Picaso
The newest 3D printer Designer X PRO which we described in one of the previous articles actively tested in the work. Today, we would like to talk about how wide a range of materials it can print.
The manufacturer states that the new printer was immediately designed taking into account the widest possible range of materials (as already available, and those who just are in the works). The declared printing temperature is up to 380 degrees, and the printed platform is heated to 140. These figures, which are quite impressive for a desktop 3D printer, should provide a wide range of available materials.
To demonstrate the possibilities, the author’s model of a toy car was proposed. Sergey Avetikov created it in the style of the future flagship PICASO 3D. You can see the stylized letter X on the bonnet and the recognizable futuristic design, to suit the new Designer X PRO body.
The model is a national team and was printed in parts from different materials. All parts except bumpers and wheels were printed on a 0.1mm layer with a 20% fill.
The body was two-tone and was printed from Dutch Filaments CARBON-P (black) and Dutch Filaments PET -G (green).
Both materials are very interesting, many people have heard about PET-G and use it as a transitional material between PLA and ABS. There is an opinion that this plastic took the best qualities from PLA and ABS. PET-G has higher operating temperatures than PLA, but slightly lower than ABS. (PLA – 60 *, PET-G – 70 *, ABS – 100 *). PET-G is more flexible than PLA, which means it is less brittle and more shock-resistant. Unlike ABS, we did not notice large shrinkage on PET-G. “Transparency” of this plastic allows you to see a very interesting “striped” effect on the windows, although, as you can see, the texture of the wall from the PLA, in this same part of the model, does not cause doubts about the high quality of the printer.
The most interesting Of the materials used – CARBON-P, and I would like to talk more about it. The material is 20% filled with carbon fiber based on PET-G, produced by Dutch Filaments. The manufacturer claims higher operating temperatures: 80 degrees, while the material itself has increased impact resistance and high interlayer adhesion.
One of the interesting features of the products from this material is that, in the event of a breakdown, the part tears not in layers, as This is usually the case, but quite differently:
This indicates that the material is very interesting from the point of view of functional prototyping and printing of ready-made products.
That is why Dr. I press the supporting frame was chosen as PET-G. However, test prints showed that standard brass nozzles are a consumable for such plastic, therefore PICASO 3D will offer users a line of replaceable nozzles. The line will consist of nozzles of various diameters, from 0.1mm to 0.8mm, including specialized nozzles for printing with abrasive-containing materials.
The wheels are also specially designed for printing with two materials.
Disks were printed from PICASO 3D PLA, and tires were from Recreus FilaFlex. The print was made on a 0.2mm layer with a 20% fill, and the adhesion between the materials turned out to be very high. The ability to print at the same time with flexible and rigid materials in one task opens up new possibilities for both prototyping and creating ready-made functional products.
Massive bumpers are visible on both sides, which are printed also from FilaFlex. Printing was performed with a layer of 0.2 mm filled to 20%. Printing with this material is also possible with soluble support.
If you turn the machine over, the clockwork mechanism becomes visible. Gears from Polymaker Nylon, axes – PICASO 3D ABS and spring from PLA.
Later we will tell about testing materials with decorative properties (Dutch Filaces: MT-Bronze and Wood) and about REC CCAST, a recycled molded polymer intended for the subsequent manufacture of parts in metal.
Designer X PRO will be first publicly presented at the Conference TOP 3D EXPO April 14, 2017. In the framework of the exhibition-conference, which will be held in the DI Telegraph, one can see the printer’s work, complex printed parts, and also personally communicate with the product developers.
When pre-ordering in the Top 3D Shop, you get not only a very good price for X Pro and free shipping, but also a discount on consumables – 20% for the entire 2017 year, as well as free training to work with the printer.
