RD4 is a small company developing a new style of 3d printer. Along the way, we have developed some new designs for our printers innovate new functions.
The first of these is nearing launch and we are just finalising the design for the testers to evaluate the RDB Extruder.
The Extruder will then get the design updated with any feedback from testers and then we will be taking pre-orders at www.rd4printer.com from late June 2020
Initially the extruder was the RDB-Triple design specifically for the diamond hot end. We have since evolved the extruder to a modular design which can have 2, 3 or 5 filaments in either 1.75mm or 3mm sizes. So it works with all multi-filament hot ends. Check out the spec here.
The printer is due to be launched September 2020
What's different about the RD4 Printer Read our white paper below
RD4 Whitepaper
Introduction
No longer something confined to the world of science fiction or Tomorrow’s World; 3D printing is fast becoming a whole lot more accessible. Not only is 3D printing set to increase in popularity in 2018 in a commercial sense, the much-anticipated mass move into the household could be mere months away.
The RD4 is trailblazing the way in 3D printing. From 3D printed prosthetics to phone-operated toy cars, no longer are you dealing with inanimate plastic objects. Instead, they are interactive, dynamic and limited only by your imagination.
Here, we talk you through Who Is It For?
It’s easy to see why, in the business world, 3D printing technology has been steadily growing in popularity. Companies have been using it in the production of a whole host of diverse parts from drones to prosthetic limbs. Yet the existing process has one major drawback, which is hampering the progress, growth, and profits of these companies. While it serves its purpose for small, inanimate objects, 3D printing that requires little customisation is a providing to be a challenge.
It’s easy to see why, in the business world, 3D printing technology has been steadily growing in popularity. Companies have been using it in the production of a whole host of diverse parts from drones to prosthetic limbs. Yet the existing process has one major drawback, which is hampering the progress, growth, and profits of these companies. While it serves its purpose for small, inanimate objects, 3D printing that requires little customisation is a providing to be a challenge.
That is, until now. The RD4 provides a product and a process that brings these inanimate objects to life in a completely new way. Create moulds, add electronics, and completely customise your 3D printing. The RD4 even has the capability to create moulds from waterproof materials such as silicone.
Who is the RD4 for?
It’s for everyone!
It’s for everyone!
RD4 – The Possibilities are Endless.
What sounds like a marketing cliché really is true when it comes to the RD4. From 3D printed hands to electronic toy cars, almost any business in any industry can utilise this state-of-the-art printing method.
- The Motor manufactures for the creation of encapsulated electronics
- Children’s toys such as remote-controlled cars using pre-made electronics
- Trackers for animals with GPS set in a custom mould.
- Medial applications such as pacemakers, dental applications and prosthetics
- Arctic explorers or even a Space station's Remote location can make anything they need
This easy-to-use yet highly intuitive and innovative product really can work in any industry, to transform inanimate objects into something all the more dynamic and interactive.
An RD4 Case Study:
Watch
Watch
Let’s take a closer look at one of the areas in which the RD4 will revolutionise 3D printing: 3D printing a watch is something quite extraordinary. This everyday accessory can be made in a revolutionary way thanks to the RD4,
1. The model is downloaded and the user starts by printing three separate parts from a transparent plastic – two halves of a mould and a 'face watch cap' – before manually assembling them
2. The watch mould is then placed back into the RD4 and the liquid printing head is used to fill the mould.
3. Once any air bubbles have been vacuumed out the UV lights & hotbed turn on and the silicone is UV & heat cured.
4. The 'face watch cap' part is removed and a watch mechanism is placed in the mould.
5. Using a UV cure polyester a lens is printed with the right amount of surface tension to create a dome.
6. The UV lights turn on the lens cures.
7. The watch is just removed from the mould and another can be printed using the original mould,
All throughout the process, the RD4 notifies the user what needs to happen next.
An RD4 Case Study:
TSAP Touch sensitive Articulated Prothestic
Let’s take a closer look at another of the areas in which the RD4 will revolutionise 3D printing: medical situations, particularly in the creation of hand prosthetics. Typically, these prosthetics are made from hard plastic which, while durable, doesn’t offer much flexibility or a level of real looks and feel. By over-moulding silicone and adding touch sensors, the RD4 creates a prosthetic that is far more realistic than anything seen before.
1. The user starts by printing three separate parts from a transparent plastic – two halves of a mould and a 'finger bone' –
2. The 'finger bone' and a touch sensor are place in the mould before manually assembling the two halfs of the mould
2. The 'finger bone' and a touch sensor are place in the mould before manually assembling the two halfs of the mould
2. The finger mould is then placed back into the RD4, and the liquid printing head is used to fill the mould.
3. Once any air bubbles have been vacuumed out, the UV lights & hotbed turn on and the silicone is UV & heat cured.
4. The finger is just removed from the mould and another can be printed using the original mould
5. The RD4 prints a mould for each 'finger bone' and is intuitive enough to pause the process at the perfect time for sensors to be placed.
6. Once all the fingers are printed, the hand can be clipped together.
For the end user, this is a much more desirable result and something that truly can aid both rehabilitation and help patients to lead a normal life. The moulds can be reused and only new finger bones need to be reprinted.
What materials can the RD4 Print:
The RD4 can print all the usual FDM materials, from PLA to Carbon filled Nylon. The Triple hot end allows you to print multi colours and we would typically use a conductive filament to print circuits, a support material and PLA.
With Two liquid printing heads and two different hoppers powered by pressured air, the RD4 would typically hold a clear hard plastic (UV Cure Polyester) and a Soft rubber (UV Cure acrylic or Silicone). The RD4 can also mix two pack materials such as epoxy.
What else?
The RD4 incorporates 3 options to create art such as logos and graphics, a laser to engrave, ink pens and a vinyl cutter to make stickers. What can you do with all this? well the possibilities are endless, limited only by your imagination
The RD4 concept:
Ease of use was, and remains, a priority for anyone using the RD4. Thanks to easy to follow kits which include instructions and our community of users, anyone and everyone will be able to make use of this product.
It’s as easy to use as 1, 2, 3:
What’s Next? With 3D printing growing in popularity, the areas it can help with are only continuing to grow too. But rather than settling for second-best, the RD4 boasts endless possibilities. It is flexible and intuitive; it is easy to use and easy to follow; it gives you freedom and flexibility unlike anything else.
It’s as easy to use as 1, 2, 3:
- Designers create new products which are uploaded to design sharing sites
- Users select a design to download and make, with more complex prints coming with easy-to-follow instructions or even a full kit including electronics such as the touch sensors where necessary.
- Printing starts! The Pause & Print phone app alerts you when any action is required
What’s Next? With 3D printing growing in popularity, the areas it can help with are only continuing to grow too. But rather than settling for second-best, the RD4 boasts endless possibilities. It is flexible and intuitive; it is easy to use and easy to follow; it gives you freedom and flexibility unlike anything else.
To find out more about the RD4 and how it can work for you, contact us here.
And to keep up with latest developments and client case studies, follow us on social media
Check out the sneak preview of the RD4 at the You Tube
Visit us at our shop at www.RD4Printer.com
Join us soon on Indiegogo.com when we launch the crowdfunding campaign.
Photo updates can be found on RD4's instagram
