About
MoonRay - World's Best Desktop 3D Printer
$422,830
270
The desktop 3D printers on the market today fall into two groups: expensive and high resolution or less expensive but with sub-standard printing quality. We designed the MoonRay to bridge this gap and bring high-quality printing capabilities to an affordable desktop 3D printing unit.
We tapped the top engineering, 3D printing and industrial design talent to create the MoonRay, a printer that combines high printing resolution, a small and sleek form factor and a price tag that’s within reach for artists, designers, businesses and hobbyists who are serious about creating high-quality, 3D-printed projects.
Ultra-Fine Resolution
The MoonRay's UV projector allows for pin-point accuracy when creating your project. The MoonRay can print features as fine as 100 microns, making your finishing touches easy and less time consuming than with other 3D printers.
3D printing is the process of printing 2D layers over and over, stacking them on top of each other. The thickness of those 2D layers is the Z resolution. The intricacy of features on those 2D layers is defined by the XY resolution. It's important to know the difference when you're evaluating 3D printers. The MoonRay's Z resolution is 20 microns and the XY resolution is 100 microns. This allows you to produce highly intricate designs with ultra-fine details.
MoonRay Kickstarter reward, interlocking bracelet, straight out of the printer with only the supports removed
UV DLP Light Source
3D printing resin requires UV light for proper curing. Other DLP 3D printers use regular projectors which produce visible light, but not pure UV light. The advantages of the UV LED projector in the MoonRay are in the resolution and curing process. The MoonRay’s UV projector, RayOne, was custom designed with some special qualities:
- Perfect light spectrum: The resin used for 3D printing cures under light with a 405nm wavelength. The RayOne uses exactly that wavelength to cure our resin. The light spectrum of a regular projector ranges from 350nm to 700nm, which means most of the output light is wasted. The wasted light will generate heat and negatively affect the resin quality, lowering the resolution of the printed part. Our custom-built projector allows you to get real 100-micron resolution.
- Runs cool and quiet: Utilizing a UV projector allows the MoonRay to avoid any overheating and makes it much quieter than other 3D printers.
- Long lifespan: The RayOne’s 50,000-hour lifespan means you won’t have to replace the bulb.
Grid Calibration for Uniform Output
The light intensity of each area of a projector is different. It is normally dimmer in the corners and brighter in the center. To create a part with higher accuracy, the intensity of the entire projecting area should be uniform. We measured the intensity of the light in a grid for our UV projector (RayOne) and calibrated the projecting image to have a uniform output. This enables you to achieve repeatable results from all parts of the platform. It also ensures the MoonRay can accurately print flat surfaces and straight lines.
Intuitive and Honest Design
When we designed the MoonRay, we aimed to strip away the clutter and keep things as simple as possible. As a result, the MoonRay has no moving parts that aren’t essential to the printing process. This simplicity allows the MoonRay to keep running smoothly over time.
The MoonRay is small (15” x 15” x 20”), perfect for sitting on your desk or work area. You have your choice of two colors, Cosmic Gray or Lunar White, to make sure your MoonRay matches your style.
Plug and Print - Seriously
The MoonRay was designed to be easy to set up, easy to understand and easy to use. There’s no assembly required - just plug and print. After printing, simply take off the top (attached by magnets instead of hinges to save space) and grab your finished product.
Automatically Generates Supports
When you’re designing your project, you won’t need to worry about creating an elaborate support system. The MoonRay’s RayWare software will do that for you. Our advanced support-generation algorithm is optimized to make strong, correctly placed supports without wasting material.
Our software will also slice your model. You provide the STL file and RayWare will do the rest.
Surface Smoothing Technique
RayWare features an anti-aliasing algorithm that significantly smoothes the surface of your finished product.
3D printing normally has a stair-stepping issue because layers are stacked together to build 3D parts. In our software, we give you option to smooth out the stair-stepping so you can have smoother surface straight from the printer.
Large Build Platform
The MoonRay may have a small footprint, but the build volume is surprisingly large for such a small machine. Your creativity shouldn’t be limited by the platform of your printer. The MoonRay has a build volume of 5 x 3.2 x 9 inches.
Our Custom Resins
We’ve developed a variety of resins for the MoonRay printer, including a high-resolution orange resin and a high-volume green resin. We also have a castable resin, perfect for jewelers who do lost-wax casting. We’ve priced the resin to be affordable (even after the Kickstarter is over), so you can continue to print to your heart’s content.
Long-Lasting Resin Tank
Most resin 3D printers have a consumable resin tank that needs changing after every 1-2L of resin printed. We designed the MoonRay’s resin tank to last, so there’s no more replacing your printer’s resin tank or changing the PDMS layer. We've put an end to the frustrating PDMS process, so you can focus on making great prints without worrying about costly maintenance of the resin tank.
Jewelers
With the high resolution and easily removable supports, this is a jewelry maker's dream come true. Our castable resin makes it easy and affordable to start creating your jewelry with the MoonRay.
Industrial Designers and Engineers
The MoonRay has many uses that will make life easier for industrial designers and engineers. Use it to print parts for a mechanical experiment or to prototype your next product. You can also print parts to make appearance models for presentations. Our resins accept primer, so you can paint all of your printed parts.
Character Designers
You’ll find that it’s easier than ever to create character figures and costuming parts with the MoonRay.
Artists
Whether you’re dabbling in mixed media or even developing your latest cosplay creation, the MoonRay will deliver the finest resolution and produce projects that are ready for your finishing touches.
Architects
3D printing allows architects to create scale models of buildings without the constraints of traditional modeling material, like balsa wood or cardboard.
Fashion and Accessory Designers
Toy Designers
For toy designers, 3D printing is a fantastic way to create toys of every shape and size. Whether you want to make detailed figurines or modular toys, the MoonRay can help you do it.
Hobbyists
The MoonRay will make your other technical toys jealous. The small footprint fits easily into your workshop and the large build volume and fine resolution will let you create toys, gadgets and pieces for all types of projects.
Production
We’re a new company with a product we believe in. In order to produce this printer at a high volume and deliver it at the price we’ve set, we need funds to ramp up production. Backing our Kickstarter helps us ensure everyone has access to the most advanced desktop 3D printing technology available.
Further Research & Development
We have some neat plans in the works for the MoonRay and are currently working on developing additional resins. Kickstarter funding will help keep the momentum going with our R&D team.
Project Timeline
Rewards
Early backers get can a MoonRay with early delivery at a special low price. The longer you wait to back the project, the longer you’ll have to wait to receive your MoonRay.
Once the Kickstarter campaign ends, you’ll be asked to choose the color of your MoonRay and what type of resin you’d like. We’ll also have you confirm your shipping address in preparation for delivery.
Each MoonRay comes fully assembled. In the box, you’ll find all the necessary cables, a care kit, and a detailed owner’s manual. You’ll also receive a copy of RayWare, our interactive support-generation software that makes printing simple.
Please note that most of our printer package rewards are for US-based backers only. If you’re located outside of the US, we have two tiers marked “International."
Stretch Goals
We’ll give an extra liter of resin to all printer-level backers after we hit $250,000. Once we hit $500,000, all printers will come with free shipping within the US. All printer-level backers will get a year-long license for an easy-to-use CAD software after we hit $750,000. If we hit $1 million, all printers will come with an injection-molded top cover, which will be more durable, easier to clean and maintain, and even better looking.
Warranty and Service
Every MoonRay comes with a one-year warranty so you can relax and enjoy your new machine. During the last month of your warranty period, you'll have the opportunity to extend your warranty. The MoonRay is built to last, but we don't want you to worry about any unforeseen problems.
When you purchase a MoonRay, you'll also have access to our support team. We believe in a high level of customer service and want to help you make the most of your new machine.
Inside the Box
Technical Specifications
Environmental Requirements
- Operating ambient temperature: 68° to 95° F (20° to 35° C)
- Nonoperating temperature: -4° to 113° F (-20° to 45° C)
- Relative humidity: 5% to 95%
- Noncondensing operating altitude: Up to 10,000 feet (3000 m)
System Requirements
- Internet access to download latest RayWare software and receive updates
- Mac: OS X v10.6.8
- PC: Windows 8; or Windows 7
We know there are a lot of choices out there when you’re looking to buy a 3D printer. Here’s what makes the MoonRay stand out:
- Custom-built RayOne UV LED projector with a 50,000-hour lifespan prints ultra-high-quality intricate parts with pin-point accuracy
- Spacious build volume at 5 x 3.2 x 9 inches
- High-speed printing: 1 inch per hour no matter your part size
- No consumable parts: it will last if you use it with care
- Energy efficient to the core: the MoonRay uses less energy than your average 50w light bulb
- Easily removable support structure without needing any post curing
- Affordable resins that are custom formulated for the MoonRay
- Tightly controlled and high-quality manufacturing process with a world-class industrial design and engineering team
Jasper is an entrepreneur, adventurer and tech aficionado. He is the Founder and CEO of SprintRay. He has a PhD from the University of Southern California, where he was mentored by Behrokh Khoshnevis, a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors. Jasper played a key role in the Contour Crafting project (the 3D printing of houses) while at USC.
He has worked in one of the largest assets management companies in China and is a visiting professor in multiple high-ranked universities. Jasper is a talented video game player and enjoys outdoor activities.
Amir has a Master's degree in Manufacturing Engineering from USC. He is currently finishing his PhD in the USC CRAFT lab, one of the most prestigious 3D printing labs in the nation. Under the supervision of Professor Behrokh Khoshnevis, Amir has been researching the 3D printing of concrete in the Contour Crafting project.
Hossein is our CDO. He holds a Master’s degree in Industrial Design from Savannah College of Art and Design. He worked on a broad spectrum of products before joining SprintRay’s R&D team. Hossein is the brain behind the iconic design of the MoonRay and leads SprintRay’s visual branding efforts on the web, in print, and on social media. You can usually find him behind his desk either drawing up ideas or sketching mean cars.
Maple oversees all business operations at SprintRay. She holds a Master's degree in EE-MultiMedia Creative Technologies from USC. Before joining SprintRay, she was in charge of the Dynamic Advertisement Unit at DirecTV, where she developed her customers’ interactive experience. Now she is the mom of two beautiful daughters and loves traveling.
Haifeng Bao is the founder of the Institute of 3D Printing Materials at Wuhan Textile University, China. He has worked as a post-doc research fellow in Monash University and Nanyang Technological University. His research interests include toughening agents for resins and nano-composite materials.
Élan Karpinski develops and implements SprintRay’s communications and media (traditional and social) strategies. She has a well-earned reputation for melding words and images into messages that are both clear and impactful.
Liang Jin is in charge of SprintRay's manufacturing base and is an expert in technology realization and production.
Jie Jin is passionate about software and hardware design. Before joining SprintRay, he led several interesting robotics projects. He's also a USC Trojan PhD student in Industrial and Systems Engineering.
Emily “Moon” Lu is a talented model designer who creates all of the intricate 3D interlocking models for the MoonRay.
We’d also like to thank some friends who have supported us during this journey including Joe Micallef of 3D Printer World, Eddie Yang and Alliance Studio, Tim King, and Simon Vallejo and Fine Line Entertainment.
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Spread the Word
Below is the link to download our official press kit. Please e-mail us or send a direct message via our website if you need more information.
Risks and challenges
The largest challenges for a complex project like this one are manufacturing and timing. We’ve seen from other Kickstarter campaigns that it can be difficult to deliver everything on schedule, especially when the project is extremely successful.
We have experience on our side, though. SprintRay has a manufacturing base in China, so we already have a team in place. This is a different market with different challenges and we will be approaching the manufacturing process carefully to avoid any potential bumps in the road during Kickstarter reward production.
Learn about accountability on Kickstarter