Retouch3D 3D printing finishing tool.
Product design company 3D 2.0 Inc. has today launched a Kickstarter campaign which aims to bring a new peripheral to the 3D printing market, Retouch3D.
Retouch3D is a hand-held heated tool with variable heat settings and interchangeable tips designed specifically for the finishing of 3D printed parts. Built for comfort and precision, the ergonomic handheld design will allow makers to clean-up 3D prints with the assistance of temperatures matched to the thermal properties of mainstream 3D printing materials including PLA, ABS, and resin-based systems.
”Until you own a 3D printer, what you don’t realise is that removing supports and getting rid of printing errors can be frustrating and time-consuming,” said Phil Newman, Founder, 3D 2.0. “We figured that if heat created a 3D print, then heat would be the best way to clean it up. And that’s how Retouch3D was born.”
Retouch3D combines a control system for accurate and efficient temperature control, with interchangeable tips designed for specific 3D retouching tasks, including the removal of support material, refining layer imperfections and stringing and blending print surfaces.
“I love the concept, the industrial design looks very polished, and I like how it has more than one tip,” said Mike Grauer Jr, a Board Member of 3D Printing Community. "Sanding and other surface finishing is a pain and I haven’t seen a similar product on the market."
Heat tool can be used to clean up prints.
To account for future materials, Retouch3D’s fine temperature adjustment settings will allow users to increase or decrease heat by small increments.
”We are really excited to launch our project on Kickstarter, and look forward to introducing Retouch3D as a whole new category of product,” said Amanda Hurt, Project Manager at 3D 2.0. “The 3D printing sector is experiencing rapid growth and we expect Retouch3D will dramatically improve the user experience.”
Initially available through Kickstarter, backers have access to a special early bird price of just $149. Early bidders can expect the first Retouch3D units to be available in early 2016, with full market availability following soon after.
For those super keen to try the new tool, the company is offering backers the chance to become a beta tester which will help the company finalise the design of the Retouch3D’s control system and interchangeable tips.
