German RepRap rolls out a filament-style 3D printer

The TiQ 5 is a filament-style printer and the successor to German RepRap’s x500 pro. And, according to the manufacturer, though the two printers look similar on the outside, they are completely different on the inside.

The key differentiator is the TiQ 5’s industrial control. It reportedly permits faster printing speeds, greater precision, and higher reproducibility than the earlier-generation machine. These characteristics make the machine suitable for low-volume series production, according to the company.

The machine’s large, heated installation space facilitates the printing of engineered thermoplastics, including ABS, Sabic Lexan PC, PP, PA6.6 CF/GF, TPC, and TPE. The printer also features water-cooled electrical components; a dual-lift extruder, allowing the printing of two components simultaneously; and smart functions such as material-flow monitoring and automatic calibration of the nozzle and print bed.

In related news, the company has expanded its product line to include drying cabinets. Its MiQ 5 dryer stores filament being fed to the printer at the optimal temperature and humidity.