Compensating for variations in filament diameter is essential to ensure the quality and reproducibility of 3D parts.
Filament manufacturing tolerances can vary by +/-0.05mm, resulting in a 12% variation in volume between the maximum and minimum tolerances.
For technical filaments such as PEEK, PEKK, PEI, PPSU, some manufacturers even claim tolerances of +/- 0.10mm, which means that the filament can vary by 24% in volume!
Although these volume variations are generally well tolerated when using standard filaments such as PLA or PETG, they can cause considerable problems with technical filaments.
Filament extruders control the flow rate in "mm equivalent", which makes it impossible to achieve consistent, reproducible quality prints with such volume variations.
The figure on the right shows the variation in extruded volume for 1mm of filament, with minimum and maximum tolerances.
A simple percentage calculation shows that the volume variation is 12% (varies between 2.5446 and 2.2698mm3) between 1.80mm and 1.70mm (+/- 0.05mm) and 24% (varies between 2.688 and 2.1382mm3) between 1.85mm and 1.65mm (+/- 0.10mm)
These volume variations can cause under-extrusions or over-extrusions, which affect the quality of the part by systematically degrading the inter-layer bonds, strength, dimensions, fill ratio, surface finish, mass, etc.
By using Filament Control, you can effectively certify the printed parts or production batch, by providing a pdf document with the parts to show that variations in filament diameter have been compensated.
This allows you to ensure that the 3D printing is carried out in an optimal manner and that there are no variations in the process that could weaken the mechanical properties of the printed part.
In addition, full and true traceability of the printed parts is provided as all printing parameters have been recorded.
This also improves the reliability of the printed parts as the interlayer bonds are constant, the dimensions are constant, the fill rate is constant and guaranteed, the mass is constant, etc.
1 - Certification of the printed part and provision of a document attesting to the compensation of filament diameter variations.
2 - Guarantee of optimal printing without variations that could affect the mechanical properties of the printed part.
3 - Complete traceability of printing parameters for each part.
4 - Increased reliability of the printed parts, with constant interlayer bonds, guaranteed dimensions and fill rate, and constant mass.
Designation |
Standard Version |
PRO Version |
Measuring range |
Ø1.60 / Ø1,90mm |
Ø1.50 / Ø2,0mm |
Number of measurement axes |
2 (perpendicular) |
2 (perpendicular) |
Number of measurements made simultaneously (per axis) |
7 to 50 |
Measurements at a frequency of 500 Hz |
Calculation of the average cross-section |
Yes |
Yes |
Ovality control |
Yes |
Yes |
Resolution |
0.8 µm |
< 0.1 µm |
Repeatability (3Sigma) |
(in progress) |
+/-0.07µm (Mean Time : 1 second) |
Measurement accuracy |
+/- 10µm |
Better than +/- 0.8µm |
Calibration |
Calibration rods supplied |
At the factory |
Automatic dust detection |
Yes |
Yes |
Automatic detection of erroneous measurements |
Yes |
Yes |
Maximum measurement frequency |
0,2Hz |
50 Hz |
Operating temperature |
15 to 60°C |
15 to 45°C |
Control and calculation software |
Windows / Linux |
Windows / Linux |
Internet Of Thing |
Static IP or DHCP |
RJ45 |
Control interface accessible on the network |
WEB Browser |
WEB Browser |
Recording of measurements during printing |
Excel compatible print report |
Excel compatible print report |
Connection to the machine: Bayonet connector |
PTFE Tube OD. 4.0, 5.0, 6.0 |
PTFE Tube OD. 4.0, 5.0, 6.0 |
Power supply |
5V - 650mA (USB 3.0 possible) |
220V – 2A |