First time printer purchase. Heygears desktop A2D HD or Asiga Ultra or Max?

[DentalLabCo]

We are looking to bring some of our model printing in house. Does anyone have experience with Heygears new A2D HD desktop printer? I don't mind the closed system and we like what we've gotten from our partner lab who uses Heygears. Is Asiga worth the extra cost (17k vs 9k). Cost is not the concern. We just want convenience and ease of use with software, etc. Looking to start small with 30-40 quad and/or full arch models per day and upgrade to a second printer later so we have a backup in place if one goes down. Would love to hear your opinions/experience. Thanks in advance.

 

[tehnik]

30-40 models per day with ONE Asiga MAX is rough. You can fit maximum 3 full models per print and 50 micron layer thickness prints 1 - 1.5h (depending on the model height). You have to clean and postcure the models also. Either two of them (you have a backup if one fails) or go with bigger buildplate.

 

[tuyere]

Max is absolutely not realistic for that expected workload. Honestly, 2 Maxes probably wouldn't cut it, the plate on a max is very small, I've literally ran into full arch models that just won't fit on the bed when nested flat (like you ought to be doing). Two full arches and a quad or some other odds and ends might be typical.
You need to be looking at a bigger build plate, pretty much. The Ultra is more up your alley, although even there, I'm wondering how long your days are and how constantly you want to be swapping jobs out. Should be fine for an 8-hour shift but I haven't run the numbers there.

 

[rlhhds]

We have both and like the Heygears lease model. You can lease one for many years before you come close to the purchase price of an Asiga. It is their printer so they maintain them on a regular schedule, if it takes a dump on you they fix it or replace if it is that bad, as part of the lease agreement. Low annual lease fee. For high volume model printing we have 2 of their Hives, and use just for models all other printers are being used of other things now. The resin does cost more but that is what they are making their money on, not the printers.

 

[DentalLabCo]

30-40 models per day with ONE Asiga MAX is rough. You can fit maximum 3 full models per print and 50 micron layer thickness prints 1 - 1.5h (depending on the model height). You have to clean and postcure the models also. Either two of them (you have a backup if one fails) or go with bigger buildplate.

Good to know. Thanks!

 

[DentalLabCo]

Max is absolutely not realistic for that expected workload. Honestly, 2 Maxes probably wouldn't cut it, the plate on a max is very small, I've literally ran into full arch models that just won't fit on the bed when nested flat (like you ought to be doing). Two full arches and a quad or some other odds and ends might be typical.
You need to be looking at a bigger build plate, pretty much. The Ultra is more up your alley, although even there, I'm wondering how long your days are and how constantly you want to be swapping jobs out. Should be fine for an 8-hour shift but I haven't run the numbers there.

Max is absolutely not realistic for that expected workload. Honestly, 2 Maxes probably wouldn't cut it, the plate on a max is very small, I've literally ran into full arch models that just won't fit on the bed when nested flat (like you ought to be doing). Two full arches and a quad or some other odds and ends might be typical.
You need to be looking at a bigger build plate, pretty much. The Ultra is more up your alley, although even there, I'm wondering how long your days are and how constantly you want to be swapping jobs out. Should be fine for an 8-hour shift but I haven't run the numbers there.

This is what I needed to hear. Thank you!

 

[DentalLabCo]

We have both and like the Heygears lease model. You can lease one for many years before you come close to the purchase price of an Asiga. It is their printer so they maintain them on a regular schedule, if it takes a dump on you they fix it or replace if it is that bad, as part of the lease agreement. Low annual lease fee. For high volume model printing we have 2 of their Hives, and use just for models all other printers are being used of other things now. The resin does cost more but that is what they are making their money on, not the printers.

Perfect! I am also considering the A2D floor standing model lease to start. My thoughts were start small with desktop version, then upgrade to larger lease model later so we have desktop as a backup, but it sounds like I should just start with the lease model. I also like the idea of the scheduled routine maintenance, etc. From your experience, should I start with the A2D at $900 per month (plus annual $$ fee) or go big and start with the A3D for only a few thousand more annually so we are ready for higher volume immediately?

 

[DentalLabCo]

Also, what wash and cure station are you using with your heygears?

 

[sidesh0wb0b]

We are looking to bring some of our model printing in house. Does anyone have experience with Heygears new A2D HD desktop printer? I don't mind the closed system and we like what we've gotten from our partner lab who uses Heygears. Is Asiga worth the extra cost (17k vs 9k). Cost is not the concern. We just want convenience and ease of use with software, etc. Looking to start small with 30-40 quad and/or full arch models per day and upgrade to a second printer later so we have a backup in place if one goes down. Would love to hear your opinions/experience. Thanks in advance.

if i can make an alternate suggestion....for models, especially at the rate you are printing, get the A3D with the auto part removal.
well, well, WELL worth the extra cost of the lease. not having to pry models off a platform over and over throughout the day is truly priceless.

 

[tuyere]

if i can make an alternate suggestion....for models, especially at the rate you are printing, get the A3D with the auto part removal.
well, well, WELL worth the extra cost of the lease. not having to pry models off a platform over and over throughout the day is truly priceless.

Do you have an auto deplating setup? Been wondering about those, one of our sister labs has one (Carbon's 'backpack' dealie) and they sound great.

 

[sidesh0wb0b]

Do you have an auto deplating setup? Been wondering about those, one of our sister labs has one (Carbon's 'backpack' dealie) and they sound great.

the A3D has it built in. we can print all day/night and it cuts off the models and goes back to printing without anyone touching it.