The manufacturing tolerances of filaments generally vary by +/-0.05mm, which in reality gives a variation of 12% in volume between the maximum and minimum tolerances.
For technical filaments: PEEK, PEKK, PEI, PPSU... Some manufacturers even announce tolerances of +/- 0.10mm, which means that the filament can vary by 24% in volume.
These volume variations are generally well supported when using standard filaments (PLA, ABS, PETG,...), but pose significant problems with technical filaments.
All filament extruders control the flow in "mm equivalent", it is therefore impossible to obtain reproducible and constant quality prints with such volume variations.
The sketch on the right shows the extruded volume for 1mm of filament at min/max tolerances. A simple percentage calculation shows that between 1.80 and 1.70mm (+/- 0.05mm) the volume variation is 12% (varies between 2.5446 and 2.2698mm3)
Between 1.85 and 1.65mm (+/- 0.10mm) the volume variation is 24% (varies between 2.688 and 2.1382mm3)
The variation of the printed volume causes under- or over-extrusions systematically degrading the :
- Inter-layer bonds, and therefore the strength of the parts
- Part dimensions
- Filling rate
- Surface finish
- Mass of the part
-...
The Excel-compatible File is automatically generated at each print launch, it contains:
⦁ All temperature parameters (nozzle[s], chamber, bed...)
⦁ All filament diameter measurements (according to X, according to Y, average diameter, average section, as well as the extruded length corresponding to these measurements)
⦁ All diameter compensations sent to the machine and the extrusion lengths when sent
⦁ Other generic print information parameters (print speeds, safety status,...)
1. Possibility to actually certify the printed part or the production batch, and to provide, together with the printed parts, a document attesting that the variations in filament diameter have been compensated.
2. Ensure that the 3D printing is carried out in an optimal way and that there are no variations in the process that could weaken the mechanical properties of the printed part.
3. Provide complete and true traceability of the printed parts, as all printing parameters have been recorded.
4. Improved reliability of the printed parts: constant interlayer bonds, constant dimensions, constant and guaranteed fill rate.
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 |