The first 3D printer with four heads for simultaneous printing

The 3D printer market is evolving at an incredible pace, and LightMake is setting new standards with its new L4 model. The device allows four print heads to be used simultaneously on a single work surface, instead of the other heads simply remaining stationary during the process.

Photo: LightMake

Multi-head 3D printers are becoming increasingly popular among users, but most existing devices still use only one head for actual material deposition, while others are waiting to be replaced. With the L4, LightMake aims to completely revolutionize this concept by allowing all four print heads to operate simultaneously.

The LightMake L4 printer is equipped with four independent heads. They can work separately or work together to create a single complex object on a 35.4 x 37 cm work plate. The manufacturer states that changing the head takes only one second, and the positioning accuracy reaches approximately one micrometer. Such accuracy is made possible by the use of linear motors instead of the classic belt drive. This system eliminates mechanical losses in power transmission, although the highest printing speeds remain comparable to other modern devices on the market.

One of the main advantages of the L4 model is its extremely low material consumption when changing. While conventional single-head printers waste more than 219 grams of filament when changing colors or materials, the newcomer uses less than one gram. The device also easily supports printing with different materials at the same time. In terms of software, the system uses a proprietary slicer with built-in artificial intelligence functions. This includes integration with the OpenClaw platform for creating models via messages in the WhatsApp application and supports conversational setting of printing parameters.

Despite the promising specifications, it is worth maintaining some caution when buying. The product is being launched on the Kickstarter crowdfunding platform, where the campaign officially starts on August 25. Crowdfunding always carries risks regarding final delivery and the realization of all promised features. The regular price of the L4 model will be approximately 2,081 euros, but in the early VIP offer with a reservation payment of 43 euros, it will be available for approximately 953 euros together with 4 kg of PLA filament.