Introducing the Surprising Large-Scale 3D Printer from Syndaver: Apogee
Syndaver may not be a household name in the world of 3D printing, but they are no stranger to innovation. Initially known for their high-quality synthetic cadaver models, Syndaver has recently entered the 3D print space with their latest creation, the Apogee. This Florida-based company established “Syndaver West” in 2020, acquiring experienced 3D printer technicians from LulzBot, a company that had recently changed ownership and relocated.
The Axi, Syndaver West’s first 3D printer, was announced in 2020. This desktop FFF device features an open gantry design that closely resembles LulzBot’s equipment. However, information about Syndaver West and their printers has been hard to come by, with the Axi only appearing on reseller sites.
But now, Syndaver has unveiled a new addition to their 3D printer lineup: the Apogee. Unlike the Axi, the Apogee is a large-scale polymer printer, designed to create objects of significant size. Visually, it bears resemblance to BigRep equipment, and it definitely isn’t a desktop machine. Surprisingly, there is little information available online about this device directly from Syndaver. However, one of their resellers, IT-Works 3D, has provided some insight.
Let’s delve into the Apogee’s specifications. The most remarkable feature is its massive build volume of 1000 x 1000 x 1000 mm, making it one of the largest FFF printers available. To maintain a consistent thermal environment during long prints, the Apogee is enclosed, with an aluminum heated print surface that can reach temperatures of up to 120C. The enclosure also offers an optional active filtration system to remove VOCs and nanoparticles. Its perfectly transparent panels allow for a complete 360-degree view of print operations, and “stage lighting” assists in observing the ongoing progress.
Syndaver engineered the Apogee to handle a wide variety of common engineering materials including PLA, ABS, PET-G, PA, PC, TPU, glass, and CF-reinforced materials. Network connectivity is another feature, allowing users to utilize various slicing software tools for preparing print jobs. The Apogee incorporates the E3D Revo swappable hot end system, enabling easy nozzle diameter switching between 0.4 – 1.4mm. The availability of wider nozzles is particularly advantageous for large-sized prints, potentially reducing printing time significantly.
While the Apogee is primarily a filament-based FFF printer, it can be modified to accept standard polymer pellets. This modification involves adding a large hopper and appropriate pellet feed mechanisms that deliver a continuous stream of pellets to the hot end. The pellet option is incredibly desirable for the Apogee, as it significantly reduces costs compared to filament. For large prints, this translates to substantial savings.
With its unique features and capabilities, the Apogee marks a clear departure from Syndaver’s previous offering, the Axi. This strategic pivot positions Syndaver in the lucrative large-format 3D printer space. However, competition is fierce, and the market will ultimately decide if Syndaver’s pricing and support are compelling enough to attract buyers away from other established options.
In conclusion, Syndaver’s Apogee represents the company’s foray into the realm of large-scale 3D printing, offering a unique set of features and capabilities. As Syndaver continues to innovate, we look forward to seeing how this new direction will reshape the 3D print space.
