OXFORD, UK, Nov 12, 2015 – RS Components(RS), the trading brand of Electrocomponents plc, the global distributor for engineers, has announced the availability of the first 3D printer from CEL: the Robox offers professional-quality specifications and exceptional print speed with future-proofing adaptability that is unprecedented in the rapidly developing 3D printer market. The Robox is suitable for a wide range of users including electronics, mechanical, and product engineers involved in creating designs and needing rapid prototyping capabilities, or those in the education field as well as domestic users.
The key differentiator that makes the Robox exceptional and unique is its proprietary dual-nozzle system, which prints objects faster with high resolution and can improve print speeds by up to 300%. This can be achieved as a single material feed can be directed out of one of two nozzles: either via a 0.3mm-diameter extrusion nozzle or a larger 0.8mm nozzle. This enables the Robox to produce highly detailed visible exterior surfaces and quickly fill the object using the larger nozzle multiple layers at a time without affecting part strength or detail, and enables a very-high-quality exterior finish with a much faster print time. Other high-level 3D print specifications include a build volume of 210 x 150 x 100mm and maximum layer resolution of 20 microns.
Very importantly, the head is also replaceable using the company’s HeadLock System, which allows the head to be removed to change the function of the Robox quickly and easily. The replaceable head therefore transforms the Robox into a future-proof multi-functional micro-manufacturing platform, rather than just a 3D printer. The company has an extensive hardware and software upgrade roadmap that will bring new functions and features to the Robox. For example, two of the heads in development are the soon-to-be-launched dual-material head, and a drag knife or stylus cutter, which will enable the Robox to cut paper, card and vinyl to any shape required. This level of flexibility and adaptability will enable the Robox to become a complete micro-manufacturing and prototyping system.
The Robox 3D printer is compatible with Windows, Apple and Linux operating systems, and is supplied with Robox AutoMaker software, which translates 3D designs into a language suitable for the printer by ‘slicing’ the 3D model into layers and sending the information to the Robox ready for production. The machine is compatible with a wide variety of materials including PLA, ABS, HIPS, Nylon, PETG and PVA, and its automatic bed leveling ensures the print adheres to the plate every time with no user intervention required. In addition, the printer’s Automatic Material Recognition system saves time and effort with material information and print profiles pre-loaded on each reel to help users get started quickly. The printer also comes in an enclosure that blocks draughts and is quick, safe and very easy to use.
The Robox 3D printer augments the growing range of rapid prototyping machines now available from RS, which includes other highly affordable 3D printers from 3D Systems, MakerBot, Ultimaker, BEEVERYCREATIVE and RepRapPro, as well as the RS IdeaWerk and IdeaWerk Pro 3D printers.
The Robox 3D printer is available now from RS Components and the kit includes one reel of filament, built-in 4GB memory, USB stick, USB cable, AC plug, tool set and alcohol wipes. It is also supplied with an instruction manual and has two-year warranty as standard, as well as access to a dedicated customer service team to help resolve any issues.
About RS Components
RS Components and Allied Electronics are the trading brands of Electrocomponents plc, the global distributor for engineers. With operations in 32 countries, we offer around 500,000 products through the internet, catalogs and at trade counters to over one million customers, shipping more than 44,000 parcels a day. Our products, sourced from 2,500 leading suppliers, include semiconductors, interconnect, passives and electromechanical, automation and control, electrical, test and measurement, tools and consumables.
Electrocomponents is listed on the London Stock Exchange and in the last financial year ended March 31, 2014 had revenues of £1.27bn.
For more information, please visit the website at www.rs-online.com.
