11-12-2019: BCN3D launched the Epsilon

The dual-extruder 3D printer with an IDEX system and a large, enclosed build area

On November 12, 2019, the Spanish 3D printer manufacturer BCN3D Technologies, known for producing devices equipped with the IDEX dual-independent extruder system, announced the launch of Epsilon. At the time, it was the largest 3D printer in the company’s lineup, aiming to be more than just a desktop-grade device. Alongside Epsilon, BCN3D announced partnerships with companies like BASF and Mitsubishi Chemical and introduced BCN3D Cloud, a remote management system for 3D printing.

The standout feature of BCN3D’s 3D printers was the IDEX system, which allows for the independent operation of two extruders mounted on separate carriages. This enabled two additional printing modes: mirror and duplication.

The new BCN3D Epsilon had a build volume of 42 x 30 x 40 cm and featured an enclosed (though unheated) build chamber with HEPA and carbon filters. It was equipped with filament flow sensors to detect blockages (either in the spool or the extruder) and had a swappable extruder head system, including heads capable of working with composite filaments like carbon fiber.

A major innovation was also introduced with wireless communication and a cloud-based 3D print management system—BCN3D Cloud.

I had the chance to be one of the first testers of the Epsilon in Europe in 2019. While it looked truly impressive, after extended use, it became clear that some of its components were made with "budget" solutions, which affected the overall impression of the 3D printer.

The filament feeding system also seemed problematic. The spools were installed at the bottom and passed through a very long and complex setup to reach the extruders. When the nozzle clogged (which happened quite often), removing the filament was really difficult.

Overall, it wasn't a bad 3D printer—it’s just that its fantastic design (and marketing) promised much, much more.

Source: www.bcn3d.com