12-05-2016: Craftbot released the CraftBot XL

Large-format, desktop-grade 3D printer at a revolutionary price

On December 5, 2016, the Hungarian manufacturer Craftbot (formerly CraftUnique) announced the CraftBot XL—a larger version of its flagship model, featuring a build volume of 30 x 20 x 44 cm. The 3D printer boasted WiFi connectivity, modern 32-bit control electronics, and a touch-screen color LCD panel. However, its standout feature was its exceptionally low price of around 1700 EUR, which, combined with impressive print quality, made it an excellent choice.

CraftBot entered the global 3D printing scene in mid-2014 through a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo to fund its design. Initially aiming to raise $40,000, the campaign exceeded expectations, securing over $245,000 with support from 571 backers.

The flagship models included the CraftBot (later CraftBot 2) with a build volume of 25 x 20 x 20 cm and the CraftBot XL. The flagship earned two awards from 3D Hubs for "Best Budget 3D Printer" in 2015 and 2016, along with the "Best Plug & Play 3D Printer" award in 2017 and 2018.

The CraftBot XL featured a set of interchangeable nozzles in four diameters: 0.25, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 mm. A simple but clever feature was a small symbol on the print bed that displayed the word "HOT" when heated, disappearing when it cooled down—indicating it was safe to remove prints.

I had the pleasure of working with both the CraftBot 2 and the XL for several months and remember them fondly. They were simple yet highly efficient machines. This was refreshing in 2016-2017 when combining high performance with affordability was still uncommon. Large-format 3D printers with build areas of 30-40 cm typically cost several thousand USD/EUR, unlike the CraftBot at 1700 EUR.

Due to the open chamber, attempts to 3D print large parts from ABS or ASA sometimes ended as in the last photo, but with materials like PLA or PETG the CraftBot XL handled it perfectly.

Source: www.centrumdruku3d.pl