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After the extruder stops pulling filament, pressure remains in the nozzle, causing molten plastic to continue flowing until pressure equalizes. This results in droplets and fine threads on the part surface. To mitigate this, FFF 3D printers utilize a mechanism called retraction.

First layer adhesion is key for successful 3D printing. Factors like coating type, slicing software settings, and base temperature affect it. Balancing adhesion is crucial; too much or too little can cause issues.

The most common operating voltage of DC devices is 12 V or 24 V. Both voltages have their benefits but the most important thing is to match the 3D printer’s output voltage to that of the hotend, the extruder, fans or heatbeds. Overpowering or underpowering of the components can have serious consequences.

Conductive filaments are ideal for manufacturing electrically conductive parts or components and for creating wearable devices. Based on its capabilities, results with beneficial properties for many industries will be obtained. The Spanish company Recreus is committed to this material and offers the user a series of tips when using its Conductive Filaflex filament.

Face masks have been part of our lives for years in this pandemic. Now that their use is finally no longer mandatory, old concerns arise: what to do with all that waste? Researchers at several universities seem to have come up with an ingenious solution: turn them into filament for 3D printers.

Electrostatic discharge is a phenomenon quite common in everyday life. While harmless to humans, ESD events can have dire consequences in environments with sensitive electronics or potentially explosive atmospheres. Discover the accessories that ensure safe discharge of electrostatic discharges.

Additive manufacturing revolutionizes aerospace by providing strength, reliability, speed, and cost reduction. This post explores 3D printing's advantages over traditional methods like injection molding and CNC machining.

3D printing is an established concept that everyone is familiar with. However, engineers and researchers are trying to add another dimension to it and some projects have already succeeded. Hand in hand with 3D printing comes 4D printing. This technology is characterised by the inclusion of a new variable: time.

This post covers essential lamination parameters and their functions, including material-dependent, print profile-defining, and hardware-defined parameters, ensuring comprehensive and efficient print profiles with proper speed and support configuration.

Fused granulate fabrication (pellets) is the primary method in plastic compounding, offering cost-effective custom blends with polymer bases and color/additive masterbatches. A pellet extruder with mixing screws is used for melt blending.

The hotend is probably the component of the FDM 3D printer that requires the most maintenance. This article explains the maintenance guidelines to keep it in good condition to ensure good print quality and minimise the risk of failure.

As 3D printing applications continue to expand beyond science, medicine and technology, new aesthetic needs and products are emerging to meet them. In this article we will discuss the different PLA finishes - matte, gloss and silk - and their applications in art, design, architecture and civil work.