LulzBot has announced the release of its flagship LulzBot TAZ 8 3D printer, designed to deliver professional-grade performance with improved reliability and expanded capabilities. This latest addition to the renowned TAZ series brings enhanced features that address the needs of both professional users and enthusiasts seeking industrial-quality 3D printing capabilities in a desktop format.
The LulzBot TAZ 8 combines robust construction with precision engineering to provide consistent, high-quality prints across a wide range of materials. Built on the company’s decade-plus experience in 3D printing technology, the new model maintains LulzBot’s commitment to open-source principles while incorporating significant advancements in usability and performance.
LulzBot TAZ 8 Technical Advancements
The LulzBot TAZ 8 features a larger build volume than its predecessors, allowing users to create more substantial parts or multiple components in a single print job. This expanded capacity addresses a common limitation of desktop 3D printers, making the TAZ 8 suitable for prototyping, small production runs, and educational applications requiring larger-scale models.
At the heart of the TAZ 8 is an upgraded extruder system designed to handle an extensive range of materials with consistent performance. The printer’s all-metal hotend can reach temperatures necessary for technical materials while maintaining precise filament control. This versatility allows users to work with standard filaments like PLA and ABS as well as more specialized materials including nylon, polycarbonate, and flexible TPU variants.
The printer’s heated bed provides improved first-layer adhesion and helps prevent warping with temperature-sensitive materials. Combined with the TAZ 8’s enclosed design option, these features create an optimal printing environment for materials that require careful temperature management during the printing process.
LulzBot has also refined the TAZ 8’s motion system, implementing upgrades that enhance printing precision while maintaining the durability for which the TAZ series is known. These improvements result in smoother movements, more accurate part dimensions, and better surface finish quality across print jobs.
Made in USA with Open Source Philosophy
Continuing LulzBot’s manufacturing tradition, the TAZ 8 is produced in the United States, with rigorous quality control standards applied throughout the production process. Each printer undergoes extensive testing before shipping, including sample prints that verify calibration and performance.
The LulzBot TAZ 8 maintains the company’s commitment to open-source principles, providing users with access to hardware designs and software configurations. This approach not only supports customization but also enables a community-driven development model that has contributed to the TAZ series’ reputation for reliability and adaptability.
Users can access the printer through LulzBot’s recommended slicing software, which includes optimized profiles for common materials and print settings. These pre-configured options simplify the printing process for newcomers while providing experienced users with a foundation for further customization.
Applications and Target Users
The LulzBot TAZ 8 is positioned to serve multiple markets, from professional designers and engineers requiring functional prototypes to educational institutions teaching advanced manufacturing concepts. The printer’s combination of reliability, material compatibility, and build volume makes it particularly suitable for:
- Functional prototyping in engineering and product development environments
- Small batch production of end-use parts and components
- Educational applications requiring industrial-grade 3D printing capabilities
- Maker spaces and shared workshop environments where reliability and ease of use are essential
The printer’s open architecture accommodates future upgrades and modifications, allowing users to adapt their equipment as their needs evolve. This upgradeability has been a hallmark of the TAZ series, with many users maintaining and enhancing their printers over many years of service.
Availability and Support
The LulzBot TAZ 8 is available for purchase through LulzBot’s website and authorized resellers. The printer includes LulzBot’s standard warranty coverage and access to the company’s technical support resources, which include documentation, troubleshooting guides, and direct assistance from the support team.
LulzBot offers comprehensive resources for TAZ 8 users, including detailed guides for printer setup and maintenance, material-specific printing recommendations, and a knowledge base addressing common questions and techniques. These resources complement the active user community, where experienced LulzBot operators share insights and recommendations.
With the release of the TAZ 8, LulzBot continues its tradition of delivering professional-quality 3D printers that combine open-source principles with industrial reliability. The LulzBot TAZ 8 represents the company’s ongoing commitment to advancing 3D printing technology while maintaining the durability and performance that have defined the TAZ series.
Price
The TAZ 8 3D printer with the Meteor 175 variant costs $5,395 while the Twin Nebula 285 variant costs $5,995.
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