Can someone ELI5 how is this better than a normal 3D printer? I understand how a 5 axis CNC milling machine is better than a 3 axis, but I don't see the advantages of a 4 axis 3D printer.
Typical printers will put layers bottom to top. That means for sideways overhangs, you need support. This one can put layers in any direction. That means you can print sideways without needing support.
That said, one could also use an IDEX printer to print the target material and a water-soluble support material at the same time. That way, overhangs are no problem again because you have support material under them.
Another option is to print solid, with 100% infill, then place the part in a tin filled with very fine salt, and bake it to re-melt the plastic to make a solid block w/o layer lines (note that this requires the use of a plastic which will melt and resolidify a second time and be usable).
That said, additional axes beyond XYZ seem to be the next major development for hobby CNC --- looking forward to seeing what folks come up with.
There is another important point, which is that FDM 3D prints are typically much weaker between layers than within a layer (anistropic due to the bonding). Having more control over the plane of the layers could open up some interesting design choices for functional parts.
While interesting, this seems to have all the downsides of 5 axis without any benefit over just using 5 axis (ie it's not cheaper or easier in practice)
Readit News
That said, one could also use an IDEX printer to print the target material and a water-soluble support material at the same time. That way, overhangs are no problem again because you have support material under them.
That said, additional axes beyond XYZ seem to be the next major development for hobby CNC --- looking forward to seeing what folks come up with.