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Keep up to date with the latest innovations, news and relevant information related to 3D printing. Know the new technologies, consumables and accessories that come to market.

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05/04/2023

Thermistors and thermocouples. Types and common problems

Thermistors are the most common and simplest sensor to implement, as they are connected directly to the printer board, while thermocouples are composed of a bimetallic junction that varies its conductivity depending on the temperature. This post explains the types on the market and the common problems with these sensors.

Thermistors and thermocouples. Types and common problems

04/01/2023

Raft, Skirt and Brim. When to use each and how to configure them

This post deals with the Raft, Skirt and Brim elements, which are three additional printing components that can be configured during lamination and are generated automatically.

Raft, Skirt and Brim. When to use each and how to configure them

08/06/2022

Retractions: configuration and optimisation

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.

Retractions: configuration and optimisation

22/02/2023

The hotend. Operation and thermal performance

The hotend is, together with the extruder, one of the most important parts of a FFF 3D printer. Although at first glance it may appear to be one of the simplest elements, it is one of the most complex, as it has to achieve optimum thermal performance.

The hotend. Operation and thermal performance

26/10/2022

Extrusion systems. Adjustments and maintenance.

The extruder is the element responsible for pulling the filament into the hotend in such a way that sufficient pressure is generated inside the hotend so that the molten material flows constantly and homogeneously through the nozzle.

Extrusion systems. Adjustments and maintenance.

28/06/2022

NEMA motors. Most frequent problems

In any FFF 3D printer, the stepper motors are indispensable. Their task is to position the print head, as well as to pull the filament in the extruder. The most common problems involve the power driver or the connection

NEMA motors. Most frequent problems

12/04/2023

3D printing temperatures and optimisation

The printing temperature of a given filament depends not only on the type of material, but also on the printing conditions. Printing speed, nozzle diameter, extruder type or the distance between the extruder and the hotend have a considerable influence on the optimum printing temperature

3D printing temperatures and optimisation

11/01/2023

Preservation of 3D printing materials

The final quality of the printed parts is strongly influenced by the quality of the raw material used in the production of the filament, as well as by its conservation. This is because the more homogeneous and constant the filament properties are, the more uniform the extrusion will be and the better surface quality the final part will have.

Preservation of 3D printing materials

26/04/2023

Shrinkage of parts in 3D printing and Warping

During printing, high-temperature extruded plastic shrinks as it cools. Materials like PLA have low shrinkage (0.3%-0.5%), while others like nylon 12 can shrink up to 2%, and PVDF up to 4%, leading to deformations in parts.

Shrinkage of parts in 3D printing and Warping

23/03/2022

Basic hotend maintenance

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.

Basic hotend maintenance

19/04/2023

Small details and thin walls. Limitations of FDM technology

When designing and preparing parts for 3D printing it is very important to take into account the resolution limit of our equipment. It is advisable to avoid elements with a smaller size, as the printing quality of these elements will be very low and in many cases, the laminating software itself will omit them.

Small details and thin walls. Limitations of FDM technology

02/03/2022

Manufacturing prototypes with 3D printing

The advances that have taken place in recent years have allowed many companies to have 3D printers in their facilities for the manufacture of prototypes or final parts. This article outlines the advantages of this manufacturing method for prototyping and how to choose the right technology according to the requirements of the application.

Manufacturing prototypes with 3D printing