Welcome to our discussion on Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printers. In this blog, we’re going to unravel some common misconceptions and provide insights into critical factors like accuracy, movement speed, and more. Let’s dive in!
Understanding Movement Speed
Many 3D printer manufacturers often boast about their impressive movement speeds, claiming high numbers like 200 millimeters per second or more. However, the truth is, these numbers can be misleading. While a printer might be capable of such speeds, it doesn’t necessarily mean you should print at these speeds. In reality, for most applications and materials, you won’t be printing anywhere near the maximum speed. Factors like material type, extrusion rate, and the printer’s hardware can all impact the practical print speed. So, don’t be fooled by impressive speed claims.
The Importance of Accuracy
When it comes to 3D printing accuracy, there’s much more to consider than just the printer’s specifications. You might have a printer with a precision of 12 microns, but that doesn’t guarantee that your prints will be consistently accurate. Accuracy depends on various factors, including the flow rate, nozzle size, filament quality, and even the temperature of the printing environment. The good news is that you can fine-tune your printer to achieve remarkable accuracy, even below 5 thousandths of an inch (0.2 millimeters). However, consistency and material quality play a significant role in achieving such precision.
Open Material Systems
One advantage of open material systems is the cost-effectiveness. When you choose an open material system, you’re not locked into proprietary filaments, which can be significantly more expensive. For instance, some well-known brands charge $300 per kilogram for their filament, while you can find quality filaments for as low as $14 per kilogram. The key here is material traceability. When you purchase filament from reliable sources like Vision Miner, you can access lot traceability, providing you with vital information about the material’s origin and quality certificates.
Printing with High-Temperature Materials
Printing with high-temperature materials like PEEK or ULTEM requires precise control of the printing environment. If the chamber temperature isn’t consistently high, it can affect layer adhesion and overall print quality. Small parts with intricate designs can generate more heat within the printed object, creating better layer bonding. In contrast, larger parts may experience temperature variations across different areas, affecting the interlayer adhesion. The key takeaway is that you can achieve exceptional accuracy when you have control over the print environment, especially when working with high-temperature filaments.
The Value of Transparency
At Vision Miner, we believe in transparency. We won’t sell you something you don’t need. If we think a high-temperature 3D printer isn’t the right choice for your current needs, we’ll tell you. We aim to provide our customers with accurate information and guide them to make the best decisions for their projects. We’re here to answer your questions and ensure you get the right solution for your unique requirements.
Do you have burning questions about 3D printing? Feel free to leave your questions or topics you’d like us to cover in the comments below. We value your feedback, and we’re here to help. If you found this content valuable, please hit the like button, and don’t forget to subscribe for more informative content. We’ve got exciting videos on the way, so stay tuned!