Before you ship or receive your 3D print, it's a good idea to make sure your chosen space and environment are suitable for your printing, post-finishing, and finishing needs. You need well-level workspaces where you can place your printer(s) and post-finishing solutions like Form Wash and Form Cure, a space for support removal and finishing, and storage space for materials like wash solvent, resin tanks, resin cartridges, gloves, post-finishing tools, etc.
Remember the importance of considering some factors about 3d printing from home such as strange noises and smells, as well as proper ventilation.
Once you've set up your work area, gather the basic materials for the 3D printing process, such as wash basins, baskets and bottles, tweezers, a spatula, part removal tool, cutting pliers, disposable nitrile gloves, and all the other tools that serve you for your work process.
One of the main questions that an individual raises when assessing whether to buy a 3D printer for home use, is whether it will make it profitable.
The truth is that whether it is a 3D printer or a filament pen, the options for use are many and varied.
Without a doubt, it is necessary to know the line or need that you need to cover with 3d printing, from the creation of objects for personal and domestic use, home decoration, for office or business, spare parts, exhibition pieces, prototypes, etc.
If you are wondering if it is really worth having a 3D printer at home, the answer is yes! 3d printers have experienced an unprecedented increase in sales in all their ranges, there are more and more people who want to create their own objects in home, although it is not always easy to choose the right equipment for the parts you want to manufacture. A 3d printer opens the door to all kinds of projects, the design and production alternatives become infinite with an ever-increasing degree of precision.
It is logical to think that these printers are designed for small objects, but nothing is further from the truth since there are printers of various dimensions. Of course, one of the most important factors to consult before deciding which 3d printer to buy would undoubtedly be the material to be used. If what you need is functionality, you should undoubtedly ask if you want to manufacture flexible, rigid parts or parts with different mechanical properties.
Even consider materials capable of creating parts with properties such as heat resistance, impact resistance, chemical resistance and rigidity.
Resin or filament printer? That is a question that goes through everyone's mind when we want to buy a 3D printer. Both printing technologies use the same additive manufacturing process but different in the technology used to achieve said process.
Each printing technology has its advantages and disadvantages, and each has interesting variants that are worth learning about. Let's see a summary of each of the 3D printing technologies and then make a comparison: Filament vs Resin 3D Printer.
Resin Printing
Resin is a UV-sensitive, polymer-based liquid material. 3D printing with resin is based on VAT Photopolymerization technology, in which parts of said resin are solidified by applying light at a certain wavelength. There are 3 types of resin 3D printers at the domestic and industrial level: SLA, DLP and LCD. SLA printers use the stereolithography process to solidify the resin using a laser that creates the layer following the path indicated in the 3D design, while DLP printers use a digital projection screen to create the layers more quickly.
By using resin, quite thin layers down to 25 microns can be achieved and great detail can be obtained in prints. Supports are always required for the parts, and the volume of manufacture at the domestic level is usually somewhat small. They are suitable printers for the development of visual aesthetic pieces where mechanical resistance is not the priority.
It needs to be mentioned that some materials can create brittle components (with cracks), support structures can limit design freedom, and some components can only be UV resistant to a limited extent.
For SLA printers, the color palette is limited as these depend on the brand of printer. These resins are not interchangeable between printers and colors cannot be mixed between them. Unlike filaments, resins can have a more specific use, such as dental resins, and can offer a more durable use.
Adhesion / removal after 3D printing
Filaments stick on and off easily. In case the objects cannot be separated from the bed, a spatula can be used without much problem. For resins it is a little more complicated to remove the pieces. Sometimes there may be remains of the resin that must be carefully removed with a spatula.
When printing the material of the types of 3D filaments, the most convenient is:
Set an extruder temperature of approximately (198 ºC).
For small pieces and fine pieces, it is recommended to use layer fans (prevents the piece from being deformed or having a poor finish).
Use adhesives on the base to prevent the piece from detaching from the base. (Ex: lacquer, kapton tape, body tape…).
For filaments with dark colors, increase the temperature 3 ºC or 5 ºC with respect to the optimal temperature.
The technology of 3D filament printers (FDM) consists of depositing a melted plastic, layer by layer, until it forms a solid piece. Although there are many types of filaments on the market, only two completely dominate it due to how easy it is to work with them. These are PLA and ABS, which are more recognized for the material with which they are made. Generally, in 3d printing we use both filaments for the elaboration of the prototypes so that your impressions are made perfectly.
PLA, made with polylactic acid, are of natural origin as they are made with corn starch and sugar cane. One of its main advantages is the number of colors that exist for this type of filament that can be used for 3D printing. The finishes that can be achieved are many and they look great right out of the printer.
On the other hand, the ABS filament is made from a petroleum derivative, which is why it is more widely used for industrial parts. It is resistant to high temperatures and is very easy to handle during post-processing; it can be painted, polished or sanded without much trouble. Unlike natural filaments, which are non-toxic, these can emit harmful gases during the printing of 3D models. We use it mainly to make parts for the automotive sector that are resistant.
Knowing the types of filaments and how they work is an important part of the 3D printing process.
The prices of FDM printers are very cheap, they are easy to acquire and their maintenance can usually be carried out by anyone with sufficient knowledge. The printing times are slow for due to the routes that the extruder has to make to create the part. On the other hand, the print volume is usually higher than the SLA, achieving print volumes of up to 60cm x 60cm x 90cm. The post-processing of the parts made with filament is practically nil, in the case that supports are used for complex parts if it requires the removal of excess material.
The pieces also have a higher resistance to shocks, especially if they are made of impact-resistant materials.
Waste from FDM prints is less if a print fails if material is lost, but when a part is made correctly, waste is minimal.
FDM printers are very reliable, well established and easy to source for materials, as well as generally inexpensive. Use a filament printer if you are new or if you want to have varied printing options, in addition to the advantages of materials that we mentioned and its easy application.
Here are some of the printers we think are ideal for use from home:
Anycubic Mega X
Anycubic MEGA X is the largest 3D printer in the MEGA family with an affordable price ideal for those looking for large prototypes, robust wherever you see it thanks to its metal chassis. It offers everything you need to print high-quality models without spending a lot of money. Its hot bed has a glass coating that provides greater protection and allows parts or remains to be removed more easily. Its all-metal build and compact chassis not only give it a sleek look, but also significantly reduce unwanted printer movement, improving the overall quality of your parts. Once the printer is installed, it is ready. There is no need to readjust every time you play it.
High quality extruder for more precise extrusion.
Color touch screen for easy use.
Filament sensor.
High quality.
Simple starter pack.
Automatic restart function in case of unexpected power outages.
Precise printing.
The Anycubic Mega X only comes semi-assembled, but putting it together is quite simple, making it a good choice for beginners.
Artillery Sidewinder X2 SW-X2
The Artillery Sidewinder X2 3D printer will show you that there is a good machine that offers an unusual quality / price ratio. The Artillery brand offers us in this new 3D printer model the quality that characterizes them and that has made them, despite their few models, one of the most outstanding 3D printer companies, even rivaling Creality face to face.
If something works well, it is better not to change it, and in the X2 Artillery model, direct extrusion is still used, with which we will improve control over the filament flow.
Direct extrusion will also improve and facilitate the printing of flexible filaments.
Following this line of keeping what works, the X2 has the Volcano type nozzle, which will allow us to print faster while maintaining the same quality.
Highlights on the Artillery Sidewinder X2 3D Printer
The Artillery X2 3D printer is coming in strong, since it has just been released on the market with very good expectations.
Improved Heated Bed for the Artillery Sidewinder X2 3D Printer
Unlike its predecessor, the Artillery X2 comes with a ceramic bed instead of silicone, with which we will achieve faster and more uniform heating in our bed.
The X2 maintains a rigid, stable and functional structure, also being of the Cartesian type.
Thanks to its quality / price ratio you will not regret buying this printer, since you will receive an exceptional machine for your printer arsenal. The Artillery X2 retains the full color 3.5-inch touch screen of its predecessor, thanks to which we can observe and modify the printing parameters, as well as see the progress of our piece.
This printer is mainly aimed at the most demanding makers who like to use the printer a lot and modify it to their liking, as well as for beginners who want to start printing from home.
It is also intended for use in small businesses that have already used or have knowledge of the world of 3D printing.
Main features of the Artillery X2
• Working volume: 300 x 300 x 400 mm.
• Maximum printing speed; 150mm/sec.
• High precision print quality: up to 50 microns.
• Easy installation and reliable performance.
• With full aluminum frame design, very strong and stable structure.
• Double spindle system in Z axis.
• Print recovery system if power goes out.
• End of filament sensor.
• TFT color touch screen.
Artillery Genius PRO
The Artillery Genius PRO printer is a very good option for anyone looking for a reliable, complete printer with the ability to achieve high-quality finished parts in a very simple and intuitive way.
The Artillery Genius Pro 3D printer is an improved version of its predecessor, the Artillery Genius. This new printer has very similar characteristics to its previous model, but it offers us various new features that will make this a very good option to become your new printer.
Extrusion and nozzle
The Artillery Genius Pro 3D printer maintains the direct extrusion of its predecessor, with this we will obtain better control of the filament with which we will be able to print flexible filament with better results and in a much simpler way.
Like the Artillery Genius, this new model comes equipped with a Vulcan-type nozzle, a good quality nozzle, thanks to which we can print at a higher speed without losing quality.
It has a titan-type direct extrusion system with which we will improve the fluidity of the filament through the hotend and with this we will obtain greater control during printing.
Improved heated bed
The Artillery Genius Pro printer comes with a heated ceramic glass bed with better thermal transmission than the silicone bed of the previous model, with this the pieces will adhere better to the surface.
Automatic calibration
One of the improvements that this 3D printer includes is the BL Touch, an automatic calibration system, which will save us a lot of time when it comes to calibrating our printer. Rigid and very resistant structure of Cartesian type.
Mounting
The assembly of this machine is very simple since it arrives 90% assembled, we will only have to connect cables and put some screws. To increase its robustness, it incorporates a double Z axis.
Silent printer
The new Artillery Genius Pro 3D printer comes with a new motherboard, which incorporates silent drivers that will make this printer almost imperceptible.
For the more technical customers, we tell you that the built-in motherboard is the brand's own Artillery Ruby 32.
Main features of the Artillery Genius Pro:
Extremely quiet control driver.
Double Z axis synchronized.
Intuitive operation via touch screen.
Maximum print size: 220x220x250mm.
Maximum speed up to 15mm/s.
High heating speed of the ceramic glass bed.
Security system against power outages and filament breakage.
It arrives almost fully assembled.
High precision grade of 50 microns.
Titan type extrusion with direct extrusion to better control the filament flow.
Chiron Anycubic
The Anycubic Chiron also comes with a filament sensor. Thus, if the filament runs out or breaks, the sensor will detect it through a switch and immediately pause printing, being able to continue it once you have solved the problem.
Chiron The Anycubic printer is an FDM printer prepared to carry out large projects. Thanks to your workspace we have 400mm x 400mm x 450mm to print! For those with big ideas who want to realize their projects, this printer is ideal, it also has the ultra-base and heated bed.
This Cartesian FDM printer works with PLA, ABS, PETG, and derivative filaments. Thanks to its heated bed and its ultra-base, once it has been printed, we can remove the piece without the need for a spatula. The assembly is done in 3 simple steps since it comes pre-assembled so that the user does not have any problem or follow tedious assembly.
3D printers have burst onto the scene, and now it's easier and cheaper than ever to be able to enjoy all that 3D printing has to offer from your own home or work.
Technical specifications.
FFF Printing Technology (Filament Fusion Manufacturing).
Printing area 400 x 380 450 mm.
Layer Thickness (Z Resolution) 0.05 - 0.3 mm.
Positioning Accuracy XY: 0.0125 mm Z: 0.0025 mm.
Nozzle (Output Extrusion) 0.4 mm.
Filament diameter 1.75 mm.
Printing speed up to 100 mm/s.
Travel speed up to 100 mm/s.
Positioning Accuracy Z 0.002 mm XY 0.01 mm.
Compatible Materials PLA, ABS, FLEX, WOOD, Etc.
Equipment Operating Temperature 8°C – 40°C.
Maximum Extruder Temperature Up to 50°C.
Maximum Bed Temperature Up to 100°C.
Artillery Hornet 3D Printer
The Artillery Hornet is a 3D printer with a very attractive modern design and is very easy to assemble. It is equipped with a Bowden-type extrusion system, it has very quiet drivers and fans. The Hornet has “integrated cabling” where power, signal and filament loading are all in one, an effective solution to avoid messy cables during printing. It is a low-cost machine geared towards enthusiasts who are about to enter the world of 3D printing.
The Artillery Model Hornet 3D printer has the following features:
· Printing volume: 220 x 220 x 250 mm.
· Truly silent printing.
· Innovative aircraft-type wiring system, eliminates complicated electrical connections.
· Versatility to print a wide variety of materials.
· Robust construction, guarantees great printing quality.
· Extremely easy to assemble, you only need to tighten four screws!
· New and distinctive design, ideal for school, home or office.
It has the 32-bit system to be very quiet and reliable, in addition to the fact that the entire structure is made of metal and it has a tool kit for easy installation.
If you want to know more about which printer is ideal for you, we recommend you visit our catalog at the following link: https://www.maerospacertc.com/shop
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