On this article, we evaluate the UltraCraft Reflex RS, HeyGears’ latest resin 3D printer. Based in 2015, the Guangzhou-based digital answer supplier entered the patron 3D printing market final yr with the UltraCraft Reflex.
The upgraded RS mannequin builds on the success of its predecessor, updating the LCD display screen from 6K to 8K decision for enhanced half high quality. The desktop-sized VAT photopolymerization system additionally suits an expanded construct quantity right into a extra compact, light-weight physique.
Optimized for designers, engineers, and fanatics alike, HeyGears’ newest providing delivers high-speed, high-precision 3D printing at a low value. Designed to deal with the calls for of industrial-grade manufacturing, the 3D printer gives 93% half consistency for batch manufacturing and ±15 μm accuracy. This makes the UltraCraft Reflex RS an excellent selection for customers trying to professionalize their workflow with out breaking the financial institution.
Our group additionally evaluated HeyGears’ washing station, curing unit, and Pulsing Launch Module. The latter is an elective add-on that minimizes peeling drive and accelerates 3D printing speeds by means of high-frequency vibrations. Costing an additional $490, we consider whether or not this add-on is definitely worth the expense.
The UltraCraft Reflex RS begins at a aggressive $999, whereas the Combo package deal, together with wash and remedy items, prices $2,107. Further info is out there on the official HeyGears retailer.
HeyGears upgrades capabilities with the UltraCraft Reflex RS
The UltraCraft Reflex RS has been designed to chop 3D printing instances, improve half high quality, and simplify professional-grade manufacturing.
Notably, HeyGears has boosted 3D printing speeds in its latest providing. Able to 3D printing at 27 mm/hour with a layer top of fifty μm, the Reflex RS incorporates the corporate’s newest Dynamic Movement Algorithm 3.0. This reportedly will increase manufacturing velocity by 33%, requiring a median of simply 4.5 seconds for every layer.
Customers concentrating on skilled functions worth excessive repeatability and reliability. The Reflex RS’s C5 grade Z-axis module meets these necessities by sustaining steady layer thickness and repeat positioning accuracy. In keeping with HeyGears, this function ensures layer positioning errors don’t exceed 2 μm.
Clients selecting resin 3D printing typically achieve this to supply high-precision components with intricate particulars. The Reflex RS is a good choice for these necessities. Its 33 μm XY precision and ±16 μm, mixed with an 8K decision and 405 nm mild wavelength, unlock vital benefits in fabricating correct components with clean floor end and advantageous particulars. Our in depth testing validated these capabilities, efficiently producing minute particulars and assembly the tight tolerances of useful parts.
The HeyGears Reflex RS construct plate. Pictures by 3D Printing Trade.
With an prolonged construct quantity of 222 mm x 122 mm x 230 mm, the Reflex RS stands out as one of many bigger choices within the desktop resin market. Regardless of this, HeyGears’ newest system is extra compact than the corporate’s earlier iteration, making certain the Reflex RS simply suits into most benchtop workspaces.
For newcomers to resin 3D printing, calibration will be an intimidating course of and a irritating delay to manufacturing. HeyGears’ Reflex RS options in depth automation performance, making it supreme for these wanting fast and simple 3D printing straight out of the field. Notably, the Reflex RS is provided with a floating-screen system that routinely ranges the 3D printing platform with a precision of 0.15°, successfully eliminating gaps of as much as 240 µm. This function enhances accuracy, prevents layer detachment, and reduces the chance of print failures.
Moreover, the resin filling and heating system autonomously maintains the tank’s resin stage, refills as wanted, and heats the fabric to the optimum printing temperature. It could actually increase the resin temperature from 10°C to 22°C in simply 20 minutes, making certain constant warmth all through the printing course of. This helps stop materials inconsistencies, guaranteeing dependable outcomes throughout numerous environments. Moreover, automated zeroing and exact mattress leveling decrease the necessity for guide changes, enhancing general effectivity.
HeyGears set a excessive bar with the spectacular construct high quality of the UltraCraft Reflex, and the brand new RS mannequin doesn’t disappoint. The system boasts a smooth, minimalist look with its primarily plastic outer shell, and options an intuitive touchscreen interface that simplifies machine operation.
A streamlined post-processing workflow
The Reflex RS Combo gives a full end-to-end resin 3D printing workflow spanning printing, washing, and curing.
Washing a resin print after printing is crucial. Solvents like isopropyl alcohol are generally used to take away uncured resin, as this poisonous, viscous liquid can pose well being dangers and result in poor curing, in the end affecting half high quality.
HeyGears’ Reflex washing station stands out with its distinctive turbulent circulation course of. As an alternative of utilizing a traditional impeller, it gyrates your entire wash tank from its base, stopping laminar circulation and making certain the cleansing liquid successfully removes residue. Nevertheless, the gyration may cause delicate fashions to collide with the tank partitions, doubtlessly main to break. This danger will be minimized by printing a protecting case across the fashions.
As soon as washed, the 3D printed half ought to be cured in UV mild to harden the resin additional. This helps to reinforce its mechanical properties, enhance floor high quality, and optimize tolerances and accuracy.
We have been impressed by the curing unit. It possesses a smooth design and user-friendly interface with a rotating knob to facilitate straightforward number of curing choices. Its chamber can warmth as much as 80°C, unlocking efficient curing and a formidable floor end. UV mild may also be emitted at two completely different wavelengths, making certain thorough polymerization and permitting completely different resins to be successfully cured.
Our engineering group additionally examined HeyGears’ Pulsing Launch Module (PRM). Utilizing a compressor, this elective add-on delivers bursts of high-pressure air to generate high-frequency vibrations that lightly separate the movie from the printed mannequin’s floor. These vibrations cut back peeling drive by as much as 50% per layer, enabling quicker printing and requiring fewer helps, in the end reducing materials consumption. The PRM is out there for $490 on HeyGears’ on-line retailer.
Our testing discovered that the PRM doesn’t considerably enhance floor high quality in comparison with the usual resin tank. Nevertheless, it does supply quicker print speeds and lowered materials consumption. A comparability within the Blueprint slicer confirmed a 26.5% lower in print time and an roughly 12.5% discount in materials utilization, which is nice for customers trying to print repeatedly.
The Reflex RS washing station, curing unit, and Pulsing Launch Module. Pictures by 3D Printing Trade.
Blueprint Studio software program
As with its predecessor, the Reflex RS will not be appropriate with third-party slicing software program. As an alternative, it’s managed by HeyGears’ proprietary Blueprint Studio platform. This permits customers to slice fashions, generate helps, manipulate components, and modify designs. It additionally features a print administration function, which may handle a number of Reflex programs and function 3D print farms.
With a user-friendly interface and streamlined operation, Blueprint is a good choice for resin 3D printing newcomers. Its “One-Click on Slice” function considerably simplifies the slicing course of, permitting customers to restore, orient, assist, structure, and slice fashions on the contact of a button.
Returning hours after beginning a print job solely to search out it has failed—and wasted worthwhile materials—is a standard frustration in desktop 3D printing. Blueprint Studio’s printability evaluation helps mitigate these dangers by evaluating a mannequin’s assist buildings and figuring out potential points like cupping, skinny layers, and unsupported projections. Our testing confirmed that this function successfully predicts and analyzes issues that would result in print failures, leading to a 98% success charge.
One draw back is the lack to vary resin sort as soon as slicing has began, requiring customers to begin a brand new slice undertaking—an inconvenient and time-consuming course of. Whereas the workflow is straightforward to navigate, it lacks superior options, limiting choices for knowledgeable customers. For instance, Blueprint doesn’t enable customization of publicity settings, peeling velocity management, or backside layer depend changes.
Regardless of these minor shortcomings, we view Blueprint as an excellent, easy-to-use software program that streamlines resin 3D printing and enhances the manufacturing of high-quality components.
Blueprint Studio software program interface. Photos by 3D Printing Trade.
Benchmarking the Reflex RS
Our engineering group carried out in depth testing to benchmark the Reflex RS and consider its efficiency in opposition to the marketed specs. We started by printing the take a look at file included with the 3D printer, a mannequin of the Blueprint Studio brand.
This half got here out properly. It was free from defects and accomplished the washing, drying, and curing steps with out challenge. All options and advantageous particulars have been clearly seen, representing an excellent begin for the Reflex RS.
3D printed take a look at file. Pictures by 3D Printing Trade.
Repeatability is essential for professionals searching for reliable prints or when producing batches of equivalent components. To judge the Reflex RS’s consistency, we 3D printed a take a look at mannequin 12 instances and measured every print in opposition to the unique dimensions. Excessive-quality 3D printers ought to obtain a median deviation beneath 0.1 mm and a normal deviation beneath 0.05 mm.
3D printed repeatability take a look at components. Pictures by 3D Printing Trade.
The Reflex RS carried out outstandingly on this take a look at, surpassing market requirements and plenty of competing fashions. No dimensional anomalies have been detected, testifying to the excessive precision of the 8K LCD display screen. Throughout all axes, the common deviation was 0.0179 mm, considerably decrease than the 0.05 mm benchmark. The usual deviation was 0.0084 mm, properly beneath the 0.25 mm goal. These outcomes are very spectacular for such an inexpensive desktop 3D printer, confirming its distinctive accuracy, precision, and reliability.
Repeatability take a look at outcomes, together with regular distributions of all axes, and the deviation between the measurements and the reference. Photos by 3D Printing Trade.
The UltraCraft Reflex RS boasts an expanded construct quantity, which exceeds the market common for desktop resin 3D printers.
Sadly, BluePrint Studios’ setting restrictions prevented the tower from reaching the RS’s most 230 mm top restrict. The software program downscaled the mannequin to a 228 mm top, a negligible distinction of two mm, which was disappointing nonetheless. On a extra optimistic word, the standard of the tower take a look at was spectacular, with constant layers and minimal defects. The components’ 25.01 mm (x) and 24.98 mm (y) measurements additional demonstrated the nice accuracy supplied by the Reflex RS.
3D printed tower take a look at mannequin. Pictures by 3D Printing Trade.
Our perimeter take a look at was extra profitable, with the slicer accepting the precise 222 mm x 122 mm dimensions marketed by HeyGears, confirming that customers can totally make the most of the RS’s print mattress. As soon as once more, 3D print high quality was excessive, with flat, even sides and solely minor warping post-curing. These outcomes efficiently validate the X and Y dimensional accuracy of the Reflex RS.
3D printed perimeter take a look at mannequin. Pictures by 3D Printing Trade.
Components with unsupported overhangs typically pose challenges for resin 3D printers, however are a standard function of superior fashions with advanced geometries. Our testing confirmed the Reflex RS’s capability to deal with overhangs. It achieved constant outcomes as much as a difficult 65° angle, surpassing the common efficiency of most different competing programs.
We 3D printed two overhang take a look at fashions, with and with out the PRM. A line was seen on the prime of the PRM half, probably attributable to the mannequin’s giant floor space, which required a bigger peeling drive. When the PRM wasn’t used, the same defect occurred round ¼ of the way in which into the print job, once more attributable to the excessive peeling drive. Regardless of this slight blemish, each checks carried out properly with constant layer build-up, confirming the RS’s capability to efficiently deal with overhangs. We advocate utilizing the PRM when printing components with overhangs or fragile particulars.
3D printed PRM (left) and common (proper) overhang checks. Pictures by 3D Printing Trade.
Many purchasers who undertake resin 3D printers achieve this to use their benefits for small and exact components with tight tolerances. Is the Reflex RS an excellent choice for these vital functions? To seek out out, we 3D printed two small, useful nut and bolt fashions
The Reflex RS exceeded our expectations, efficiently producing 1.25 mm and 1.0 mm pitch threads. Each fashions have been printed to a excessive customary, displaying glorious element and floor end. Because the thread pitch grew to become finer, we observed a rise in meeting resistance. Nevertheless, each assemblies labored as supposed, confirming the RS’s capability to deal with useful components with tight tolerances.
3D printed 1.25 mm (left) and 1.0 mm (proper) nut and bolt fashions. Pictures by 3D Printing Trade.
An Opticon Check Geometry was additionally 3D printed to additional validate the Reflex RS’s capability to deal with advanced geometries and really advantageous particulars, the take a look at. This multi-feature take a look at rig, developed by GrabCAD designer Vandevorst, options an array of difficult, downscaled geometries to evaluate numerous 3D printer capabilities.
The outcomes impressed our engineering group. Overhanging sections with angles between 30° and 75° have been printed efficiently, with advanced round patterns, spikes, cavities, and meshes fabricated with out challenge.
3D printed Opticon take a look at. Pictures by 3D Printing Trade.
Subsequent, we examined for ‘functionality.’ Tracing its origins from the Seventies US automotive business, this idea makes use of statistical course of management to evaluate the flexibility of the 3D printer to mass produce components at excessive volumes.
We 3D printed a mannequin 150 instances, randomly choosing 16 prints and measuring every 3 times. These figures might be used to calculate the method functionality, a statistical measure that assesses how properly a producing course of can constantly produce components inside specified limits. The minimal course of functionality can even be measured. This takes into consideration decentring, which reduces repeatability.
Any rating above 2.0 is excellent for these calculations, whereas something beneath 1.33 is beneath acceptable. The Reflex RS achieved a course of functionality rating of three.43, demonstrating its capability to constantly produce correct components with minimal variation from the goal measurement. Its distinctive minimal course of functionality rating of seven.96 additional highlights its spectacular precision and low chance of defects. This makes the Reflex RS a superb selection for skilled customers concentrating on high-volume manufacturing.
3D printed functionality take a look at components. Picture and picture by 3D Printing Trade.
Testing 3D printing functions
Subsequent, we tasked the Reflex RS with a spread of hobbyist, prosumer, prototyping, and end-use functions.
The usage of resin 3D printers within the medical and dental industries is rising, due to their capability to supply sturdy, correct, and customizable components near the purpose of want. To evaluate the Reflex RS’s suitability for such functions, we first produced a 3D printed mandible. This half featured spectacular floor high quality, with no layer strains or defects.
3D printed mandible mannequin. Pictures by 3D Printing Trade.
We additionally 3D printed an arm forged, highlighting the flexibility of additive manufacturing to supply sufferers with custom-fit units tailor-made to their distinctive anatomy. The Reflex RS carried out admirably as soon as once more. The advanced, large-scale geometry got here out completely, with minor defects simply resolved with additional advantageous sanding paper. Disclaimer: This half is for demonstrative functions solely. Customers might want to use skin-safe resins for any functions that come into contact with the physique, this isn’t at the moment out there from Heygears.
3D printed arm forged. Pictures by 3D printing business.
Engineers, designers, and prosumers may take into account the Reflex RS for reverse engineering or producing useful components sometimes made by means of injection molding due to its excessive accuracy. To judge its capabilities, we 3D printed an Xbox controller shell.
The print was largely profitable, although a minor layer inconsistency defect, attributable to extreme peeling drive, barely disrupted layer alignment. Regardless of the PRM being in use, it failed to forestall this challenge. Nevertheless, the 3D print high quality remained excessive, with exactly outlined mounting factors and bolt holes and minimal assist artifacts, making the shell prepared to be used on an precise sport controller.
3D printed XBOX controller case. Pictures by 3D Printing Trade.
An particularly standard software of desktop resin 3D printers is the manufacturing of miniature busts and collectible figurines with advantageous, intricate particulars. We 3D printed a miniature mannequin of Solar Wukong, the legendary monkey king from Chinese language mythology.
The Reflex RS excelled right here, retaining the figurine’s extremely small and complicated particulars. Its advanced floor texture got here out completely, with sharp hair spikes and small mesh particulars being significantly spectacular. This success demonstrates the worth of the Reflex RS’s 8K LCD display screen, which ensures excessive floor definition.
3D printed Solar Wukong figurine. Pictures by 3D Printing Trade.
For delicate fashions, we advocate utilizing the protecting casing discovered within the slicer’s assist part. This helps stop harm from the vigorous gyrating movement of HeyGears’ washing station. We examined this function with our 3D-printed Davy Jones pirate bust, and it carried out flawlessly, permitting thorough cleansing whereas stopping wall collisions. Consequently, all advantageous particulars have been preserved, producing a high-quality figurine.
3D printed Davy Jones figurine with a protecting cage. Pictures by 3D Printing Trade.
3D printing useful components and prototypes typically requires exceptionally skinny partitions that preserve structural integrity. To evaluate whether or not the Reflex RS meets these necessities, we fabricated a useful turbine. HeyGears’ PAWR10 materials was chosen for its ASTM 2H-grade floor hardness and glorious put on resistance.
This part was 3D printed efficiently with glorious element and a flawless end. Its advanced geometry was produced with out helps, that means minimal post-processing was required. The turbine was prepared to make use of in beneath three hours, demonstrating the RS’s spectacular velocity and talent to rapidly produce application-ready components instantly from the construct plate.
3D printed turbine. Pictures by 3D Printing Trade.
Lastly, we leveraged HeyGears’ PAP10 manufacturing materials to 3D print useful automotive clips and fasteners in various sizes and geometries. All of those have been made to a excessive customary, with nice power and performance, even with some fashions containing small 90% overhangs. We will affirm the PAP10 materials is well-suited to 3D printing intricate, useful components with dependable efficiency and glorious floor end.
3D printed automotive clips and fasteners. Pictures by 3D Printing Trade.
Reasonably priced, professional-grade 3D printing for the desktop
The HeyGear UltraCraft Reflex RS stands out within the desktop resin 3D printer market, providing distinctive efficiency with high-quality {hardware}, an prolonged construct quantity, and user-friendly software program. Its environment friendly post-processing ensures a seamless expertise, whereas its affordability and production-grade capabilities make it a superb selection for each inexperienced persons and professionals.
Blueprint Studio is a wonderful 3D printing software program. Its intuitive interface and helpful options seamlessly complement Reflex RS {hardware}. The printability evaluation operate is especially worthwhile, saving time, materials, and cash by figuring out potential print failures earlier than they happen.
The accompanying post-processing stations additional streamline the 3D printing workflow, providing efficient cleansing and curing for all sizes and geometries. Whereas the vigorous motion of the washing tank can harm delicate components, the protecting cage prevents this.
Our engineering group was extremely impressed by the Reflex RS’s testing efficiency. It delivered excellent accuracy and precision, with a median deviation of 0.0179 mm and a normal deviation of 0.0084 mm, demonstrating distinctive repeatability. Mixed with its exemplary functionality outcomes, this makes the Reflex RS supreme for high-volume manufacturing. Moreover, its 8K LCD display screen enhances floor high quality and permits spectacular 3D printing speeds. The Reflex RS excels at producing small, exact, and detailed components with tight tolerances.
We encountered minor peeling drive points that brought about floor defects in some take a look at components. The PRM struggled to mitigate these defects, providing little enchancment in floor high quality. Nevertheless, it proved worthwhile in accelerating print speeds and optimizing materials effectivity. Whereas the lack to totally make the most of the 230 mm top restrict was disappointing, it’s unlikely to influence most functions.
In the end, HeyGears’ newest 3D printer gives glorious worth for its value vary, combining high-quality outcomes with a user-friendly design. Combining high-quality efficiency derived from the corporate’s industrial roots, right into a compact, desktop-sized ecosystem, the Reflex RS is a good selection for corporations and people trying to elevate their manufacturing capabilities.
Technical specification of the HeyGears Reflex RS
| 3D Printing Know-how | LCD (MSLA) |
| Construct Quantity | 222 mm x 122 mm x 230 mm |
| XY Native Pixel | 29.7 µm |
| Accuracy | ±15 μm |
| Layer Thickness | 30-100 μm |
| Mild Supply | COB LED |
| Optical Wavelength | 405 nm |
| 3D Printer Dimensions | 380 x 360 x 584 mm |
| 3D Printer Weight | 20 kg |
| Rated Energy | 180 W |
| Voltage | 100-240 V~50/60 Hz |
| Connectivity | USB/WIFI/LAN |
| Language | English, Simplified Chinese language |
| Appropriate Resin | PARP10, PAS10, PAWW10, PAP10, PAWR10 |
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Featured picture reveals the HeyGears UltraCraft Reflex RS. Picture by 3D Printing Trade.
