World's Most Durable 3D Printer? Craitor x Slice Engineering at Rapid TCT 2024

Craitor x Slice Engineering: Revolutionizing Expeditionary 3D Printing

At Craitor, they take pride in their ability to create expeditionary 3D printing systems that excel in the harshest environments. Their mission is to develop rugged, portable systems capable of manufacturing critical parts right where they're needed. From the back of amphibious combat vehicles to shipboard environments and various sea states, their technology ensures consistent printing even in challenging conditions.

Eric Shnell and the Craitor Vision

Eric Shnell, Founder and CEO of Craitor, leads the charge in developing these groundbreaking systems. Craitor’s journey began with a focus on creating expeditionary 3D printers that not only survive but thrive in diverse environments. They started working closely with the U.S. Marine Corps, Navy, and Army, integrating our technology into real-world field tests. This hands-on collaboration, including testing in Japan, the desert, and mountainous regions, has shaped their innovative approach to 3D printing.

From Concept to Field-Ready

Initially, Craitor began as strategic technical advisor to the Marine Corps. Over seven years, they evolved from using commercial off-the-shelf systems to designing custom solutions. They faced challenges such as temperature fluctuations and humidity, which caused print failures during foggy conditions along the coast. This led them to develop a system capable of withstanding these conditions and delivering reliable performance.

The Name 'Craitor'

The name 'Craitor' reflects our mission to develop equipment that can endure and perform in various scenarios, whether on land, sea, or air. It symbolizes our commitment to innovation and resilience.

Expanding Applications Beyond Defense

While their primary focus has been on Department of Defense applications, they're exploring other sectors. Their rugged 3D printers are now being considered for use in research at sea, oil and gas industries, renewable energy sectors, and rail transportation. These applications highlight the versatility and robustness of their technology.

Innovative Collaboration with Slice Engineering

Our partnership with Craitor has been instrumental in optimizing their printing systems. By integrating our Magnum hotend and Bondtech's LGX extruder into our designs, we’ve developed a compact, high-performance print core. This collaboration has allowed the creation of a system with enhanced shock and vibration resistance, crucial for the demanding environments where our printers operate.

Field Testing and Certification

Their systems have undergone rigorous testing to meet MIL-STD-810 standards. From extreme temperatures to intense vibrations and shocks, Craitor’s technology has proven its durability and reliability. They've successfully operated their systems in environments ranging from -40°F to 120°F and withstood up to 6G of force during printing.

Learn More

To find out more about Craitor and their expeditionary 3D printing solutions, visit our website at craitor.com or follow them on LinkedIn for updates and insights.