled their newest line of material extrusion ceramic 3D printers. They also showed off the impressive capabilities of the line with by faithfully recreating Michaelangelo’s David. The company hopes that the machines will serve as a game-changer in the world of ceramic printing.
WASP have formally launched the DeltaWASP 2040 Clay and also the DeltaWASP 40100 Clay and shown off its artistic merits. The 2040 clay is an extension of previously existing line of delta printers while the 40100 is entirely new. The former is a ceramic version that brings in all the great attributes of the original but applied instead to a wide range of ceramic materials. In fact, the company boasts that both printers can use “all ceramic materials”.
Both Printers work with porcelain, stoneware, refractory materials, clays and much more. The 40100 (400mm x 1000mm) is bigger than the 2040 (Ø200 x h400 mm build volume). They both sport a resolution of 0.5 mm and an acceleration factor of 5000 mm/sec. Both printers also have a 120 °C heated bed and a nozzle diameter of 1.2 mm (although the 40100 has additional bigger nozzle options ranging from 2 to 8 mm).
Additionally, both printers have various trademark innovations like the controlled dosing screw and integrated air pressure control. The resurrection system is particularly novel, allowing using to resume a print precisely where it ended in the event of a power failure.
Sculpting With Ceramic Printers
To faithfully recreate Michelangelo’s famous artwork, Andrea Salvatori used the Wasp 3D scanner to identify and retrieve the sculpture structure. This permitted for any faster purchase of the intricate information on the initial sculpture. In addition, the 3D modeling software helped refine the graphics from the structure and make preparations it for additive manufacturing.
They then molded 16 separate elements and fixed them in position via a special fixture system. They used the DeltaWASP 3MT Industrial with pellet extruder to produce the 16 pieces. To help make the process cheaper and faster, the ultimate design is dependant on a 3D printable plastic-type in granules.
The resolution of the final product is very clear. The statue takes on an immaculate shape, proving the printers are worth their scratch for any artist. WASP’s diversification towards ceramic printing looks, so far, to be quite a hit.
All featured images are the property of WASP.
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