Hydras
Hydra Models
The Hydras are our Gantry models, introduced in 2016. In these models we move the heads in the X/Y and the bed only in the Z, allowing for faster print speeds and heavier fixturing.
Comparison
The following chart compares and contrasts the various Hydra models:
| Designation | Hydra 16A Freestanding Heated | |
|---|---|---|
| Hydra 16AS Standard | Hydra 16AT Tall | |
| Target Users | Industrial Manufacturing | |
| Image |  | |
| Placement Mechanism | Freestanding (Floor) Model Gantry Design | |
| Exterior Dimensions, XxYxZ (closed) | 48x35x50 in 120x88x125 cm | 48x35x60 in 120x88x153 cm | 
| Power Requirements | 15A / 110VAC / 60 Hz 8A / 220VAC / 50Hz | |
| Build Volume | 16x12x10 in 400x300x250 mm or 24x16x10 in 600x400x250 mm | 24x16x20 in 600x400x500 mm | 
| Bed Temperatures | 120°C 200°C option sub-ambient option | |
| 200°C Hotbed Note | Note that 200°C beds larger than 400x300mm require 230VAC for optimal heating. | |
| X/Y Printing Speeds | Up to 50 mm/sec | |
| Enclosure | Heated to 55°C | |
| Motion Control | 3-Phase with Closed-Loop Feedback | |
| Positional Resolution X/Y/Z in µm | 6 / 6 / 1 | |
| Positional Accuracy X/Y/Z in µm | 60 / 60 / 10 | |
| Positional Repeatability X/Y/Z in µm | 60 / 60 / 10 | |
| Precise X/Y Output for Bioplots | 100 µm lines 200 µm spacing | |
| Precise Z output for Bioplots | 25 µm layers | |
| Tool Positions Optional | Five Ten | |
| Accessory Options | ||
| Reservoir Heads | All EMO, COD, SDS, CSD, DSD, and SMH Heads All VOL, VCD, KRA, and KCD Heads | |
| Filament Heads | All MK1-250, MK2-250, MK1-450, HT-150, and HT-450 Heads | |
| Low Power Laser Options | 5w, 808nm, AlGaAs Diode and/or 6w, 450nm, GaN Diode | |
| High Power Laser Options | 40w ~10 µm, CO2 | Not Available | 
| Spindle Tool Compatibility | Standard Three-Phase | |
| Other Options | Quiet Storm Fan, Microscope | |
The Hydra Series
The Hydra 16A models have hard resolution (with encoder feedback) of 20 microns in the X and Y, and 0.8 microns in the Z in standard mode. In microstepping mode, we can achieve soft resolution of 4 microns in the X and Y. It comes standard with two tool positions, but can take additional yokes to handle more.
There are three models, as detailed above. The differences are:
-  The Hydra 16A-S (standard) has a 250mm Z and stands on the floor, with the following options:
- Can take a bed at 400x300mm or 600x400mm at 120°C or 200°C, or a sub-ambient bed;
- Can take the 40W CO2 laser and 5W, 450nm diode laser;
- Can take the Pick and Place setup; and
- Can take the 3-Phase and 1-Phase spindle tools.
 
-  The Hydra 16A-T (tall) has a 500mm Z and stands on the floor, with the following options:
- Can take a bed at 400x300mm or 600x400mm at 120°C or 200°C, or a sub-ambient bed;
- Can take the 5W, 450nm diode laser (NO CO2 LASER);
- Can take the Pick and Place setup; and
- Can take the 3-Phase and 1-Phase spindle tools.
 


