What you need to know about the CEL Robox 3D printer

3D printers and CAD are presenting new opportunities to enhance STEM learning today. They offer students (and teachers) the chance to unleash their creativity, demonstrate ideas and inspire possible career paths in STEM fields.

Introducing the CEL Robox 3D printer

Built with education in mind, the award-winning CEL Robox 3D printer is the obvious choice for all stages of education. As well as being compact, portable and attractive, it’s quick, easy to use and safe for students.

In fact, Robox is arguably the safest desktop 3D printer for use around young people being the only 3D printer to include a fully lockable door with no external filament tubes or cables feeding into the hot build chamber.

The 3D printer is so effective that East Ayrshire Council have now ensured all schools in the region use Robox machines and the Scottish Library & Information Council have ensured Robox is the 3D printer being used in libraries across the country.

Requiring no manual calibrations whatsoever, Robox is also extremely user-friendly. It has won the global 3D Hubs award in the “Plug and Play” category for 2 years running with reviews from over 8,624 verified 3D printer users. With this simple ‘plug and print’ mentality, it means that you don’t need any prior experience using 3D printers, and can easily integrate it into your lessons.

Here we’ll take a look at the CEL Robox 3D Printer’s key features, and what makes it stand out from the rest of the 3D printing pack:

HeadLock

This nifty feature allows you to change print heads quickly and easily. You can even do it one-handed with no tools!

The CEL Robox 3D printer will recognise the printer head automatically and begin set up processes. This system is also future-upgradeable so you’ll be able to get the latest developments without buying a new printer – including brand new 3D printing capabilities

DualMaterial

This feature does exactly what it says on the tin – you can print with two different materials or colours at once.

Multi-material 3D printing capability allows for design freedom and encourages students to think more creatively.

It enables a fast heat-up time and the patented needle valve flow control technology in the nozzles stops any oozing or stringing between parts by blocking the flow of filament.

This patented tech also means dual prints take a fraction of the time of other 3D printers, which all need to build wasteful towers or shields and employ elaborate, time-consuming mechanisms when switching between nozzles.

QuickFill

The patented needle valve tech allows for two nozzles to be included in the same single material head – 0.8 mm and 0.3 mm – which is interchangeable with the DualMaterial head. This tech allows you to print faster with more precise detail and is perfect for the classroom when speed is of the essence.

SmartExtruder

This function allows fully-automatic material loading and unloading. It also includes a unique feedback system to detect any errors and rectify while printing, saving time and hassle if something goes wrong and making it a safe and easy-to-use system for any age group.

AutoMaker

This free custom interface software boasts three steps to print and real-time status and feedback alerts. It’s intuitive, easy-to-use and perfect for those just starting out with 3D printers.

Students can load models into AutoMaker created using free Autodesk design software for use with Robox, such as Tinkercad, popular with primary schools, and Fusion 360, which is popular in secondary schools and higher education. All Autodesk design software comes with free training.

You can also use design software from other providers including SolidWorks or OnShape. AutoMaker accepts all commonly used 3D file formats including STL and OBJ.

ThermoSurface

This heated bed can reach up to 150°C in under three minutes, while other printers require 20 minutes or longer.

You don’t need to use tape or adhesives, or really any print bed preparation at all! The bed is also really easy to clean – just pop out the tray, wipe it down with alcohol, put it back and let the bed calibrate itself so you can start printing again quickly and easily.

SafeLock

SafeLock makes the CEL Robox 3D printer the safest option for schools. Not only does the fully enclosed build area improve print quality, but the locking door ensures that no fingers go close to the hot plate or nozzles during printing.

Robox is the only 3D printer with a dedicated locking safety door, so it really is the best option for schools as it protects students from the 280°C heat of the nozzles. It won’t open unless it’s under 60°C so there’s no need to worry about your fingers.

What else makes it great for schools?

Robox will improve lesson quality and student engagement, with minimal impact on preparation time. It’s a reliable solution for both teachers and students, and is extremely safety conscious.

It’s perfect for use around schools and comes with a bag so is portable enough to be used around the site. It’s also extremely energy efficient – it uses the same amount of energy as a 100W light bulb while in operation.

Another great addition for schools is the personalisation aspect. You can name your Robox printers whatever you like – most schools tend to go for classrooms or colours – and then choose what colour you want the print light to be.

Robox includes a customisable RGB light so you can pick almost any colour. It can match your school house, uniform, the printer name or something else entirely!

When you add in the fantastic UK-based support from the Robox team, the two-year standard warranty on the platform (double the period of any other 3D printer), it’s clear to see that a CEL Robox 3D printer is the best choice for your school.

See how technology can improve your students’ learning environment by calling Utility Rentals today.