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	Hydra 16A Freestanding Heated
	Hydra 16AS Standard	Hydra 16AT Tall
Target Users	Industrial Manufacturing
Image		Hydra 16at.png
Placement Mechanism	Freestanding (Floor) Model Gantry Design
Exterior Dimensions, XxYxZ (closed)	48x35x50 in 120x88x125 cm	48x35x60 in 120x88x153 cm
Power Requirements	15A / 110VAC / 60 Hz 8A / 220VAC / 50Hz
Build Volume	16x12x10 in 400x300x250 mm or 24x16x10 in 600x400x250 mm	16x12x20 in 600x400x500 mm or 24x16x20 in 600x400x500 mm
Bed Temperatures	120°C 200°C option sub-ambient option
200°C Hotbed Note	Note that 200°C beds larger than 400x300mm require 230VAC for optimal heating.
X/Y Printing Speeds	Up to 50 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
Accessory Options
Reservoir Heads	All EMO, COD, SDS, CSD, DSD, and SMH Heads All VOL, VCD, KRA, and KCD Heads
Filament Heads	All MK1-250, MK2-250, MK1-450, HT-150, and HT-450 Heads
Low Power Laser Options	5w, 808nm, AlGaAs Diode and/or 6w, 450nm, GaN Diode
High Power Laser Options	40w ~10 µm, CO2	Not Available
Spindle Tool Compatibility	Standard Three-Phase
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