Pushing the limits of 24/7 automation, the new large-scale BigRep VIIO 250 is designed to be an easy-to-use, sleek machine for non-stop 3D printing of industrial-grade parts.

Berlin, Germany, June 20, 2024 ‐ BigRep announced the release of a brand-new industrial Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) 3D printer, the VIIO 250 - their most automated large-scale machine made to print engineering-grade and fiber-reinforced materials. The 3D printer is built to produce large, high-resolution parts as effortlessly as possible so users can press print, and the machine takes it from there with little to no manual intervention.

The breakthrough features for uninterrupted printing are the seamless automatic filament handling aptly named Infinity Box and the backup extruder functionality called Relay Mode both of which enable around-the-clock production. It also has a new controls platform delivering industrial CNC quality and the convenience of over-the-air software updates.

The other key features of the 3D printer are the temperature-controlled build chamber of 250 liters (1000mm X 500mm X 500mm) that reaches 50°C, an open material system compatible with BigRep and third-party filaments, and dual Smart Manufacturing Extruders (SMX) that heat up to 350 °C. The machine has a new upgrade that is a hit among the first users - an intuitive human machine interface (HMI), that comes in multiple languages and has animated guides to steer users through standard operations.

The machine is positioned for sectors in industrial manufacturing, especially the automotive industry, where unattended operation can be a game-changer. Designed for high efficiency, the VIIO 250 enables affordable production of functional parts with reduced energy consumption.

Dr.-Ing. Sven Thate, Managing Director of BigRep GmbH commented,  
"The VIIO 250 is a significant leap forward in automating and simplifying 3D printing technology aiming to advance industrial users' productivity. By integrating advanced automation features and user-friendly interfaces, we aim to set a new standard for efficiency, ease of use, reliability, and repeatability in large-scale industrial-grade 3D printing striving to continuously improve customers' Overall Equipment Efficiency (OEE) and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). With this we are setting the foundation for widespread adoption of large-format Additive Manufacturing (AM) in series production of large, accurate, strong parts in industrial manufacturing."

One of the first users, Jens Krämer, Head of Prototyping at Magirus Fire Trucks added, "Great to see that comfort features known from desktop printers have arrived in an industrial setting. Being able to rely on the automatic calibration of the print bed, flow rate, and x/y makes my life a lot easier and caters to reliable outcomes."
The VIIO 250 will be available for viewing for the very first time at RAPID TCT in Los Angeles and will also have a Virtual Launch event on June 25. Visit BigRep at Booth 839 at RAPID TCT to be among the first to see it in North America. The 3D printer is available now for pre-orders with modular configurations and pricing.

Highlights of the VIIO 250

1. 24/7 Automation
Auto calibration including bed mapping and filament flow rate adjustment is designed to make printing easier than ever. The Infinity Box automatically loads new filament during the print job, and the Relay Mode is an auto backup extruder functionality that kicks in for reliable non-stop printing.

2. Large-scale Build Volume
The 250-liter (1000mm X 500mm X 500mm) spacious build chamber has an active temperature control of up to 50°C to achieve maximum geometric accuracy. Built with a compact design, the VIIO 250 offers large-format printing capabilities in a robust, sleek frame that fits any workspace.

3. Intelligent Dual SMX Extruders
Advanced print monitoring thanks to dual SMX (Smart Manufacturing Extruders) extruders that reach up to 350°C with embedded sensors for precise control. The extruders have LED light indicators to signal different statuses and come in 3 nozzle sizes - 0.4mm, 0.6mm, and 1.0mm.

4. Intuitive Machine User Interface
The HMI (Human Machine Interface) is available in multiple languages to guide users through the print process with animated walkthroughs. Easily check, prioritize, and line up print jobs with the intuitive UX/UI guides and alerts that are designed to ensure efficient workflow management.

5. Continuous and Optimal Filament Handling
The add-on feature - The Infinity Box - is designed to automatically detect when the filament runs out during an active print job and loads new material without any intervention ensuring uninterrupted printing. The Infinity Box doubles as an active filament dry box to store material in optimal conditions and holds 4 spools of up to 8kg each.

About BigRep  
With more than 1,000 large-scale 3D printers already in operation across various industrial sectors, BigRep has earned its reputation with its expertise in large-scale FFF. The German-manufactured 3D printers empower engineers, designers, and manufacturers, spanning from startups to Fortune 100 corporations. BigRep's vision is to expedite the transition from prototyping to production, ensuring products get to market quickly.