Hydras

Hydra Models

The Hydras are our Gantry models, introduced in 2016. In these models we move the heads in the X/Y and the bed only in the Z, allowing for faster print speeds and heavier fixturing.

Comparison

The following chart compares and contrasts the various Hydra models:

Printer Model Comparison

Designation	Freestanding Enclosed, Heated	Freestanding Enclosed, Heated	Benchtop Enclosed, Heated
	Hydra 16AS Standard	Hydra 16AT Tall	Hydra 21
Target Users	Laboratory Research	Laboratory Research	Laboratory Research
Image			H21.png
Placement Mechanism	Freestanding (Floor) Model Gantry Design	Freestanding (Floor) Model Gantry Design	Benchtop Model Gantry Design
Exterior Dimensions, XxYxZ (closed)	48x35x50 in 120x88x125 cm	48x35x60 in 120x88x153 cm	42x24x33 in 107x61x84 cm
Power Requirements	15 A / 110-120 VAC / 60 Hz 8 A / 220-240 VAC / 50 Hz
Build Volume	16x12x10 in 400x300x250 mm or 24x16x10 in 600x400x250 mm	16x12x20 in 600x400x500 mm or 24x16x20 in 600x400x500 mm	16x12x10 in 400x300x250 mm
Bed Temperatures	120°C / 200°C option / -5°C option Note that 200°C beds larger than 400x300mm require 230VAC for optimal heating.
Bed RTDs	1k PLAT
X/Y Printing Speeds	Up to 60 mm/sec
Enclosure	Heated to 55°C
Motion Control	3-Phase with Closed-Loop Feedback
Positional Resolution X/Y/Z in µm	6 / 6 / 1
Positional Accuracy X/Y/Z in µm	60 / 60 / 10
Positional Repeatability X/Y/Z in µm	60 / 60 / 10
Precise X/Y Output for Bioplots	100 µm lines 200 µm spacing
Precise Z output for Bioplots	25 µm layers
Tool Positions Optional	Five Ten
Reservoir Ambient Options	All EMO, SDS, DSD and SMH Heads
Reservoir Temp Ctrl Options	All VOL, KRA, TAM, RSD, and HSD Heads
Filament Options	All MK1-250, MK2-250 and MK1-450 Heads
Low Power Laser Options	6w, 450nm, GaN Diode and 2w, 450nm GaN Diode
High Power Laser Options	40w ~10 µm, CO2		(coming soon)
Spindle Tool Compatibility	Standard Three-Phase
Max Axes	Max of 5: X, Y, Z Optional 4th A Axis (Lathe) Optional 4/5th Axes (Trunion)
Pick & Place Compatibility	Yes
Other Options	Quiet Storm Fan, Microscope

The Hydra Series

The Hydra 16A models have 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.

There are three models, as detailed above. The differences are:

• The Hydra 16A-S (standard) has a 250mm Z and stands on the floor, with the following options:
  • Can take a bed at 400x300mm or 600x400mm at 120°C or 200°C, or a sub-ambient bed;
  • Can take the 40W CO2 laser and 5W, 450nm diode laser;
  • Can take the Pick and Place setup; and
  • Can take the 3-Phase and 1-Phase spindle tools.

• The Hydra 16A-T (tall) has a 500mm Z and stands on the floor, with the following options:
  • Can take a bed at 400x300mm or 600x400mm at 120°C or 200°C, or a sub-ambient bed;
  • Can take the 5W, 450nm diode laser (NO CO2 LASER);
  • Can take the Pick and Place setup; and
  • Can take the 3-Phase and 1-Phase spindle tools.

• Overview of the Hydra line