About Ares
1. What is Ares
After nearly a year of research and development, EasyArts (making arts easy for you) is now releasing its first launch of All-in-one 3D printer -- Ares, in the name of the Greek god of war. It is a luxury version at civilian price. We hope that this affordable printer can meet most of your daily requirements in terms of creation and innovation. Ares is especially suitable for fans, enterprise, homes, educational institutions or any other interested in 3D printer.
2. Ares gains reputation
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3. What pushes us to develop Ares
Right now, there are so many 3D printers on the market that it is really hard for users to make a decision. So the main problem is which one is more suitable, for instance, most cost-effective or easiest to use? We (EasyArts team) were ever faced with the same dilemma. That is why we decided to develop a new printer integrated with multi-functional modules, as well as stable structure, friendly interface, easy operation and affordable price. We believe that 3D printers should be common items just like household laser printers, rather than high-tech products far from folks.
Why so inexpensive
You may wonder why such a good product is at such a low price. It might even seem incredible to you, as overall the 3D printers on market is a bit expensive. You may once wish you could have a low-cost 3D printer, and so did us. But now we dare say that it has become reality. Ares is just for you, really cost-effective and highly extendable. However, low-cost doesn’t necessarily mean poor quality. Actually, if interested in Ares, you should read our story slowly and carefully, then you will think Ares is of high quality. Honestly, we have to admit that we couldn’t make it without several advantages.
1. Open-source
Our design is based on open-source, both in terms of software and firmware. It is our full use of the creativity from all over the world that saves the time and cost during the development.
2. Made in China
You probably have known something about “Made in China”, as the product manufacturing is highly developed in China. “Made in China” makes the most contribution to manufacturing good products by skilled workers yet with much lower labor costs.
3. To gain visibility
In fact, the price is almost at the cost of our products. Our aim of this campaign is to raise the awareness of public that most of you can afford 3D printers. It is no longer a high-tech product. As a start-up company for 3D printing, quality is the key to survival. So we worry more about the quality of Ares than you.
Why should choose Ares
1. Full-metal Body: Say no to deformation
Metal body is a major feature of Ares, along with black exterior, making it low profile and steady, but also luxurious. Moreover, more than 90% of the load-bearing parts are made by metal and processed by CNC. In addition, the driving belt is made of polyurethane and steel wire to avoid deformation. It is worth mentioning that the full-metal body contributes to minimize the gap between the parts, and thus to prevent any possible distortion during printing. Therefore, the printed parts present extremely smooth
surfaces, surpassing the apparent staircase effect in other hot-melt printers.
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2. Modular Design: Unlimited extension of your imagination
Modular design enables users greater space for extension. As the core of this printer, the switchable platform plays a vital role. It allows users to take advantage of the reserved holes on it to adapt various nozzles, like laser transmitters, CNC cutters and so on. Besides, the aviation aluminum alloy connector, processed by surface adonization and CNC, is the privilege accessory for Ares to meet multi-functional connections. Most of all, you can design your own connectors to adapt your extended tools. The function of your 3D printer can be instantly upgraded and converted, as long as the adapter or connector matches the reserved holes. In addition, with up to 15 ports, the aerial socket for wiring provides possibilities for unlimited upgrade.
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3. Commercially Open-source: Be support technician yourself
We know that many people worry about the technical support and warranty. Indeed, it will spend too much time and money for you and us if something wrong happens to Ares after delivery. So we will always get Ares completely checked before shipping. We have tested our prototypes everyday for over 4 months, it still works very well. We can guarantee that the overall structure is stiff and durable, like the motors, gears, linear guide-way, joint, PCB boards, driving belt and so on.
However, like most products, there exists vulnerable parts like print nozzle. For both of your and our convenience, we will publish the details of currently commercially available parts in our user manual. In this way, you can renew most of the broken parts yourself. Of course you can email us your problem and we will surely give you technical support. We hope this (commercially open-source) can help you and us address most of your problem during daily creation.
What makes Ares outstanding
1. 3D printing: Colorful, complex and even tiny
Similar to many other 3D printers, PLA filaments is the main consume materials in terms of 3D printing function, as it is both friendly to human and environment. So of course you can make colorful and complex 3D samples and even products. Particularly, the minimized gap between the moving parts significantly prevents apparent staircase effect on the surface of printed models. Surprisingly, Ares can print tiny model even smaller than finger. (Models are from Thingiverse)
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2. Laser engraving: Essential tool for DIY makers
As laser engraving is very popular to DIY makers, Ares series are also equipped with laser engraving kits. In consideration of practicality and safety, we think 300mW power will be enough for daily DIY. For instance, you can engrave your logo or picture on a card, leather, or wood, and even cut the paper into your design. Worried about the precision? Just scan the 2D code below and see what happens on Wechat or Facebook.
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3. CNC engraving (under development): 3D pictures
In view of practicality and safety, the CNC engraving kit for Ares consists of a motor (maximum speed - 4000 rpm/min) and milling cutters of various sizes for corn. So now 3D pictures are available for you by engraving patterns on the cork and wood. Besides, you can design arbitrarily complex 3D models to form your exclusive wooden carvings in relief.
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4. 3D Scanning: Much more creation and extension
3D scanning, or 3D reversion, just makes your creation and extension simpler and easier. With laser line scanners, and high-definition cameras, Ares can deal with most of daily objects very well in high resolution. The design of quick setup makes 3D scanner portable and efficient for installation. In addition, you have many options to output the results, making it more convenient for modification and much more practical in DIY.
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5. WiFi Access: So close to Ares
The Raspberry-Pi, an open source hardware built in Ares, is the central processing unit, much like the brain that controls Ares. Thanks to the support of WiFi, Raspberry-Pi makes it possible to achieve remote control and monitoring of your printer just by following our simple instruction and configuration, much easier than ever before. Surprisingly, you even may need't purchase a monitor for this function, just unplug the webcam from your computer instead, if available. It is especially convenient for office workers like you and me, isn't it?
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6.More functions can be added: Unlimited
The functions of Ares 3D printer are not limited to what mentioned above. All of our designs and developments are based on open source firmware and software. As we all know, good quality is the precondition of extension. So we are trying our best to make sure Ares is competent for extension, like metal body, linear guide, aluminum CNC parts and so on. Not only that, you are greatly encouraged to develop your own modules by following our instructions. The standard of your connector or adapter has been defined in the user manual, so that your own design can match the switchable platform. As long as following this rule, chocolate printing, circuit board, any feasible extension is possible.
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Ares specification
1. Ares printer parameters
2. 3D scanning parameters
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3. Laser engraving parameters
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4. CNC engraving parameters
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Stretch goal
In order to thank your support of our product, all of you will receive our gifts on delivery, as long as the funding amount reaches the stretch goal. So let more people know us will also give yourself a great deal of benefits. Go ahead for the top!
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Your gifts at stretched amount
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Timeline
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EasyArts team
During his PhD research at SC3DP (Singapore Center of 3D Printing, the biggest 3D printing laboratory in Asia), Shuai Li thought that 3D printers should not be the exclusives for laboratory, but also should be common products at low price to bring convenience for the folks with powerful functions. Soon after, he managed to establish a team aimed for this idea, called EasyArts, and now is the president of it. In EasyArts, the other members have the same idea and all agree with his leadership.
This is a professional team, consisting of three PhD researchers majored in 3D printing and lots of experienced engineers, skilled in either electrical & electronic, machanical, product engineering, computing technology , or marketing management. It is also a team of high efficiency, owing to the support of the business incubator of Wuhan ITRI (Industrial Technology Research Institute) of Geo-Resources and Environment Co., Ltd.
Finally, with the joint efforts of all team members and the leadership of Shuai and Xin, we finished the development of such an awesome product, that is, Ares All-in-one 3D Printer. In addition with complete supply chain and excellent capacity for mass production, we are able to ensure Ares can be put on your desk on time.
Core team members
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Brief introduction
Shuai Li is the president and a developer in EasyArts. His execution, researching ability and spirit is overwhelming. Most of his inspiration on Ares profits from his research work at SC3DP, and his PhD experience gives him great courage and perseverance to overcome the difficulties during the development of Ares. We can completely immodestly say that he is an expert on 3D printing.
Xin Li is a competent manager due to his master's degree in business (MBA). On account of strong career passion and sharp market insights, he is actually the adviser on what functions of Ares are needed and how much is affordable to most people. So it is his considerable experience in marketing that provides guidance for the development of Ares.
Pengju Xue, majored in Mechanical Engineering related to 3D printing, is especially experienced in machinery design. He is the director of the mechanical structure design of Ares, as he can always come up with clever institutions to integrate all kinds of spare parts. So most of what you can see on Ares comes from his idea and inspiration. We are lucky to have such developer.
Guiru Zhu is a seasoned engineer. He is worthy of it because he once worked as a mechanical engineer for over 10 years. When he heard of EasyArts, he decided to leave his current job of high salary, since he also agrees that 3D printing is promising and why not be the common product just like household laser printer. Specifically, he made the most contributions to optimize the mechanical design.
Zhichao Chen was Shuai's classmate during the period of both undergraduate and postgraduate. No wander he is another core member of EasyArts and the most ardent supporter. The same major and similar interests makes them maintain a high level of understanding in the development of Ares. Currently, he is responsible for the software development because of his programming skills.
Weidong Li, similar to Guiru, also quit his high-paying job in Beijing to join EasyArts. And now he takes charge of electrical & electronic module. He is regarded as a man with strong mastermind power. Just imagine how difficult and complex it is to integrate of so many functions into such limited space and circuit. Finally he made it, because of his hard-working and his professional competence as well.
Yuqian Zhang really stood out other schoolgirls when she was an undergraduate. You know what? She spent her spare time in the library to learn product engineering and technology, which is nothing to do with her major. After several years of work as product engineer at Singapore, she achieved considerable experience on product engineering.
Hongyu Tian is particularly good at algorithm and optimization. We would say that he is a high-quality comprehensive talent, as he made lots of efforts and contributions to the mechanical design, software development and product engineering. It is hard to say when Ares could be available for release without his optimization. He is the one who first thought of applying Raspberry-Pi to Ares.
Acknowledgement
Firstly we would like to thank the firmware made by Marlin, as well as many other open source projects by Octopi, Cura and Freelss and the persons who share their design on Thingvierse. It is the spirit of open source that pushes 3D printing forward a great deal, and that brings more people into the world of 3D. Consistent with such spirit, our design documents and relative software will be open source on delivery.
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Then the special thanks will be given to the business incubator of Wuhan ITRI of Geo-Resources and Environment Co., Ltd.
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And we really thank the creators for their fantastic 3D models:
MBCook Squirrel with Lego hand grip by cfg, Bear by ashih1, ZYYX vase by ZYYX3DPrinter, Sappho's Head by LukeChilson, Kickboxing by Complimesh, Parametric Lego Fence Door by projunk, Swedish Farm House by Cleven, are all licensed under the Creative Commons - Attribution - Share Alike license.
Pen Holder by damm301, Anais by fantasygraph, are licensed under the Creative Commons - Attribution license.
Risks and challenges
1. Supply chain and logistics
No one wants to see a good idea being executed poorly. We have worked extremely hard to prepare mass production for Ares, but we still face several challenges. Currently, many suppliers have been secured for the components. The remaining issue is to set up warehouses for the production line. That's why we are constantly working with specialists of supply chain to establish a production line of high efficiency and reliability. The challenge is obvious as we must make sure the delivery of this amazing can be arranged as soon as possible. Delivery of rewards/perks is subject to best efforts and not guaranteed.
2. Shipping
Shipping costs vary with your country and specific location. To reduce the cost of Ares at the maximum, we decide to charge the shipping costs separately, also for the sake of fairness. After the campaign, we will send you a survey by email to collect your basic contact details like name, address for delivery. Of course you can decide your own option for shipping. However, shipping is another risk which might be out of our control during delivery. So it is recommended that we choose the best shipping option for you, based on your location. According to your option, we will charge extra with the exact costs for shipping. We will arrange the shipment only after your payment has been confirmed. If you want to know how much it will cost, please contact us at easyarts@126.com.
Frequently asked questions
Please read the FAQs below carefully before claim. If you cannot find what you are satisfied with or interested in, don't hesitate to contact us at easyarts@126.com.
Q1: Why it shows free shipping when I claim the perk, while actually shipping not included?
EasyArts: Okay, good question. We do apologize for this conflict. As you know, shipping fee for worldwide is various, so we cannot determine how much the shipping will cost. Indiegogo does NOT support various settings for shipping, so the default fee has to be $0, thus resulting in "free shipping". Shipping is NOT included for "Assembled ARES 3D Printer". Please refer to the "Risks and challenges" section for more details about shipping.
Q2:Why the price of three optional modules is different from each other?
EasyArts: Really good point. Many people may be wondering what is the price difference of our three optional modules, which is the same during previous campaign. Actually, if you read the description of these perks, you may realize some difference, that is, "Shipping HAS BEEN included". So that is the source of price difference. In other words, CNC costs most while Laser costs least in terms of shipping. We believe this will bring you and us greater convenience, as both of us can just care about the shipping fee of ARES. To put it another way, you won't worry how much it will cost for optional modules, which has been included.
Q3: How can you know which module(s) I have claimed without any comments?
EasyArts: Good question. Of course you can inform us at easyarts@126.com about your desired module(s) if you like. Actually, after this campaign, we will contact all of the supporters (contribute $399 or more) to confirm your module(s), no matter you have informed us or not. So don't worry about your module(s). If we still haven't got your confirmation before shipment, you will receive sequential module(s) (LASER ENGRAVING -> 3D SCANNING -> CNC ENGRAVING), so that you won't get same module(s) for a perk.
Q4: What if there is no available WiFi access? Can this printer work off-line?
EasyArts: WiFi or Internet access is our featured function for Ares in view of convenience, but NOT required. So you can still use the printer as long as you have a computer. Just connect your PC and 3D printer by the data cable we provide (2 meters long), your Ares will be able to work.
Q5: Do I have to install a specific software or app to control the printer?
EasyArts: No, the control system of Ares has already been installed inside the printer. And we offer a much more convenient option for Ares, that is, telnetting into the printer through browser. Please refer to the user's manual for the specific operation. In this way, you can gain control of Ares provided that you have a browser, no matter what kind of OS you use, for instance, Windows, Mac Os, Linux and Android.
Q6: Do I have to prepare specific formatted files for laser engraving or CNC milling function?
EasyArts: No special files are required for the laser engraving or CNC milling function. A self-developed software can help you deal with JPG/BMP files. We are glad to inform you that the software will be FREE if you claim ANY ONE of the perk except "Friendly Sponsorship".
Q7: Is it necessary to calibrate the platform before printing?
EasyArts: Normally NOT. Calibration of the platform is required ONLY when the location of your printer has been changed. In addition, the printer supports automatic calibration, which has been built inside, so don't worry about this if you have to calibrate the platform.
Q8: What is the resolution of the scanner? What if I want to scan/reverse colorful objects?
EasyArts: The available resolution is greater than or equal to 0.3 mm. The HD scanner and camera supports colorful mode, so your scanned models will also in similar color. Please refer to the specification section for more parameters of 3D scanning. Thank you.
Q9: What is the consume material for printing? Do I have to buy it from EasyArts?
EasyArts: Currently the main material for 3D printing function is PLA. It is expected that other various materials will be supported through extensions as well in the near future, for example, high-melting-point plastic (carbon fiber, nylon, graphene etc.). PLA is quite common now, we do offer perks for our contributors, but it is not a must to buy it from us. In fact, we will offer some free PLA (1kg) to improve your experience of Ares.
Q10: I am a DIY maker, can I develop my own module(s)?
EasyArts: Of course. Actually, this printer is for designers and DIY makers. The switchable platform is designed for such extensions. So we really encourage you to do this. Just follow the instructions and the standard for your adapter(s) / connector(s), which will be released after this campaign, you will find it quite easy to develop your own module(s). Go ahead for your imagination and creation.
Q11: I am a journalist, can I report the story about your team and your 3D printer?
EasyArts: You are mostly welcomed. Thank you for your willingness to help us popularize EasyArts and Ares. Don't hesitate to contact us at easyarts@126.com.
Q12: Do you need any distributors for this 3D printer? Is there any requirement to be your distributors?
EasyArts: Yes, any distributors interested in our product are warmly welcomed all around the world. We prefer to work together with you to generalize 3D printing technology. As for the requirements, we would like to say totally NO right now, so long as you want to join us. In addition, as our distributors, you will get professional training for the promotion of this printer for FREE. If you have such intention. please contact us at easyarts@126.com.