Fourth Generation 3D Printer Gets Filament Tracking System
X400 v4 for additive manufacturing of large objects as well as for limited industrial-grade production runs provides high-end design and speed (depending on the specific application) as well as a printing accuracy with a layer thickness of up to 0.1 mm. High-end components, including milled metal parts and drives with tight tolerances, provide for high repeat accuracy in an industrial-grade machine.
Many new features, such as automatic bed leveling and a commercial-grade ventilation design are standard in the X400 v4. The automatic bed-leveling feature means the print bed needs to be calibrated only once, eliminating time-consuming adjustments before each print job. The new ventilation design ensures consistent operating temperatures throughout each job, which, in turn, improves process safety. Several dedicated fans in the printer maintain temperatures in the extruder, around the printed object as well as in the print area. This also improves the processing of materials such as PVA (polyvinyl alcohol).
Another new feature is the filament tracking system, which automatically pauses an active print job when the filament runs out. In addition, the X400 v4 senses variances in extrusion speed that are invisible to the naked eye, and it automatically reacts to secure the printing process and prevent print job cancellation.
Even the electronics used in this printer are designed for exacting industrial users. The new X400 v4 features an integrated industrial-grade computer and can be controlled via touch screen and a USB interface (stand-alone printing). The printer connects to the internet via Ethernet and is controlled through a web browser.
The printer comes with a licensed copy of the Simplify3D software, which contains all the features required for manufacturing industrial-grade objects. Individual parameter settings allow for full control over the printing process. The software enables the use of dual extruders for printing a variety of materials and colors as well as for the repeated positioning of different objects in the print area. In addition, separate parameters can be set for printing different parts of a single object.
The user-friendly DD3 dual extruder technology with a full metal hot end tops off the printer’s features. The extruder can be fitted with different nozzles to adjust for various applications and materials to be used. Contact pressure is variable, as well, to facilitate the processing of softer materials.
- build platform (XxYxZ): 350 x 400 x 310 mm (15.4 x 15.7 x 12.2 in.)
- print speed: 10 – 200 mm/s
- travel speed: 10 – 300 mm/s
- position accuracy (X/Y): +/- 0.1 mm
- layer high (min.): 0.1 mm
- filament / Nozzle diameter (standard): 1.75 mm / 0.4 mm
