CraftBot Flow IDEX XL: Price, Specs, Release & Reviews

The CraftBot Flow IDEX XL 3D printer is a massive dual extrusion printer belonging to the CraftBot Flow family. The company’s prior 3D printer model, CraftBot 3, CraftBot 3, the IDEX XL is among the biggest desktop IDEX 3D printers available, with a colossally high built volume of 425 250 x 500 x 450 millimeters.

With its simple plug and play design, user interface that is said to be extremely responsive and a wide range of printing options It’s a machine that is likely to be an ideal fit for both beginners and professionals. It might even end up being sought-after by businesses or schools in the event that it fulfills its promises.

We shouldn’t overthink things though and instead, dig deep into what we’ve learned to date.

 

Features

INDEPENDENT DUAL EXTRUSION SYSTEM (IDEX)

One of the most interesting features that CraftBot’s 3D machine is the CraftBot’s Independent Dual Extruder System (IDEX) that allows two extruders move independently of each other in the Y direction.

Utilizing an IDEX system provides a variety of printing options, from multi-color prints to mirrored duplicate. It is also possible to print two prints simultaneously which can double output. In addition, dual extrusion is able to allow the mixing of various materials as well as the capability to print complex geometries using the aid of support structures that are soluble.

The two direct-drive , all-metal hotends capable of heating up to 300 degrees Celsius – permit a variety of filaments to be printed as well as industrial-grade materials like Nylon and carbon-reinforced composites permitting this printer to be utilized for a range of different applications.

LARGE PRINT VOLUME

When you name products XL,you should ensure that you place all your eggs in one basket as CraftBot’s CraftBot IDEX Flow XL does just that. With a print capacity of 500 x 250 x 450 millimeters, CraftBot chose to focus on the model’s height, providing users with a total printing capacity of 56 liters which is certainly one of the largest IDEX printers within its price class and especially with regard in Z-axis-height.

The strong extrusion profile that aligns the Z-axis thread will limit the potential for Z-wobbling, and also ensure the smooth motion of the bed.

 

HEATED BED

The bed of the CraftBot FlowIDEX XL can reach temperatures of 110 degrees Celsius and increase your chance for having better adhesive substances like ABS. The magnetic flex sheet that is removable will be coated by Kapton and will help to make adhesion better, and also making your prints simpler to take off.

Although they are not included in this model’s base version, CraftBot offers acrylic cover covers to the Flow IDEX XL separately. In case you plan on using temperature-sensitive materials, an enclosed printing chamber can provide ambient conditions that will greatly enhance the printer’s performance with said materials.

ASSISTED LEVELING

The process of leveling the build plate can be a hassle. It is the CraftBot Flow IDEX XL, however, offers the user assistance with its bed leveling mechanism that is semi-automatic.

The BLTouch V2 probe provides a mesh bed leveling system that works with three distinct temperatures (60 degC 80 degC, 100 degC) in order to offer the best level for your different materials because the surface of the build plate will expand small based on temperature. The actual leveling process is a manual process, using three screws underneath the surface, but using the BLTouch sensor to guide the user.

To calibrate the nozzle prior to flight is a potential nightmare for every dual extrusion printer the printer has an easy-to-use wizard that guides users through the calibration procedure and to dial the printer in by setting the nozzle’s Z-height.

USER INTERFACE

The printer can be controlled using 5 inches of color touch screen. The interface is operated by a 32-bit control panel and has a 4GB internal memory and it has a status LED and an integrated camera that can monitor printing through an internet-connected wireless connection. Once connected to the internet, the interface lets users to upload their files to start, preheat, or stop printing, modify the temperature settings, and even create an image timelapse video.

SLICER

The CratfBot Flow IDEX XL 3D printers are integrated with the slicing program that is proprietary, CraftWare. It is compatible with Windows, Mac OS, and Linux operating systems. From the looks of it the slicer appears as that it’s simple enough for users who aren’t experienced enough to quickly grasp of it , and also give the more experienced users with the ability to tweak advanced settings with.

If you’d prefer to make use of your own slicer but you’ll be glad to learn that this printer compatible with a variety of third-party slicers like Cura as well as Simplify3D.

FURTHER FEATURES

Other features of the CraftBot Flow IDEX XL are:

  • Filament sensor – the integrated monitoring system guarantees the uniform distribution of filament and detects possible jams or runouts.
  • Resume print function The print recovery mode works well to the sensor for filament, giving the ability to resume printing after an alteration in filament or power failure.

Price

According to the CraftBot’s official CraftBot site, the cost of the brand new IDEX XL is listed at $3,999. The proud red logo that boasts an impressive 5-year warranty can also be found however, this warranty only applies when you’re planning to only use the machine for a short period of time since it’s only restricted to 5,000 hours of usage , which based on the quick maths of our office could be as short as one and a half years of intense use.

Have a quick look around the internet and you’ll notice the ads for higher amounts. One site was offering $4,749 and another for one was offering $4,615. As of this writing, it appears that the CraftBot’s official CraftBot website is currently offering the most competitive price, however keep an eye out for any special deals.

Reviews

The CraftBot Flow IDEX XL came out in the year 2020 earlier and a number of critiques of the 3D printer – mostly on YouTube and other platforms – have been released in the interim, creating an image that is mixed. While the printer is able to function with single extrusion there are some issues with the firmware that could be encountered while trying to use the full capabilities of the printer when using dual mode.

Since CraftBot has released a variety in firmware upgrades since launch of the FlowXL however, it’s difficult to know what the general consensus is based on the diverse reviews.

Tech Specs

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

  • Technologies: Fused deposition modeling (FDM)
  • Year: 2020
  • Assembly: Assembled
  • Mechanical layout: Cartesian XY-head
  • Manufacturer: CraftBot

3D PRINTER PROPERTIES

  • Build volume: 450 x 250 x 500 mm
  • Feeder system: Direct Drive
  • Print Head: IDEX
  • Nozzle size: 0.4 mm
  • Max. hot-end temperature 300
  • Max. temperature of heated bed Temperature of heated bed: 110
  • Material for printing Flexible PEI plate
  • Frame Sheet metal
  • Leveling of beds Semi-automatic
  • Connectivity: WiFi, USB
  • Recovery of print Yes
  • Sensor for Filament Yes
  • Camera:Yes

MATERIALS

  • Filament diameter: 1.75 mm
  • 3rd-party filament Yes
  • Filament materials: Consumer materials (PLA, ABS, PETG, Flexibles)

SOFTWARE

  • Slicer recommended:CraftWare
  • Operating system: Windows, Mac OSX, Linux
  • Types of files: STL, OBJ, AMF

DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT

  • Frame dimensions: 635 x 450 x 790 mm
  • Weight: 38 kg
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