Recently, the US 3D printing brand Makerbot has launched the carbon fiber version of the METHOD 3D printer, which is its first desktop 3D printer designed specifically for the production of carbon fiber components.
Makerbot launches Method carbon fiber 3D printer
The new products are aimed at the manufacture of stronger and more accurate parts, and upgrade the original Method 3D printer with new consumables. The carbon fiber version is aimed at the manufacture of tools and fixtures during the production of metal terminal parts. It is priced at $6,499 and is expected to begin shipping in June 2020.
Nadav Goshen, President and CEO of MakerBot, said: "With the launch of the METHOD carbon fiber version, we will enable more users to use the manufacturing method of 3D printing of composite materials to open the door to new applications."
This is Makerbot's first desktop 3D printer capable of printing with carbon fiber
METHOD 3D printer was originally launched in December 2018, and was called "the first performance desktop 3D printer" by Makerbot. It is also a performance positioning between industrial FDM and personal desktop level. This means that Makerbot has moved away from the niche enthusiast and consumer route that the company has been taking since its inception in 2009 and turned to the professional and educational markets.
Subsequently, in August 2019, the METHOD platform launched the upgraded version of the Machine X, which can support more challenging materials. Its 100°C circulating heating chamber greatly improves the 3D printing effect of ABS materials. Compared with the modified ABS formula of competing products, MakerBot's material has 26% higher hardness and 12% higher strength, and its high temperature resistance has also been increased by 15°C. In addition, due to the support of dual extrusion heads, METHOD X ABS can also be 3D printed at the same time as Stratasys' soluble support material SR-30 to obtain a better support effect.
Used to produce jigs and fixtures
In November 2019, Makerbot announced the METHOD material development plan and the MakerBot LABS print head, aiming to advance the printing settings of the Makerbot system and realize the customized application of high-temperature materials.
MakerBot's new carbon fiber version of the METHOD is equipped with a new composite extruder, which greatly improves wear resistance. Equipped with reinforced metal drive gears, consumable wire switches and replaceable hardened steel nozzles, enabling it to 3D print nylon carbon fiber composite materials
The surface finish of the parts produced by this upgraded 3D printer has been improved, especially when combined with the new heating chamber annealing function, the effect is better. The new model allows users to print out parts with complex geometries with the help of soluble or separate support structures, and the surface finish is improved. METHOD's moisture-proof sealed consumable wire carrier also helps keep moisture-sensitive nylon carbon fiber materials dry, thereby improving print quality and reliability. In addition, the temperature of the printing chamber is increased to a maximum of 110°C, which provides the possibility of compatibility of more types of composite materials.
Makerbot's new carbon fiber 3D printer is paired with nylon carbon fiber composite materials, mainly for the automotive, aviation and other industries, printing lightweight metal parts alternatives. The thermal and mechanical properties of its materials also bring high cost-effectiveness.