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Full Access in All Dimensions

Five-Axis Kinematics

Intuitive Slicer Software

Cutting-Edge Print Techniques

Available for Pre-Order Q4 2023

PLU5 printer with inclined build plate

PLU5 is a cost-effective benchtop printing system with unmatched motion capabilities.

 

PLU5 enables engineers, product developers, researchers, and serious makers to print stronger, faster, and more efficiently.

PLU5 printer depositing cylindrical layers

Improved
Strength

Printing conventionally creates weak bonds between each layer. We print in multiple directions throughout the build to eliminate weak planes. The end result is stronger and more functional prints that access the full capabilities of FDM material options.

Better Surface Quality

Layering in only one direction creates stair-stepping texture on angled faces. With PLU5, we reduce or eliminate stair-stepping by printing each feature in whatever direction makes sense for that feature, regardless of how other areas are printed. The result is a smoother shape much closer to your design intent.

Support-less Overhangs

Horizontal layers can't be printed on top of empty space, but PLU5 isn't limited to horizontal layers. We reduce or eliminate the need for support by building parts outwards in whatever direction is best. Upwards, sideways, even inverted - all possible with PLU5. 

Faster
Time-to-Part

Motion speed is important - and PLU5 moves fast - but it's not the whole picture. We focus instead on time-to-part - the total time (or effort and cost) of having your print ready to use. Using a stable, fast machine and by dramatically reducing the need for support material, we reduce your time-to-part. PLU5 not only improves print quality, but also gets you there faster and easier.

Topological Optimization

Conventional printing for functional parts is largely guesswork - you don't know if your print is going to be strong enough until after the job is done. We are employing state-of-the-art topology optimization to help you intelligently design your print to reach the performance you need.

*in development

Cutting-Edge Techniques

Conventional 3D printing is good at doing horizontal layers, but that's all it does - and all the improvements being made are incremental. With PLU5, you are on the forefront of technology. We are actively discovering and developing fundamentally new techniques, and you can join us in exploring the future.

Technical Specifications

Print Geometry

Bed Diameter
Max Build Height
Print Volume
Layer Height
Supported Materials

275 mm
250 mm
14.8 L
0.10 - 0.30 mm
All thermoplastics up to
300 °C incl. PLA, PETG, ABS, PA, PC, fiber-reinforced, and more

Motion and Control

Max Tilt Angle
Max Rotation
Mainboard
Motion Board
Stepper Motors
Motor Drivers
Sensors

Calibration and Kinematics

+/- 110°
Unlimited
Raspberry Pi
Big Tree Tech Octopus V1.1
0.9° High-Precision 
Trinamic TMC2209 v1.3
Integrated 3-axis nozzle loadcell, bed and nozzle thermistors
Custom error-compensating  kinematic engine, multi-step self-calibration

Print Head

Filament Diameter
Nozzle Diameter
Extruder Type
Hotend Materials
Heater Power​
Max Extruder Temp.
Cooling

1.75 mm
0.4 mm (M6 interface)
Direct Drive
All-metal
40 W
300 °C
Shared Hotend and Print Fan

Print Bed

Bed Type

Build Plate Type
Build Plate Coating
Max Bed Power
Max Bed Temp.

Heated, aluminum-core, thermally-insulated bed
Magnetic swappable build plate
Textured PEI
200 W
110 °C

Interface

Display
File Transfer

12864 LCD with rotary button
USB Drive

Power and Footprint

Power Supply
Printer Dimensions
Machine Weight

400 W, 110/220 VAC
530 x 610 x 800 mm (X Y Z)
13.6 kg

FAQ
PLU5 printer side view

FAQ

  • What is PLU5?
    PLU5 is a five-axis fused deposition modeling (FDM) printer. Beyond just hardware, PLU5 is a complete system for advanced, innovative printing for stronger and more efficient results.
  • What is PLU5 good for?
    PLU5 enables motion capabilities far beyond a typical FDM printer. It is particularly suited to: - Functional prototyping - Small-batch end-user components - Academic research and experimentation - Support-less printing
  • What is PLU5 not good for?
    This is cutting-edge technology - to some extent, we are figuring things out as we go. PLU5 offers more control and customizability with respect to the 3D printing process, and with that control comes higher complexity. Early users can expect the advanced functionality of this system to be accompanied by a somewhat higher expectation of knowledge and attention to detail regarding setup and operation. With that in mind, this probably isn't the best choice (yet) for print farms, novice 3D printer users, or anyone expecting a flawless experience straight out of the box.
  • Is it open-source?
    PLU5 is - at least for now - not open-source. We've had to develop an enormous amount of custom hardware and software to make this work, and we can't keep development going if we have to compete against copycats in a race to the bottom line. That said, we value openness and accessibility. We are providing a printing system that is intended to facilitate tinkering, experimentation, and self-repair for users who want to. Where possible, our printers use off-the-shelf components that can be accessed and replaced with standard tools. We'll supply any user-replaceable custom parts at a fair price. We invite you to use filament from any manufacturer, and we'll do what we can to help you get good results. Our machines run on unencrypted, human-readable gcode. We think our slicer is awesome and we want you to use it, but you can also run input from other sources or come up with stuff yourself - we expect to see you use techniques and applications we've never imagined ourselves.
  • What is Engineering Design Lab?
    EDL is a multidisciplinary engineering firm in Toronto, Canada. We do all manner of custom engineering design for a wide range of industries. Our recent projects include: - Electric vehicle systems - Micromobility vehicles - Custom scientific equipment - Modular construction - Design-for-manufacturing consultation - High-performance sporting goods You can find more information at www.engdesignlab.com. The PLU5 printing system was originally developed to meet our own in-house prototyping needs, but we want to enable other designers to access this cutting-edge technology so we've turned it into a product.
  • How challenging is the kit assembly process?
    You should expect the build to take 2-4 days to complete (i.e. approximately 20-30 hours of work) using basic tools (hex keys, screwdrivers, etc. - all included). Building a PLU5 kit is comparable in complexity to other kit-type FDM printers, but with a fair number more steps than a typical 3-axis machine. If you've assembled a printer kit before, you'll likely have no trouble with PLU5. Even if you haven't ever built a printer, anyone with some basic hands-on experience should be able to get the job done. Regardless, we do all of the trickiest steps at our facility before sending you your kit so that it's as smooth a process as we can reasonably make it. And yes, we include snacks in the box.
  • Is there an enclosure available for temperature-sensitive printing?
    Our initial model PLU5 printers do not have an enclosure and are not designed to be enclosed. However, we are looking at options for a fully-enclosed model with support for high-temperature (>300 °C) printing in the not-too-distant future.
  • Can I send or monitor prints over wifi?
    Not yet, but soon! The computational backbone of PLU5 is the Raspberry Pi 4, and we are working as fast as we can to leverage even more of this microcomputer's capabilities for a more advanced and integrated printing experience. Development of wifi capabilities is a high priority for our team.
  • Where can I learn about your five-axis slicer?
    We're currently polishing-up the slicer UI and workflow based on feedback from our early testers. Check back soon to see more details!
  • How and when can I get one?
    PLU5 is currently in beta-test phase, but we expect to begin taking pre-orders in Q4 2023. Initial orders will be fulfilled on a first come, first served basis in early 2024 as we scale-up production.
  • Are there different models or options?
    We have two options for our initial release: 1. For productivity-focused users, we offer a pre-assembled and factory-tested machine with a support plan to minimize any inconvenience. 2. For the more cost-focused (or adventurous) users, we offer a kit version with detailed instructions that you can assemble yourself. The individual components will be under warranty, but the correct assembly and maintenance of the machine will be the user's responsibility.
  • What colours are available?
    Most of the printed components use carbon-reinforced materials that are inherently matte black. We may offer different choices of frame or accent colour in the future, but for now it comes in matte aluminum with red accents.
  • Where do you ship?
    Initial deliveries will be limited to North America and Europe, but expanding our shipping options is a top priority.
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