Modix Gen5 Platform Brings Tool Changing and 45-Degree Printing to Large-Format 3D Printers

What's New in Gen5

Modix has launched the fifth generation of its BIG series large-format 3D printers, and the headline change is a move to Duet 3 electronics with CANBUS distributed architecture. This isn't just a controller swap. The new platform supports more than 20 axes and motor drivers. This enables automatic tool changing, multi-material printing, and a compact pellet extruder as options on machines customers already own.

Upgrade Over Replacement

Modix's core argument is that existing BIG series owners should not have to buy a new printer every time capabilities improve. Generation 5 electronics carry spare capacity for motors, sensors, and accessories, so new features ship as hardware upgrades when technically feasible. For shops with BIG-1200 or Everest machines, that's a meaningful economic argument.

45-Degree Printing on Cartesian Machines

The most unexpected addition is 45-degree printing. Angled heads have been popularized on belt printers, but Modix is bringing the concept to traditional Cartesian machines with build volumes up to two meters tall. A tilted print head reduces support material on large hollow parts, cutting both material waste and post-processing time. On a printer the size of the Everest, those savings add up quickly.

Other Upgrades

Generation 5 also adds an integrated accelerometer for automated calibration and motion tuning, Ethernet as standard with removable Wi-Fi for security-sensitive organisations, and a refreshed touchscreen interface. Several reliability improvements are based on field feedback from the installed base.

Availability

The BIG series covers six models from the BIG-60 to the two-meter Everest. Generation 5 is already shipping to customers, with summer orders now moving on the new platform. A minor price adjustment applies to base models. Full details on the INDX tool changer, pellet extruder, and 45-degree printing system will follow as each reaches commercial availability.