Cerberus, open-source 3D printer for less than $1,000

At Michigan Technological University, a team revealed plans for an open-source 3D printer called Cerberus. This additive manufacturing solution would be capable of extruding high-performance materials at a relatively affordable price, since the machine itself can be built for less than $1,000. A great feat for the additive manufacturing market, which until now has offered much more expensive professional solutions. The 3D printer would be compatible with PEKK and PEI (better known under its trademark ULTEM), and it can replicate itself, i.e. print its own parts.

In 2004, the RepRap made a lot of ink flow on the market: Adrian Bowyer, RepRap’s inventor, designed the first self-replicating printer, which is able to quickly manufacture its own components. This type of machine is generally made up of accessible parts that can be easily found on the market. Until now it was mainly compatible with standard materials such as PLA. However, recently, Joshua Pearce of the University of Michigan has developed an open-source model capable of processing high-performance materials, mastering very high temperatures for a very low price.

The machine in process of 3D printing. (Image credits: OSF)

The Cerberus 3D printer has three print heads – the name was inspired by the three-headed dog guarding the Underworld in Greek mythology. One of print heads is capable of reaching up to 500°C thanks to a V6 metal nozzle, while the E3D heating plate can reach 200°C. The printing chamber is closed and has a 1kW heating core capable of rapid start-up. What is interesting is the way the chassis has been designed: everything can be placed outside the heated chamber, which makes it possible to maintain the right temperature, avoid any warping and reduce the cooling fans at the same time. An optional pellet extruder is also available, further expanding the range of compatible plastics.