bq Prusa i3 Hephestos – Book & Rent On-Site at Our Lab The bq Prusa i3 Hephestos is a reliable and user-friendly 3D printer, ideal for creating prototypes, educational projects, and intricate designs. Reserve and operate the bq Prusa i3 Hephestos directly at our lab for your short- or long-term projects. What Is the bq Prusa i3 Hephestos? The bq Prusa i3 Hephestos is an open-source 3D printer developed by bq's Department of Innovation and Robotics. Based on the Prusa i3 architecture, it incorporates several enhancements, such as cable chains for organized wiring and safety features like the removal of the heated bed and the inclusion of an extruder protector. Technical Specifications • Printing Technology: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) • Build Volume: 215 x 210 x 180 mm • Layer Resolution: o High: Up to 60 microns o Medium: 100 microns o Low: 200 microns • Printing Speed: Recommended between 40–60 mm/s; maximum up to 80–100 mm/s • Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm • Filament Diameter: 1.75 mm • Supported Materials: PLA, HIPS, FilaFlex, among others • Dimensions (W x D x H): o Without PLA spool: 460 x 383 x 430 mm o With PLA spool: 460 x 383 x 580 mm • Weight: Approximately 9.7 kg • Electronics: o RAMPS 1.4 o Arduino Mega 2560 o LCD screen with rotary encoder • Software Compatibility: Supports Windows XP and later, Mac OS X 10.7 and later, and Linux • Interfaces: USB Type B, SD card reader • Safety Features: Extruder protected with custom-designed part Applications and Use Cases The bq Prusa i3 Hephestos is versatile and suitable for various applications, including: • Prototyping: Develop functional prototypes for product design and testing. • Education: Enhance learning experiences in STEM fields through hands-on 3D printing projects. • Creative Projects: Produce custom art pieces, models, and intricate designs. • Hobbyist Creations: Bring personal projects and ideas to life with precision and ease. Considerations and Advantages Before booking, consider the following features and benefits: • Compact Design: Fits comfortably in various workspace sizes. • User-Friendly Operation: Designed for both beginners and experienced users. • Open-Source Community Support: Benefit from a vast community for resources and troubleshooting. • Safety Enhancements: Features like the extruder protector reduce the risk of burns. • Energy Efficiency: Operates at a low power consumption of approximately 60W. Maintaining and Optimizing Performance Our lab ensures that the bq Prusa i3 Hephestos printers are maintained in optimal condition. To further enhance performance during your session: • Material Selection: Use recommended filaments such as PLA for optimal results. • Regular Calibration: Perform calibration checks before starting new projects to ensure accuracy. • Proper Storage: Store filament in a dry environment to prevent moisture absorption, which can affect print quality. • Routine Cleaning: Keep the print bed and extruder nozzle clean to prevent clogs and ensure smooth operation. Our staff is available to assist with setup, operation, and troubleshooting to ensure a seamless experience. Why Rent the bq Prusa i3 Hephestos in Our Lab? Renting the bq Prusa i3 Hephestos through our lab offers several advantages: • Expert Support: Access assistance from knowledgeable staff for setup, operation, and troubleshooting. • Flexible Access: Enjoy flexible booking options to accommodate your project timelines. • Community Engagement: Collaborate with other users and participate in workshops and events to expand your 3D printing skills. • Cost-Effective: Avoid the financial commitment of purchasing by renting as needed for specific projects. • Well-Maintained Equipment: Our printers are kept in perfect operating condition, ensuring reliable and high-quality prints.