LMAPR2016

Many different 3D printers using FDM are developed in the market, but the one used for this project is a Makerbot Replicator 2X. This is an advanced 3D printer with dual extrusion which is optimized for ABS and dissolvable filaments. [1] The advantage of this feature is that two different filaments can be used for one print to get a product in two colours or in two materials. [2] Indeed, this allows the printing of complex shapes with a support in a different material which could be dissolved later.

 

The printer is composed of a nozzle which needs to be able to move in the 3 coordinate axes to print the object in 3D. Actually, the nozzle only moves in the XY plane and the printbed moves in the Z direction. This nozzle is also composed of an extruder which is the part responsible for feeding the filament into the so called “hot-end” (part of the printer which heats the polymer). [2] In some 3D printers, the extruder is separated from the nozzle to decrease the weight of the latter and increase the travel speed. However, there are less feeding problems when the extruder is on the nozzle such as in Makerbot Replicator 2X and it is easier to change the filament.

Another key component of 3D printers is the printbed. It is the surface upon which the printed part sits on while being built. [2] In Makerbot Replicator 2X, the printbed can be heated to prevent warping during the cooling.

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