Tumaker, a manufacturer of extrusion-based 3D printers, has showcased its latest set of IDEX 3D printers at Formnext 2021.

Launched earlier this year, the Tumaker Pro Dual range is unlike most dual extrusion 3D printers on the market, offering a level of configurability we really don’t see all that often in this industry. The systems are special in that they allow customers to mix and match two different printhead types in one machine, meaning users can opt for two Bowden extruders, two direct-drive extruders, two pellet-based extruders, or any combination thereof (for a total of six possible pairings).

Additionally, each of the extruder combinations is available in four different build volumes: the NX Pro Dual, BIGFOOT 200 Pro Dual, BIGFOOT 350 Pro Dual, and the BIGFOOT 500 Pro Dual. The 500 Pro Dual is the largest at 500 x 500 x 500mm.

Professional-grade FDM 3D printing with Tumaker

Based in Spain, Tumaker has been developing extrusion-based 3D printers for the professional sector since 2014. In 2016, the firm debuted its BIGFOOT line of large-format systems, which includes the BIGFOOT Pro and BIGFOOT Pro Pellets.

In 2020, Tumaker was acquired by IT3D Group and INDART 3D, with the former now handling international distribution and the latter upholding the research and development role.

Finally, the year 2021 saw Tumaker try its hand at the IDEX market with the launch of the new Tumaker Pro Dual range.

The Tumaker Pro Dual series

Unlike conventional dual-extrusion systems, IDEX gantries allow for the use of both printheads at the same time since they share a Y-axis but are free to move independently in the X-axis. As well as doubling the throughput potential of a 3D printer, the IDEX setup also solves a number of issues associated with non-IDEX machines, including poor printhead calibration, unintentional material mixing, oozing, and poor nozzle maintainability.

Taking this a step further, the Tumaker Pro Dual systems can be customized to address the specific needs of the user, taking into consideration the materials that will be used and the production volume.

The Bowden head, for example, is best suited to printing with rigid, hard, and resistant filaments – its traction system allows for the processing of large reels up to 10kg in mass. On the other hand, the direct-drive head is designed to enable printing with flexible filaments like TPU.

Finally, the pellet head offers the greatest material variety, allowing users to print with self-developed materials, specially certified materials, and materials that simply aren’t available in filament form (including injection molding pellets). As a bonus, pellet-based materials tend to be cheaper than their filament equivalents, paving the way for further cost savings.

Each of the configurations comes with a filament runout sensor, a 32-bit processor, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a 5” touchscreen.

Below are the technical specifications for the Tumaker Pro Dual range (Bowden – Bowden configuration). The 3D printers are available now, with six extruder combinations and four different build volume options. 

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Featured image shows the Tumaker Pro Dual with a direct-drive and pellet extruder. Photo via Tumaker.

Kubi Sertoglu holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering, combining an affinity for writing with a technical background to deliver the latest news and reviews in additive manufacturing.

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