LONGER launches Orange 4K, an ultra-precise LCD 3D printer

Originally from Shenzhen, China, Longer launched its 3D printing business back in 2014. The company manufactures three distinct types of machines: desktop FDM 3D printers (known to manufacturers under the Alfawise brand), low-cost resin 3D printers and a range of industrial machines (two models based on SLA and one model based on DMLS). At the beginning of 2019, the Chinese manufacturer launched a Kickstarter campaign to support the development of its Orange 30 machine. By the end of the campaign, they had managed to raise $150,000. Today, the company is kicking off a new Kickstarter campaign to fund Longer 4K. With a goal of $50,000, the company has already pledged more than $85,000 with 22 days to go! What are the features of the Longer 4K?

The Orange 4K from Longer, just like the Orange 30, is an LCD 3D printer, which means it relies on the process of photopolymerization to build parts. In fact, the photosensitive resin is cured by the LCD screen’s light source to produce solid layers, and eventually whole parts. The manufacturer explains that today, the majority of LCD 3D printers on the market are built in 5.5” 2K, and the conventional pixel size is 47.25 μm: two parameters that have a direct impact on the precision of prints. Therefore, Longer has developed a 3D printer with a resolution of 4K, and driven down the pixel size to 31.5 μm to provide more accurate and detailed prints.

One of the key improvements of the Orange 4K is the pixel size. Side to side, you can compare the 2K resolution and the 4K resolution | Image via Longer

Additionally, Longer 4K can be configured with mono screen or color screen: by choosing mono screen, the subpixels of each pixel can be controlled separately, therefore you will be able to reach 10.5 μm in the Y direction. The color screen can also achieve impressive prints with its 31.5 μm resolution in X and Y, and if needed you will be able to switch the LCD screen and update the firmware easily to obtain mono screen 3D printing.

But this is not the only improvement, the first project was ideal to collect feedback from the community. For example, the 3D printer’s enclosure, which had to be assembled from various panels and wasn’t the sturdiest, has been consolidated into a single cover. Inside, the dual liner guide is built from metal for more stable and reliable printing. It also comes with an integrated 2.8” touch screen, plastic resin VAT and simple levelling build plate. In terms of build volume, it is slightly bigger than the previous model: 118 x 66 x 190 mm. Of course, before jumping to 3D printing, slicing your model is a key step. The manufacturer explains that Orange 4K will be compatible with three different slicing software: LongerWare, Chitubox and Lychee.

Now, when it comes to 3D printing, as you will have gathered, the prints should be more accurate than the last model, but also faster. When Longer 4K is configured with the mono screen, the printing speed is 2 seconds per layer, which means a build rate of 60mm/h, a 300% increase from the last model! The color screen on the other hand achieves a build rate of about 30mm/h. A variety of add-ons are available too, such as the mono screen if you decide to go for the color screen first, or additional plastic resin VATs, build plates, and resins. The manufacturer also advises using Longer’s own brand resin but it is compatible with any other 405nm wavelength resin on the market.

During the testing stage, Longer 3D printed one of 3DArtGuy‘s model: the Archangel with Diorama. The miniature figurine measures about 7 cm (2.75 inches). The face, which you can see below measures about 1 cm but still shows a lot of detail and precision in the expression, and the armour’s accessories. Proof that the manufacturer has nailed its bet on improving quality considerably!

Finally, in terms of pricing, this remains an affordable machine, $449 for the color screen and $529 for the mono screen, about 380€ and 450€ respectively. There are many promotions going on at the moment, offering at least 30% discount. You can find out much more about the campaign on Kickstarter today. You can also find more information on Longer’s website HERE. What do you think of the Longer 4K? Would you pledge on Kickstarter? Let us know in a comment down below or on our Facebook and Twitter pages! Don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter, with all the latest news in 3D printing delivered straight to your inbox!