3D printing for large parts has always been expensive, but Peopoly aims to change that with the GIGA 800. This machine uses plastic granules instead of filament, reducing material costs by up to 90%. With a base price of $15,000, it is designed for businesses and advanced hobbyists who need to manufacture large objects without spending a fortune on supplies.
How Granule Extrusion Works on the GIGA 800 🛠️
The GIGA 800 uses a direct extrusion system that melts polymer granules, such as PLA or ABS, and deposits them layer by layer. Its build volume reaches 800 mm cubed, enough for furniture or industrial prototypes. By feeding on pellets, which have a higher density than filament, higher printing speeds are achieved without sacrificing strength. The process requires adjustments in temperature and flow, but promises more efficient production for short runs.
Goodbye Filament Spool, Hello Plastic Bag 💰
Anyone who has paid 30 euros for a kilo of filament will feel a pang knowing that granules cost a fraction of that. However, get your kitchen scale and a hopper ready to avoid scattering plastic pellets all over the workshop. The GIGA 800 arrives so that the hobbyist with a machine shop budget can print a garden chair without taking out a loan. That said, the noise of the extruder will remind you that it is not a desktop printer.