The Lite3DP Gen 2 3D Printer has recently been announced. With a host of new features and improvements, this open-source resin printer aims to provide an affordable and customizable option for enthusiasts and makers.

Key Features & Specifications

• Electronics: All-in-one PCB with ESP32 microcontroller, high-res LCD, ultra-silent TMC2209 driver, and other components
• Firmware: Arduino
• Technology: MSLA, LCD-SLA
• Resolution: XY: 0.115 mm; Z: 0.025, 0.05, and 0.1 mm
• Build Volume: 36.7 x 48.8 x 80 mm
• Tray Volume: 50 cm³ for liquid resin
• Compatible Resins: All UV 405 nm resins (standard, industrial, flexible, castable, dental, etc)
• Print Speed: Up to 40 mm/h
• Data Input: Micro SD card for autonomous operation
• Misc: Buttons, capacitive touch buttons, passive heat dissipation, touchscreen
• Power Supply: 12 V, 5.5×2.1 mm, ≥1 A
• Power Consumption: Less than 10 W
• Dimensions: 100 x 100 x 167 mm
• Weight: 470 grams

Improvements Over the Previous Model

The Lite3DP Gen 2 features several enhancements, including a redesigned body, the replacement of the Arduino Pro Mini with an ESP32 microcontroller, and backward compatibility with the Lite 3DP S1 model. Owners of existing Lite3DP printers can utilize a Gen 2 dev kit to upgrade their machines.

Complete Open-Source Solution

A standout feature of the Gen 2 3D Printer is its complete open-source nature. Both the firmware and hardware, along with the software, are open for modification. The GitHub repository hosts schematics, Gerber files, code, and other essential resources, allowing users to build their versions of an mSLA resin printer.

Affordable and Customizable

While the Lite3DP Gen 2 might not boast the most impressive specifications and feature list compared to commercial alternatives, its open-source architecture makes it easier to repair, maintain, and customize. Priced at $229 for the pre-assembled product and $115 for the dev kit (excluding shipping fees of $8 to the United States and $18 to the rest of the world), it offers a cost-effective solution for those looking to explore resin 3D printing.

Crowd Supply Launch

Lite3DP Gen 2 was launched on Crowd Supply last November, and the funding campaign is set to conclude on December 21.

Source: CNX Software – Embedded Systems News.

CNX Software reports that LILYGO has released the T-ETH-Lite ESP32-S3, a development board that features WiFi, Bluetooth, and Ethernet connectivity.

The board includes a low-profile Ethernet RJ45 connector with a WIZnet W5500 Ethernet controller and supports Power over Ethernet (PoE) with an additional shield. It also comes equipped with a microSD card slot and expansion I/Os. The T-ETH-Lite ESP32-S3 is based on the ESP32-S3-WROOM-1 wireless module, which features an ESP32-S3 dual-core LX7 microprocessor running at up to 240 MHz and 8MB of PSRAM. It also has 16MB of SPI flash storage and supports WiFi 4 and Bluetooth 5 with LE/Mesh. The board has 2x 15-pin headers with up to 23x GPIOs, 2x UART, 14x ADC, touch interface, reset, 5V, 3.3V, and GND. It measures 59 x 28 x 11 mm.

LILYGO provides a range of Arduino samples for the T-ETH boards, including web server, firmware updates, MQTT server, and more. The T-ETH-Lite ESP32-S3 board is available now on AliExpress. In a home lab environment, the T-ETH-Lite ESP32-S3 with its Ethernet port and PoE support could probably be used to develop an interesting monitoring device, for example.

Source: CNX Software – Embedded Systems News.