Zortrax Apoller

Zortrax Apoller

Intelligent steam smoothing device

The Zortrax Apoller is a smart device that automatically smoothes FDM 3D printed models with MEK or acetone vapours to
remove visible layers.

Speed and ease of use
The models must be housed in the double-sealed smoothing chamber measuring 300x250x250 mm. The settings are then
selected on an intuitive touchscreen. Once done, Zortrax Apoller needs only 3 hours to evenly smooth all models in the chamber.

SVS technology

Zortrax Apoller's SVS (Smart Vapour Smoothing) technology is based on advanced proprietary algorithms that control the temperature,
pressure, and concentration of solvent vapours in a double-sealed airtight smoothing chamber. The pressure in the chamber is kept
below ambient pressure at all times to prevent the vapours from escaping.

Quality and efficiency

Vapours within the smoothing chamber circulate upwards to evenly cover the model. In this way, all surfaces are evenly smoothed. Once
the smoothing process is completed, Zortrax Apoller lowers the internal temperature to condense the excess solvent and return it to the tank.
A 300 ml bottle of acetone or MEK can be reused for multiple smoothing operations.

Certified safety

Safety systems with multiple redundancy levels have been developed to meet the stringent requirements of the ATEX 2014/34 / EU Directive
for the regulation of equipment for potentially explosive atmospheres. That's why Zortrax Apoller is easy to implement in garages and safe to use.

Great compatibility

The Zortrax Apoller can smooth models printed on all FDM 3D printers. The device is compatible with ABS, HIPS and ASA filaments regardless
of manufacturer. This makes the Zortrax Apoller a truly stand-alone device, which does not force the user to use a specific selection of 3D printers
or filament manufacturers.

Zortrax Apoller works with both acetone and butanone (MEK), the most widely used and cost-effective solvents. The device can smooth 3D models
printed with Z-ABS, Z-ULTRAT, Z-ULTRAT Plus, Z-ASA Pro, and Z-HIPS or their third-party counterparts.

The appearance of injection moulded parts

The smoothing process mattes ASA-based materials. Other filaments have shiny surfaces. The circulation system of the vapours guarantees that
even complicated shaped models are evenly smoothed. Zortrax Apoller automatically dries out the prints, making them ready for use shortly after
removal from the smoothing chamber. This makes the Zortrax Apoller an industrial class desktop device.

Intelligent steam smoothing in 4 simple steps

Step 1 - top up	Step 2 - Store models
The solvent tank in Zortrax Apoller must be filled with acetone or MEK. Depending on the type of filament used to 3D-print the models to be smoothed.	The models must be placed at a distance of 2-3 cm in the smoothing chamber. The chamber must be closed to continue.
Step 3 - Select settings	Step 4 - Remove Models
The type of filament used to 3D print the models and the type of solvent in the tank must be selected on an intuitive touchscreen.	The models must be removed from the chamber after smoothing. They are dried out and can be used immediately. There are no further steps required.

Series smoothing

The Zortrax Apoller is both automated and fast, making it the perfect finishing equipment for a 3D print farm.
The entire workspace can be filled with models provided they are 2-3 cm apart. The device requires the same smoothing time and amount
of solvent to ensure the same high level of smoothing, no matter how many models are used in the chamber.


 

Meet the SVS technology

Zortrax Apoller uses the Zortrax SVS (Smart Vapor Smoothing) technology to work
with both acetone and butanone (MEK).

Smart Vapor Smoothing (SVS) technology uses proprietary algorithms to manage temperature, pressure,
and concentration of solvent's vapors in the Apoller's smoothing chamber. First, the smoothing chamber is
heated enough to vaporize the solvent deposited in a sink below the glass tray. Vapors are then circulated
spiraling upwards to evenly smooth the models by superficially melting their surfaces. Next, the chamber is
heated to dry the print out. Finally, the remaining solvent is brought back to the tank. The entire process
takes 3h, regardless of how many models are placed in the smoothing chamber. Models are ready to use
shortly after the SVS process is done.











 

The looks of injection-molded parts

Zortrax Apoller can smooth models 3D printed with Z-ABS, Z-ULTRAT, Z-ULTRAT Plus, Z-ASA Pro, and Z-HIPS,
or their third-party equivalents. HIPS-based materials can be smoothed exclusively with MEK while acetone is
recommended for Z-ASA. For all other supported filaments both acetone or MEK are applicable. The smoothing
process leaves ASA-based materials with a mat finish. Other filaments come out with glossy surfaces. Vapors'
circulation system guarantees that even intricately shaped models are smoothed uniformly. Zortrax Apoller also
automatically dries the prints out which makes them ready to use shortly after taking them out of the smoothing
chamber. That's what makes Zortrax Apoller a desktop device offering an industrial class performance.



 

Vacuum system

The vacuum system in Zortrax Apoller prevents the pressure inside the smoothing chamber from getting higher
than the pressure outside of it even after the solvent has been vaporized. That's why the vapors are kept inside
the chamber instead of being pushed out of it. The vacuum system also acts as an additional safety measure
because it keeps the chamber door closed even when there is a power outage. To make this possible, the
smoothing chamber in Zortrax Apoller is sealed off from the environment by two sets of seals.
 

Advanced vapors' 
circulation and 
condensation system

The air inside the Zortrax Apoller smoothing chamber is circulated by a meticulously designed system to guarantee
high quality automated smoothing. Fragile and intricate details are covered with less solvent to keep their shape intact.
Models are uniformly covered with solvents because vapors move around the chamber spiraling upwards. In the last step,
the walls of the smoothing chamber are cooled down which enables excessive vapors to condense on their surface. Liquid
solvent then flows back to the tank to be reused in the future smoothing sessions.
 

Advanced safety system

Due to redundancy carefully engineered into the system, Zortrax Apoller offers industrial-class reliability. The device is double
sealed off from the environment. At all times the pressure inside the smoothing chamber is kept below the pressure in the room.
Besides double seals, this is yet another level of redundancy in the safety system preventing fumes from getting out of the smoothing
chamber. It also keeps the chamber closed even when there is a power outage causing its electromagnetic lock to shut down.
When the power is back on, Zortrax Apoller automatically decontaminates the chamber before allowing anyone to open it.

II -/1G Ex h IIA T2 -/Ga

Compliance with ATEX Directive

Serial smoothing

Zortrax Apoller is both automated and fast which makes it a perfect smoothing equipment for a 3D printing farm.

Its entire workspace can be filled with models, provided they are placed 2-3 cm apart from each other. The device needs same smoothing
time and the amount of solvent to provide the same high quality of smoothing, regardless of how many models are put in the chamber.



One Zortrax M200 Plus 3D printer prints a model of a gearbox cover in 73h 40 min working with Z-ABS on 0.14 mm layer height and 50% infill.
The printer can print two such models per week and those two models can be smoothed by the Zortrax Apoller in one go. This means 147h 20min
worth of 3D printing can be smoothed within just 3h. That's how Zortrax Apoller can process a weekly output of four 3D printers in one day.

Specification for Zortrax Apoller:

Device

Build volume: 300 x 250 x 250 mm (11.8 x 9.8 x 9.8 in)
Connectivity: Operating system
Android: Processor Quad Core
Touchscreen: 4" IPS 800 x 480
Solvent compatibility: Acetone, MEK
Available materials: Z-ABS, Z-ULTRAT, Z-ULTRAT Plus, Z-ASA Pro, Z-HIPS
External materials: ABS, ASA, HIPS
 

Electrical

AC input: 110 V ~ 13.6 A 50/60 Hz ; 240 V ~ 6.3 A 50/60 Hz
Power supply parameters: 24 V DC @ 14 A, 500 W
Maximum power consumption: 1500 W
 

In the box

Device, Starter Kit

Weight and physical dimensions

Process