Large-Format High-Temperature 3D Printing for Industrial Parts

The BigRep ALTRA 280 is a high-performance industrial 3D printer built to produce large, complex, production-quality parts with high-temperature materials. Its 280-litre build volume, heated chamber, and up to four DSX extruders are designed for reliable additive manufacturing in demanding sectors such as aerospace, defence, and automotive.

The ALTRA 280 combines large-format capacity, high-speed industrial hardware, and controlled thermal performance in one machine. The result is a platform for manufacturing complex parts without compromising on size, repeatability, or material capability.

High-Temp 3D Printer for Demanding Applications

Reliable Manufacturing of Complex Parts

The BigRep ALTRA 280 is a high-performance industrial system with an expansive build volume and up to 4 state-of-the-art extruders. These controlled dual extruders with their respective backups are designed to deliver flawless prints consistently in industrial production environments.

The high-temperature architecture supports peak-level 3D printing for demanding applications across aerospace, defence, and automotive sectors. The ALTRA 280 is built as a large, fast, reliable, high-temp machine for producing complex parts without compromise.

Industry Applications for the BigRep ALTRA 280

Aerospace-Grade Parts

The ALTRA 280 supports innovation and qualification work in aerospace by printing strong, safe, light-weight parts with high-performance materials. Its precision, repeatability, and resolution support design, validation, and part development across the workflow.

Functional Prototypes

The open-material system gives engineers and product teams the freedom to choose from a wide variety of filaments and closely replicate final parts before production. This makes the printer suitable for design testing, validation, and faster iteration with lower fabrication costs.

Durable Tooling

The BigRep ALTRA 280 can produce rapid tooling for factory floors, including jigs and fixtures. Its high-temperature capability supports strong and geometrically complex tooling manufactured in-house and on demand.

BigRep ALTRA 280 Machine Overview

Peak Performance with Massive Build Capacity

Large-Scale Accuracy and Repeatability

The Generous Build Chamber

With a build chamber of 500 mm x 700 mm x 800 mm and a total build volume of 280 litres, the ALTRA 280 can produce intricate prototypes, production parts, and end-use components at full industrial scale.

Accuracy comes from a welded frame, ball screws, and servo motors similar to those used in CNC technology. This combination gives the large-format printer the precision and repeatability needed for reliable part production without sacrificing build size.

High-Temperature Build Environment

High-Performance Parts

The build chamber and print bed can both reach up to 180°C, enabling the use of high-performance materials such as ULTEM 9085 and PEEK. This thermal capability supports demanding applications where part strength, stability, and heat resistance matter.

During printing, the build chamber also functions as a tempering system. This helps improve mechanical properties, dimensional stability, and part functionality during the manufacturing process.

Up to Four DSX Extruders for Continuous Production

Uninterrupted Productivity

The BigRep ALTRA 280 can be equipped with up to 4 DSX (Direct Synchronized Extruders), each capable of printing at 450°C and supporting print jobs up to 20 kg in one cycle. The dual-extrusion setup enables complex part production, while two respective backup extruders help maintain seamless operation.

Each DSX extruder includes integrated cooling channels and multiple sensors for monitoring and control. This design supports stable processing, controlled output, and higher reliability in extended industrial print runs.

Automated Setup and 24/7 Monitoring

Print at the Push of a Button

The ALTRA 280 is designed for quick startup with multiple automatic functions, including print bed calibration through topology measurement and corresponding automatic compensation. These features reduce setup time and support repeatable print preparation.

Built-in sensors help secure 24/7 operation, while the integrated HD wide-angle camera enables real-time remote monitoring. Operators can observe print progress and maintain visibility over long-duration jobs.

Heated Vacuum Print Bed for Secure Adhesion

Stable First Layers and Easier Part Removal

The heated vacuum print bed improves print success by combining material-specific print bed surfaces with secure vacuum holding. Printed parts remain stable during the build process while still being easier to remove after completion.

Heated to 180°C and built with embedded electrical wiring, the vacuum print bed is designed for extremely homogeneous temperature distribution. This supports accurate geometry and superior layer adhesion even on large and intricate parts.

Even Temperature Distribution for Mechanical Performance

Controlled Heat Across the Build Area

Consistent temperature is essential for high-performance parts, especially in large-format printing. The ALTRA 280 print bed reaches up to 180°C and maintains uniform heat distribution across the build area.

Airflow control technology tempers prints precisely, helping produce parts with consistent mechanical properties. This approach addresses the delamination and inconsistency issues that commonly affect other 3D printers in demanding applications.

Open Material System for Compatible Filaments

The core of the BigRep platform is an open material system designed for flexibility and innovation. The BigRep ALTRA 280 can print with any compatible filament, whether sourced from BigRep or from a third-party supplier.

BigRep's range of industrial-grade 3D printer filaments covers both general-use and technical materials for demanding industrial work. These materials are produced under carefully controlled conditions to maintain uniform diameter and consistent composition for reliable, even extrusion.