The new L4 printer can run four independent print heads simultaneously, blending up to four materials in a single print and reaching 1,000 mm/s travel speed.
LightMake has introduced the L4, a desktop‑sized 3D printer that combines a linear motor drive system with four independently controlled print heads, promising unprecedented speed and material versatility for prototyping and small‑batch production.
Key Technical Features
The L4’s core is a linear motor that delivers up to 1,000 mm/s travel speed, a figure normally reserved for industrial‑grade machines. Each of the four heads can operate on its own axis, allowing simultaneous extrusion of different filaments or resins without cross‑contamination.
- Four independent print heads with separate temperature controls
- Linear motor actuation for rapid, vibration‑free motion
- Maximum build volume of 200 × 200 × 200 mm
- Closed‑loop feedback for precise positioning at high speeds
Material Blending Capabilities
By coordinating the four heads, the L4 can blend up to four distinct materials in a single layer, enabling complex color gradients, functional composites, and multi‑material structures that were previously limited to larger, multi‑extruder platforms.
Target Markets and Applications
LightMake positions the L4 for product designers, engineers, and educators who need rapid iteration without sacrificing material diversity. Typical use cases include functional prototypes with combined rigid and flexible sections, multi‑color visual models, and small‑scale production of customized parts.
The printer’s compact footprint—roughly the size of a standard desktop monitor—makes it suitable for office environments, labs, and classrooms where space is at a premium.
The L4 represents a leap forward for desktop additive manufacturing, delivering industrial‑level speed and multi‑material capability in a form factor that fits on a workbench.
For full specifications and pricing details, see the official LightMake announcement.