Created by Hungarian manufacturer CraftUnique, the CraftBot Flow IDEX XL is a large-format FDM 3D printer equipped with an independent dual extruder (IDEX). The device is aimed at designers, artists, engineers, and architects who want to create large professional prints for artistic, functional, or prototyping needs.
The build chamber of the machine has dimensions of 425 x 250 x 500 mm, providing users with a potential volume of 56 liters. The IDEX system, in which two all-metal hotends are placed in two separate print heads, allows the extruders to freely move along the X-axis. Thanks to the maximum nozzle temperature of 300 °C, the CraftBot Flow IDEX XL is compatible with an array of tough thermoplastics like ABS, Nylon, PETG, and PVA.
The majority of the functions including filament loading/unloading can be accessed via a full-color 5" touch screen located on the front panel. The connectivity options of the device include USB, Wi-Fi, and a cloud. In addition, the printer boasts a built-in camera that allows creating timelapses and controlling the machine remotely, as well as a filament runout sensor to pause printing and continue the process with the other extruder.
As is seen from its name, the CraftBot Flow IDEX XL is an enlarged version of the original Flow IDEX, the difference in size concerning only the Z-axis — 500 mm vs 250 mm. The doubled vertical plane is certain to be appreciated by many professionals, especially artists and architects.
The build plate made of metal is covered by a removable magnetic flexible sheet, which ensures smooth surfaces of print bottoms as well as easy removal of models. The bed can heat up to 110 °C and provides additional adhesion to products that require it, while the linear rail ensures improved stability.
Nozzle calibration and bed leveling are semi-automatic, taking around 10 minutes to complete the process. All you need to do is rotate the knobs beneath the bed to calibrate it precisely (with the help provided on the touch screen). The 'Wizard Mode' allows the printer to calibrate its nozzles automatically.
The IDEX system's primary advantage is its ability to utilize both hotends simultaneously. Duplicate and Mirror modes allow doubling the productivity of the printer, making two identical models at once. The designations of modes speak for themselves: Duplicate mode will create two models that are identical in both size and orientation, while Mirror mode creates a model and its exact but “mirrored” copy.
The CraftBot uses a filament diameter of 1.75 mm and a nozzle size of 0.4 mm. The maximum print speed of the Flow IDEX is 200 mm/s, with the minimum layer height standing at 50 microns.
CraftUnique offers the proprietary CraftWare slicer to prepare files for printing. However, the device also supports a number of open-source slicing programs like Cura and Slic3r, as well as Simplify3D.
In terms of capabilities, it's not very different from the majority of slicers available. The process consists of loading up a 3D model, translating, resizing, rotating, supporting, and exporting a G-code. The basic functions’ control is simple enough for a novice to get used to it after playing with the menus for several minutes. Experienced users, on the other hand, will be able to use an array of advanced features like infills, temperatures, speeds.
Users can also manage the print settings using a web-based 3D cloud featuring an intuitive user interface and excellent customizability. It is even possible to modify some parameters like temperature after the print process has begun — quite a thoughtful feature.
