Large Format Printing
Each of our machines use thermoplastic pellets to print with. They also have a print volume in excess of 41″ for each dimension. They are used for prototypes, molds, and some furniture. Like FDM 3D printing, these machines fall under LFAM (Large Format Additive Manufacturing).
Caracol
This webpage is currently under construction, just like our Caracol robotic arm. We are trying to get a leg up on the competition, so we bought an arm. It is a fine addition to our army of machines.
This printer has a very large print volume of 10 feet by 5 feet by 7 feet. It can print at various angles, not just parallel to the print bed. See photos.
The video next to this description is a timelapse of us installing the machine.
Materials
This is a thermal print process and uses heat to melt pellets. We do not print with filament as most hobby printers use. Materials we can print with are:
1. ABS Carbon Glass Filled (GF)- Easy to print and strong parts
2.PETG/GF/Carbon Fiber (GF)-the filled pellets are easier to print with but are more expensive.
3. Nylons
Others as they come up…..
What is Vase Mode?
Vase mode is a printing mode that prints much faster than other prints. Models printed in Vase mode can be printed in a non-stop line, like a vase. (See Examples below)
How do the finished parts look you ask?
The nozzle size we use to print is usually a 1.5mm-8mm nozzle. The larger nozzles print much faster but need bigger parts. Smaller nozzle size takes longer to print but has a better detail.
Sometimes a CNC process can be used to clean up the flat surfaces but this process adds to the cost of a part.
