The Spanish company BQ continues to update its models in the robotics and 3D printing sector. If not long ago they told us that Zowi had all the production carried out in Spain, it is now that they present us with a new 3D printer model that is also entirely built in Spain.
Or what is the same, the printer has the "made in Spain" stamp. This new model is called B.Q. Hephestos, a printer that continues to be inspired by the RepRap Free 3D Printing project.
BQ Hephestos is made up of BQ electronics, that is, free boards that are based on Arduino but that are modified by BQ to improve the user experience. The components and Parts are printed but are not Project RepRap models but they have been modified to have a better robustness and also to be able to be assembled as a kit.
BQ Hephestos continues to use Kit's guidance, something that allows up to the most novice user to assemble this 3D printer. Something that has always characterized this model and that other 3D printer models do not have.
Regarding printing speed, BQ Hephestos has an average impression of 200 microns, being able to reach 60 microns at high printing speeds. The cold base of this model measures 220 x 220 x 3 mm, allowing printed objects up to 22 cm in height. The extruder accepts material with 1,75 mm thickness, a material that we can get through BQ but also in other online internet stores.
According to the indications of BQ, BQ Hephestos allows printing of PLA, wood, bronze, copper and FilaFlex. Although as it is hardware libre, we can always change the extruder and allow other types of materials.
BQ Hephestos is built with Hardware Libre but also with Free Software. In addition to having programs compatible with any platform, BQ uses free code like Slic3r or Cura Software they have their code available to everyone.
Unfortunately, BQ Hephestos does not have the low price that we would like. BQ Hephestos will be sold at 549,90 euros, a high price but more affordable than proprietary printers that exceed 1.000 euros in price.