The Indian 3D printing market is buzzing with activity. From new space startups to additive building to education, the landscape is teeming with life. Big names like HP, Siemens and Roboze are taking root and local companies are on the rise. Among other things, Make3D is causing a stir with the release of its Pratham X printer, a huge material extrusion system with a build volume of 1000 x 1000 x 600 mm. With a weight of 250 kilograms, this machine is designed as a manufacturing powerhouse “Made in India”.
The Pratham X is the next evolution of Make3D’s previous Pratham 3.0 and 5.0 machines. It has numerous functions: automatic bed leveling, THK linear ballscrew motion control, carbon and HEPA filtration, and linear guides from Hiwin. Its metal case houses an aluminum build platform. The open machine is compatible with PLA and TPU and offers cordless or standalone operation. It features a 120°C heated silicone bed mat that reaches its target temperature in just 30 seconds and jets that can heat up to 280°C. To demonstrate its performance, test runs were carried out with print jobs lasting up to 245 hours. In addition, the printer offers versatility as it allows configuration with a single or dual extruder setup.
I love the Hiwin linear guides used for XY motion control.
“We are excited to introduce the Pratham X, a revolutionary addition to our lineup at MAKE3D. We believe Pratham X will redefine 3D printing for engineering applications. In its price range, Pratham stands out as it allows you to create larger, more detailed parts with precision. With this advancement, you can make bigger things, increasing your productivity and efficiency. “For those ready to advance their journey into 3D printing, consider MAKE3D’s Pratham X,” said Tejas Diyora, Make3D’s Business Development Manager.
Make3D doesn’t mince words when describing its creation, calling it a “monster” and a “heavy workhorse”. It’s printers like this, designed to constantly produce parts, that pique my interest. Such robust systems are perfect for companies in industries such as automotive and shipbuilding, where large-scale prototyping and tooling is critical.
Excitingly, if this printer performs as promised, it could find its way into different types of businesses beyond its original target market. We are currently witnessing a divergence in the 3D printing landscape. On the one hand, software-centric machines from companies like Ultimaker and Bamboo Labs leverage their ecosystems and software tools to enhance 3D printing and make the process easier to use. Ultimaker, for example, has found great success due to its extensive software experience.
At the other end of the spectrum, particularly in the large and medium format space, a different kind of machine is emerging. These are robust, high-performance printers designed for the continuous production of parts. They may lack the polish of their software-heavy counterparts, but are perfectly at home in concrete manufacturing. If these printers offer both value and reliability, they have the potential to make a significant impact. The challenge was to create systems that are both reliable and consistent over time. I appreciate that Make3D has sourced quality motion control components to ensure this aspect of the machine is solid.
Whether Make3D will expand its reach beyond its local market remains to be seen. The market for large format 3D printers is clearly fragmented and we are seeing a global trend towards local production of extrusion systems for high-performance materials. This makes it quite possible that Make3D’s printer will primarily target the Indian market and could have significant local success there. With the growing interest of Indian politicians in supporting local high-tech companies, the conditions seem favorable for the emergence of regional or even national 3D printing champions.
Personally, I would like Make3D not only to create an excellent system, but also to become an export giant, dominating the large format area. This is a sector where both value and robustness are key factors, and if Make3D succeeds in these areas, the company could have a significant impact. However, even with Make3D’s primary focus on serving the Indian market, given the size and potential of that market, that in itself could be a significant achievement.
