Printer Overview

Hyrel Printers are available in the following models: Hydras are our larger, gantry models; Systems are our tabletop, enclosed models; and Engines are the smaller, unenclosed models - available in Standard Resolution (SR) and High Resolution (HR, for bioprinting) versions.

All models use our Repetrel software and any slicer (Slic3r support provided). Each model comes with a Windows PC, either tablet or full desktop style. We operate our print heads via CANbus.

Printer Comparison

The following chart compares and contrasts the various models:

Printer Model Comparison

Designation	Freestanding Enclosed, Heated	Freestanding Enclosed, Heated	Benchtop Enclosed, Heated	Benchtop Enclosed, Heating Optional	Desktop Unenclosed	Desktop, High Precision Unenclosed
	Hydra 16AS Standard	Hydra 16AT Tall	Hydra 21	System 30M	Engine SR	Engine HR
Target Users	Laboratory Research	Laboratory Research	Laboratory Research	Laboratory Research	Budget Research	Biological Research
Image
Placement Mechanism	Freestanding (Floor) Model Gantry Design	Freestanding (Floor) Model Gantry Design	Benchtop Model Gantry Design	Benchtop Model Knee Design	Desktop Model Knee Design
Exterior Dimensions, XxYxZ (closed)	48x35x50 in 120x88x125 cm	48x35x60 in 120x88x153 cm	42x24x33 in 107x61x84 cm	34x16x32 in 87x41x82 cm	13x21x22 in 33x54x56 cm	13x20x19 in 33x51x49 cm
Power Requirements	15 A / 110-120 VAC / 60 Hz 8 A / 220-240 VAC / 50 Hz			15 A / 110-120 VAC / 60 Hz 5 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	8x8x8 in 200x200x200 mm		4x4x4 in 100x100x100 mm
Bed Temperatures	120°C / 200°C option / -5°C option Note that 200°C beds larger than 400x300mm require 230VAC for optimal heating.			80°C		100°C / -5°C option
Chamber Temperatures	~15°C above ambient as-is 55°C with additional heating		65° standard hotter models in development	~10°C above ambient as-is 55°C with additional heating	no chamber
Bed RTDs	1k PLAT			10k		1k PLAT
X/Y Printing Speeds	Up to 60 mm/sec			Up to 30 mm/sec		Up to 15 mm/sec
Enclosure	Heated to 55°C			Enclosed *Opt Heated to 55°C	Unenclosed
Motion Control	3-Phase with Closed-Loop Feedback			0.9° Stepping Motor now with Closed-Loop Feedback
Positional Resolution X/Y/Z in µm	6 / 6 / 1			5 / 5 / 1		1.25 / 1.25 / 1
Positional Accuracy X/Y/Z in µm	60 / 60 / 10			50 / 50 / 10		12 / 12 / 10
Positional Repeatability X/Y/Z in µm	60 / 60 / 10			50 / 50 / 10		12 / 12 / 10
Precise X/Y Output for Bioplots	100 µm lines 200 µm spacing					50 µm lines 100 µm spacing
Precise Z output for Bioplots	25 µm layers
Tool Positions Optional	Five Ten			Four		Five
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			Not Applicable
Spindle Tool Compatibility	Standard Three-Phase			Standard		Not Applicable
Max Axes	Max of 5: X, Y, Z Optional 4th A Axis (Lathe) Optional 4/5th Axes (Trunion)			Max of 3: X, Y, Z
Pick & Place Compatibility	Yes			No
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

The System 30M, 30, and 23

Systems are enclosed benchtop models. 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.

• Overview of the System 30

The Engines

Engines are open-air desktop 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.