An important part of desktop FDM printers is the nozzle. Nozzles are categorized in several ways. Some of the most important factors to consider when choosing a nozzle are the size, material, and shape of the nozzle. Nozzle Diameter The diameter of the nozzle is, perhaps, the most important...
Archive for year: 2017
Advantages and Disadvantages of Direct and Bowden Extrusion
One of the most important parts of a 3D printer is the extruder. This pushes filament to the hot end to be melted and extruded. There are three key parts that all extruders share: a stepper motor, a driver gear, and an idler. While the components of extruders are...
How to Choose Between Cartesian and Delta 3D Printers
In 3D printing, there are several different styles of printers. The two most common desktop 3D printer styles are Cartesian and Delta. These printers both use Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology but have different ways to navigate the print head through the 3D print space. Cartesian Cartesian printers are...
How to Choose Between FDM and SLA Desktop 3D Printers
In 3D printing, there are many kinds of printers. Two of the most common are FDM and SLA printers. FDM, or Fused Deposition Molding, printers are the most popular. They use a variety of filaments, most often thermoplastics, that are melted and then deposited layer by layer to create...
How Annealing Makes Your 3D Prints Better
PLA (Polylactic acid) plastic is a common filament used in 3D printers that is strong and somewhat brittle. However, it is not always as strong or as stiff as needed for certain parts. This is where annealing comes in. Annealing is a heat treatment process that was originally developed...
Short-Run Manufacturing with 3D Printing
October 6th is Manufacturing Day, a celebration of modern manufacturing in an effort to educate members of the community on all forms of manufacturing. One such form, short-run manufacturing using desktop 3D printers, is lesser known and generally takes a back seat to other methods of manufacturing. Traditionally, manufacturing...