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Welcome to Hyrel!

With literally thousands of materials to print on the Hyrel Printer, we have broken down the list of materials into logical groups based on their printing temperature and type of head used to print them.

A quick intro to many of the functions of a Hyrel printer can be found here.

If you are planning on using the heads which photoinitiate crosslinking, make sure you specify the correct wavelength of LED for your material.

A standard material printing data sheet has been created for many of the materials that have been internally tested; you can access this data by clicking here.

Always be sure of what material you are using, and what will be off-gassed.

Testimonials

We are happy to share testimonials from the following institutions:

• Bioplastics Research Center, University of Massachusetts, Lowell
• School of Materials Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology
• Tooling Division, AO Smith Water Products Company

Software and Firmware

Our equipment runs our proprietary Repetrel software and firmware. This was not done to be difficult, but because we didn't want to be restricted by the limitations of other printers. This is how we have the ability to adjust things like the Z position and material flow rate during a print. For a more in-depth look, please see the Repetrel page. To download and install, please see the Software page.

Hardware

There are two categories: Printers and Heads (or Accessories).

Printers

As of Jul, 2016, Hyrel Printers are available in two models: Engines and Systems. The larger, faster Model 16A and the smaller, more precise Engine HR should be available in Aug, 2016.

All models use our Repetrel software and any Slicer (Slic3r support provided). Each model comes with a Windows Tablet PC. We operate our print heads via CANbus.

Comparison

The following chart compares and contrasts the various models:

Printer Model Comparison

Designation	Model 16A	System 30M	Engine SR	Engine HR
Target Users	Commercial Manufacturing	Laboratory Research	Budget Research	Biological Research
Image				(Engine HR Image)
Placement Mechanism	Floor Model Gantry Design	Countertop Model Knee Design	Desktop Model Knee Design	Desktop Model Knee Design
Exterior Dimensions, XxYxZ (closed)	48x35x68 in 1200x875x1400 mm	34x16x32 in 565x405x810 mm	13x21x22 in 330x530x560	13x24x22 in 330x600x560
Power Requirements	15A / 110VAC / 60 Hz 8A / 220VAC / 50Hz	10A / 110VAC / 60 Hz 5A / 220VAC / 50Hz	10A / 110VAC / 60 Hz 5A / 220VAC / 50Hz	10A / 110VAC / 60 Hz 5A / 220VAC / 50Hz
Build Volume	16x12x11 in 400x300x275 mm *Opt 24x16x24 in *Opt 600x400x600 mm	8x8x8 in 200x200x200 mm	8x8x8 in 200x200x200 mm	4x4x4 in 100x100x100 mm
X/Y Printing Speeds	Up to 40 mm/sec	Up to 30 mm/sec	Up to 30 mm/sec	Up to 25 mm/sec
Enclosure	Heated	Enclosed *Opt Heated	Unenclosed	Unenclosed
Motion Control	3-Phase with Closed-Loop Feedback	0.9° Stepping Motor	0.9° Stepping Motor	0.9° Stepping Motor
Positional Resolution X/Y/Z in μm	6 / 6 / 1	5 / 5 / 1	5 / 5 / 1	1 / 1 / 1
Positional Accuracy X/Y/Z in μm	60 / 60 / 10	50 / 50 / 10	50 / 50 / 10	10 / 10 / 10
Positional Repeatability X/Y/Z in μm	30 / 30 / 5	25 / 25 / 5	25 / 25 / 5	5 / 5 / 5
Precise X/Y Output for Bioplots	100 μm lines 200 μm spacing	100 μm lines 200 μm spacing	100 μm lines 200 μm spacing	50 μm lines 100 μm spacing
Precise Z output for Bioplots	25 μm layers	25 μm layers	25 μm layers	25 μm layers
Cold Flow Options	All EMO, COD, SDS, CSD, DSD and SMH Heads
Warm Flow Options	All VOL, VCD, KRA and KCD Heads
Hot Flow Options	All MK1 and MK2 Heads
Low Power Laser Options	5w, 808nm, AlGaAs Diode and/or 6w, 450nm, GaN Diode
High Power Laser Options	40w ~10 μm, CO2 80w, ~10μm, CO2	Not Applicable	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Spindle Tool Compatibility	Standard *High Power in Dev.	Standard	Standard	Not Applicable
Other Options	Quiet Storm Fan, Microscope

The Model 16A

The Model 16A has hard resolution (with encoder feedback) of 20 microns in the X and Y, and 0.8 microns in the Z in standard mode. In microstepping mode, we can achieve soft resolution of 4 microns in the X and Y. It comes standard with two tool positions, but can take additional yokes to handle more.

The base model has a 400mm x 300mm x 300mm (X/Y/Z) build volume.

In addition to our Hyrel interchangeable heads and accessories, the following configurations may be ordered:

• Upgrade to 600mm x 400mm x 300mm (X/Y/Z) build volume - Big X/Y, or 16AB (for big).
• Upgrade to 600mm x 400mm x 300mm (X/Y/Z) build volume - Big X/Y/Z, or 6ABT (for big and tall).
• Add a CO2 laser - specify 40w or 80w.

The System 30M, 30, and 23

Systems are enclosed Detailed information is on the Systems page. The System 30M replaced the System 30, which replaced the System 23. For you history buffs and Kickstarters.

The Engines

Engines are open-air models. Engines can take up to four heads at once, either working cooperatively on a one print, or making duplicate copies of a small print at the same time. Build volume is 200mm x 200mm x 200mm (X/Y/Z). Detailed information is on the Engines page.

Print Heads

The Cold Flow Process

Cold Flow is our term for fluid or emulsified (non-filament-based) materials which are deposited at room temperature, with or without UV Crosslinking.

Materials for Cold Flow

The following materials can be printed from Cold Flow heads. Note that more viscous materials may not be suitable for plastic syringes or smaller luer tips.

• 3P Quick Cure Clay
• Adhesives
• Clay, Generic
• Epoxy, Two-part
• Fimo
• Glue
• Kato
• Metal Clay, including Precious Metal Clay (PMC)
• Modeling Clay
• PEG PolyEthylene Glycol
• Porcelain
• Plasticine
• Play-Doh
• Resins
• RTV Silicone
• Sculpey
• Sugru

Heads for Cold Flow

Cold Flow is available through the following heads:

• 

  EMO-25

• 

  COD-25

• 

  SDS-5, SDS-10, SDS-30, SDS-60

• CSD-30.png

  CSD-5, CSD-10, CSD-30, CSD-60

The following table compares the properties of the various Cold Flow heads:

Cold Flow Head Properties

Head	Container	Capacity	Nozzle	UV Crosslinking
EMO-25	Aluminum	25cc	1.5mm, 2.0mm, Luer	No
COD-25	Aluminum	25cc	Luer	Yes
SDS-5	Syringe	05cc	Luer	No
CSD-5	Syringe	05cc	Luer	Yes
SDS-10	Syringe	10cc	Luer	No
CSD-10	Syringe	10cc	Luer	Yes
SDS-30	Syringe	30cc	Luer	No
CSD-30	Syringe	30cc	Luer	Yes
SDS-60	Syringe	60cc	Luer	No
CSD-60	Syringe	60cc	Luer	Yes

Research Papers Citing Hyrel Cold Flow

• Bioactive Nanoengineered Hydrogels for Bone Tissue Engineering: A Growth-Factor-Free Approach in The American Chemical Society's ACS Nano
• Design and Fabrication of 3D Printed Scaffolds with a Mechanical Strength Comparable to Cortical Bone to Repair Large Bone Defects in Nature.com's Scientific Reports
• Emulsion Inks for 3D Printing of High Porosity Materials in the Macromolecular Journals

The Warm Flow Process

Warm Flow is our term for fluid or emulsified (non-filament-based) materials which are deposited at up to 150°C, with or without UV Crosslinking, depending on the head.

PCL and other medium temperature material can be printed directly from Pellets the size of small peas. If you pulverize or powder your polymer, it is possible to pre-mix the material dry and test different alloys of plastics.

Materials for Warm Flow

The following materials can be printed from Warm Flow heads. Note that more viscous materials may not be suitable for plastic syringes or smaller luer tips, or may print more easily at higher temperatures.

• Adhesives
• Fimo
• Kato
• Glue
• PCL
• Plasticine
• Resins
• Sculpey
• Wax

Heads for Warm Flow

Warm Flow is available through the following heads:

• 

  VOL-25

• 

  VCD-25

• 

  KRA-15

• 

  KCD-15

The following table compares the properties of the various Warm Flow heads:

Warm Flow Head Properties

Head	Max Temp	Container	Capacity	Nozzle	UV Crosslinking
VOL-25	100°C	Aluminum	25cc	1.5mm, 2.0mm, Luer	No
VCD-25	100°C	Aluminum	25cc	Luer	Yes
KRA-15	150°C	Stainless	15cc	1.5mm, 2mm, Luer	No
KCD-15	150°C	Stainless	15cc	Luer	Yes

The Hot Flow Process

Hot Flow is our term for filament-based materials which are deposited at up to 450°C, depending on the head. This process has also been referred to as FFF for Fused Filament Fabrication, or FDM for Fused Deposition Modeling. As of November, 2016, our Hot Flow heads are only for 1.75mm filaments.

Materials for Hot Flow

The following materials can be printed from Hot Flow heads. Note that depending on the characteristics of your material, one head will be a better match than the others. See the "Recommended For" column in the table below.

• ABS, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
• BendLay
• FilaFlex
• Flex45
• LayBrick
• LayWood
• NinjaFlex
• Nylon
• PC, PolyCarbonate
• PEEK, PolyEther Ether Ketone
• PET, PolyEthylene Terephthalate
• PETG, PolyEthylene Terephthalate Glycol-modified
• PLA, PolyLactic Acid
• PlastInk Rubber
• PP, PolyPropylene
• PVA, PolyVinyl Alcohol
• T-Glase

Heads for Hot Flow

Hot Flow is available through the following heads:

• 

  MK1-250

• 

  MK2-250

• 

  MK1-450

The following table compares the properties of the various Hot Flow heads, including which heads are recommended for which materials. The MK1 heads drive matieral from one side, with a spring-loaded bearing system to maintain pressure and positioning. The MK2 heads drive the material from both sides, and are designed for more flexible filaments.

Hot Flow Head Properties

Head	Min Temp	Max Temp	Filament Type	Nozzle	Recommended For
MK1-250	150°C	250°C	Standard	.35mm, .50mm, .75mm, 1.0mm	ABS, LayBrick, LayWood, Nylon, PET, PETG, PETT, PLA, PP, PVA, T-Glase
MK2-250	150°C	250°C	Flexible	.35mm, .50mm, .75mm, 1.0mm	BendLay, FilaFlex, Flex45, NinjaFlex, PlastInk Rubber
MK1-450	300°C	450°C	Engineering	.50mm	PC, PEEK

Research Papers Citing Hyrel Hot Flow

• Demonstration and Characterization of Fully 3D-printed RF Structures, The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Incorporated (IEEE)
• Infill Dependent 3D-Printed Material Based on NinjaFlex Filament for Antenna Applications, The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Incorporated (IEEE)
• A Novel Strain Sensor Based on 3D Printing Technology and 3D Antenna Design, The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Incorporated (IEEE)
• A Novel 3-D Printed Loop Antenna Using Flexible NinjaFlex Material for Wearable and IoT Applications, The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Incorporated (IEEE)
• RF Characterization of 3D Printed Flexible Materials - NinjaFlex Filaments, The European Microwave Association (EuMA)
• Nano-Material Based Flexible Radio Frequency Sensors for Wearable Health and Environment Monitoring: Designs and Prototypes Utilizing 3D/Inkjet Printing Technologies, A Dissertation Presented to The Academic Faculty of The School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Georgia Tech

Other Tools

Lasers

Hot-swappable Lasers are available in the following configurations:

• The LA5-808 is 5W at 808nm, and due to its wavelength, it is best suited for darker material.
• The LA6-450 is 6W at 450nm, and performs well on opaque material of any color.

The Reflectivity and Transparency or Translucency of your material will have a great impact on the effectiveness of the laser. Safety glasses are included with each laser.

Spindle Tools

• 

  ST1

Intended for light drilling and routing operations (especially circuit board work), the ST1 provides between 500 and 5000 RMP (depending on load) to a 1/8" chuck. Our Repetrel software can process Gerber and DRL files for the Spindle Tool and/or the Lasers.

Other Tools

The following accessories each take up a tool position while performing more passive functions:

• The Inspector microscope provides magnification.
• The Quiet Storm fan provides additional cooling.
• The Digitram, provided with every printer, is used to level the build surface.

Other Accessories

The following non-head accessories are also available:

• The Feed Chamber Cooling Fan mounts on Hot Flow heads to provide additional cooling to the feed chamber. This is desirable with low temperature filaments like PLA.
• The Printer Support Kit is included with every printer, and includes a build plate, blue tape, and a variety of handy tools like tweezers, razors, and a spatula.
• The Software Developer's Kit provides hardware, software, and the source code for developing your own firmware for your own compatible heads.
• The Luer Tip Kit provides an EMO to Luer adapter and a variety of luer lock needles.
• The Syringe Kit provides syringes in quantity.
• The Drill Bit Kit provides an assortment of drilling bits and end mills for the Spindle Tool.
• The Filament Kit provides...