Published on Mon Sep 07 2020 00:49:59 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Alex

The Kudo3D Titan 2 HR: A Deep Dive into High-Resolution Resin Printing

The Kudo3D Titan 2 HR aims to push the boundaries of what’s possible with resin 3D printing. Targeting professionals in fields like jewelry, dental, and engineering, this printer promises exceptional detail and accuracy. Let’s take a detailed look at its specifications, explore its usability, and assess its potential within the competitive resin 3D printing landscape.

Detailed Specifications:

• Printing Technology: Stereolithography (SLA)
• Light Source: Custom 385nm UV LED array
• Build Volume: 192 x 120 x 245 mm (7.6 x 4.7 x 9.6 inches)
• XY Resolution: 50 microns (0.05 mm)
• Layer Thickness: 25-100 microns (adjustable)
• Print Speed: Varies depending on resin and layer thickness; typically up to 20mm/hour
• Resin Compatibility: Wide range of 385nm-compatible resins, including standard, flexible, castable, and high-temperature options.
• Connectivity: USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi (optional)
• Software: Kudo3D Composer (slicing software)
• Machine Dimensions: 370 x 330 x 670 mm (14.6 x 13 x 26.4 inches)
• Weight: 18 kg (40 lbs)
• Power Requirements: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz, 120W
• Price: Ranges from $5,000 - $8,000 (depending on options and accessories)

Usage Tips and Best Practices:

Getting the most out of the Titan 2 HR requires a good understanding of resin printing principles and some specific tips tailored to this machine:

1. Resin Selection: The Titan 2 HR offers excellent resin compatibility. Start with the resin manufacturer’s recommended settings, but be prepared to experiment. Different resins will require fine-tuning of exposure times, lift speeds, and retraction settings. Keep a detailed log of your successful settings for each resin type you use.

2. Orientation and Support Generation: Proper orientation is crucial for minimizing support structures and ensuring print success. Aim for orientations that reduce large cross-sectional areas on each layer, as this can lead to warping or print failures. Use Kudo3D Composer or a third-party slicer with advanced support generation features. Pay attention to support thickness and density, especially for delicate features.

3. Bed Leveling: Leveling the build platform is essential. The Titan 2 HR includes a manual leveling system. Take your time during the initial setup to ensure the platform is perfectly aligned. Check the leveling periodically, especially after transporting the printer.

4. Environmental Control: Resin printing is sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Ideally, operate the printer in a temperature-controlled environment between 20-25°C (68-77°F). Extreme temperatures can affect resin viscosity and cure rates.

5. Resin Management: Store resins in airtight containers away from direct sunlight. Filter the resin in the vat after each print to remove any cured particles or debris. Regularly clean the resin vat and the build platform with isopropyl alcohol (IPA).

6. Post-Processing: Post-processing is a critical step in resin printing. After printing, carefully remove the print from the build platform. Wash the print in IPA to remove uncured resin. Cure the print under UV light to achieve its final hardness and mechanical properties. Remove support structures after washing, but before final curing, for easier removal and cleaner results.

7. Software Workflow: The Kudo3D Composer software is specifically designed for the Titan 2 HR. Familiarize yourself with its features, including orientation tools, support generation, hollowing options, and print parameter settings. Explore advanced slicing techniques to optimize print quality and minimize resin consumption.

8. Troubleshooting: Keep a detailed log of your prints, including settings, resin type, and any issues encountered. This will help you identify patterns and troubleshoot problems more effectively. Common issues include print failures due to insufficient exposure, warping due to improper orientation, and support structure failures.

Category Ratings (Out of 10):

• Print Quality: 9.5 - Exceptional detail and accuracy, rivaling industrial-grade printers.
• Build Volume: 7.5 - Decent build volume, suitable for a wide range of applications.
• Printing Speed: 7 - Respectable speed, but not the fastest on the market.
• Material Compatibility: 9 - Supports a wide variety of 385nm resins, offering flexibility in material selection.
• Bed Adhesion & Leveling: 8 - Requires careful leveling, but reliable adhesion once properly calibrated.
• Reliability: 8.5 - Generally reliable with proper maintenance and resin selection.
• Ease of Use: 7 - Slightly more complex than entry-level resin printers, requiring some experience with resin printing.
• Firmware and Software: 7.5 - Kudo3D Composer is functional, but could benefit from further refinement and feature additions.
• Connectivity Options: 8 - Offers USB, Ethernet, and optional Wi-Fi for convenient connectivity.
• Build Quality & Durability: 9 - Robust construction, designed for long-term use.
• Noise Level: 8.5 - Relatively quiet operation compared to some other resin printers.
• Maintenance Requirements: 7.5 - Requires regular cleaning and maintenance, including resin vat cleaning and filter replacement.
• Customer Support: 7 - Customer support can be hit or miss, with some users reporting slow response times.
• Upgradeability: 6.5 - Limited upgrade options available.
• Price to Performance Ratio: 8 - Offers excellent performance for the price, especially for demanding applications.

Average Score: 7.8

Conclusion:

The Kudo3D Titan 2 HR is a powerful resin 3D printer capable of producing exceptional results. Its high resolution, wide resin compatibility, and robust construction make it a valuable tool for professionals in various industries. While it requires a bit more expertise and maintenance than entry-level printers, the Titan 2 HR delivers a compelling blend of performance and value for those seeking top-tier resin printing capabilities. Its average score reflects a solid machine but with areas for improvement, especially in software, support, and upgrade paths.

Written by Alex