The Magneto X 3D printer from Peopoly. Image courtesy of Peopoly.
Peopoly, a manufacturer of stereolithography (SLA) and masked SLA (mSLA), is scheduled to launch Magneto in mid-November. What sets the Magneto X apart from other FFF printers is its MagXY motion control system, which uses a magnetic linear motor in the XY tables.
While precision levitation is nothing new – Beckhoff’s high-end planar machine comes to mind – it is typically found in more expensive machines. Comparable devices such as the two-axis linear tables from Hiwin are also primarily installed in high-end machines. The cost of these sophisticated motion systems alone can range from $700 to over $5,000, depending on the functionality.
It is a major achievement for Peopoly to integrate such advanced features into an accessible 3D printer like this. The device has a movement accuracy of 3 µm and the maximum printing speed is said to be 200 mm/s with a layer height of 0.1 mm. The printer can reach a travel speed of up to 1500 mm/s. For the Z axis, the company opted for a structure with four linear rails and lead screws.
The printer has a build volume of 400 x 300 x 300 mm and an aluminum build plate paired with a flexible PEI (ULTEM) build cover. The device also features load cell-based automatic leveling and customers have the option of purchasing it either without a housing or with side and/or top housings. The hot-end temperature reaches a maximum of 300°C and is equipped with a copper and steel nozzle and three cooling fans.
Under the hood, the machine runs on an Orange Pi Zero 2 H616 ARM board and a BTT Octopus Pro 1.1 H712 control board. An IPS touchscreen serves as the interface and the system runs on Klipper firmware. Additional features include a built-in camera and a nozzle with a variable-length melting zone.
The company is optimistic that its advanced motion control system will provide improved repeatability, reduced ringing and aesthetically superior printed parts. Additionally, users can expect less frequent maintenance and calibration intervals since belt tension is no longer an issue. The printer is available to order from today and will also be presented at the East Coast RepRap Festival. Interestingly, the printer has a feature described as a “holographic cube to display the 3D shape of Gcode,” although the details of this feature are not yet clear.
The Magneto While long-term performance remains to be seen, I’m personally excited about this type of offering and hope to see more of it in the industry. The value proposition has undeniably evolved over the last 5 to 10 years; When the Magneto X performs, it shows how much more you can get for your money today.
It is also interesting that the Magneto Bambu achieved this primarily through the use of vibration compensation and extensive software know-how. But what if a company wants to compete with Bambu without investing heavily in a software ecosystem? This is where the Magneto X comes into play.
By focusing on innovative hardware setups, Peopoly aims to challenge Bambu in the field of professional desktop material extrusion systems. The Magneto
The question of consumer preference is indeed compelling in this context. For home users, the choice between Bambu’s software-driven experience and a high-quality, hardware-focused system like the Magneto X isn’t an easy one. Each offers its own advantages, and the decision may depend on a user’s specific needs or their comfort level with the technology.
The calculation may vary for companies. Some companies might appreciate not being tied to Bambu’s online tools and might prefer a system that offers robust hardware capabilities. The freedom to operate outside of a specific software ecosystem could be a big advantage.
Open source enthusiasts present another interesting aspect. While they will naturally gravitate towards printers that do not require a cloud solution, it is also possible that they will gravitate towards systems that are more aligned with the open source philosophy.
Ultimately, the market will reveal what different consumer segments value most, be it software depth, hardware expertise, or a certain mix of both.
Overall, the introduction of the Magneto X is an exciting development in the 3D printing landscape. This isn’t just another Prusa with a new screen; It is a machine that embodies several emerging trends. From integrating new circuit boards and Klipper firmware to innovative motion control systems, the Magneto X is a glimpse into the future of what 3D printing can offer. The move away from traditional belt and rod architectures suggests a system that is not only cleaner, but also capable of maintaining high speeds for longer periods. I’m excited to see whether the Magneto X delivers what it promises and fulfills its potential.
