Vertical Windmill

Michael Broderick posted an inspiring project about a 3D printable vertical axis windmill. After his first design, he returned to the drawing board and improved various parts to finally develop the Vertical Windmill Mk2, get the files here.

The vertical windmill is not just any standard looking windmill, as the name suggests it’s build up along a vertical axis and not a horizontal axis like most ordinary windmills.

Each wing consists out of five pieces, which interlock easily and can be fixated with a bit of glue. When fully assembled it will be 625mm tall and hopefully able to handle the Dutch wheather.

Great push-fit construction for easy assembly.


For this print we selected colorFabb_HT. A very tough co-polyester material developed by Eastman Chemicals. In part two we’ll show the final assembly and hopefully show how it operates in the wind.

colorFabb_HT is made with Amphora HT5300 and is a low-odor and styrene-free material uniquely suited for advanced 3D printing users, particularly those who need their models to exhibit excellent durability, toughness and high temperature resistance with a Tg of over 100⁰C. colorFabb_HT empowers professional users to create more durable and useful items, making prototyping truly functional. Learn more about colorFabb_HT on our special dedicated landing page.

Spring-loaded Drive Block

After printing for almost 3 years the wear on the injection molded parts of our Makerbot Replicator 2 started to effect print quality and reliability. The drive block just wasn’t able to put the same amount of pressure on the filament as it used to. If you’re wondering how to detect this issue, check if the teeth marks on the filament look shallow. When the Replicator is feeding the filament, you should not be able to stop the feed by clamping the filament between two fingers. A good drive block will pull it through.

In our case it was time for some fresh new parts. We considered buying the original parts, but a quick search on thingiverse guided us towards these STL files uploaded by Makerbot, perfect!

We selected colorFabb_HT, a co-polyester material by Eastman Chemical with great toughness and good temperature resistance, 100 – 110C. These parts will be mounted against the stepper motor and onto an aluminum beam which mounts the hot-end. Therefore heat resistance is much needed for this particular case.

All parts have been 3D printed on a Ultimaker 2, at 0.1mm layerheight. We printed multiple parts at the same time without cooling for best possible layeradhesion. Printing temperature was at 250C and 90C bed temperature, speed between 35mm/s and 40 mm/s.

colorFabb_HT is made with Amphora HT5300 and is a low-odor and styrene-free material uniquely suited for advanced 3D printing users, particularly those who need their models to exhibit excellent durability, toughness and high temperature resistance with a Tg of over 100⁰C. colorFabb_HT empowers professional users to create more durable and useful items, making prototyping truly functional. Learn more about colorFabb_HT on our special dedicated landing page.

Multi-material coupler

Multiple material prints will be more common in the new year. We have several great printers that not only print two colors in one print, but also two materials. This expands the possibilities of 3D printing and give the maker more freedom to make functional products! Today we used both nGen and nGen_FLEX in one single print:

Design: https://www.youmagine.com/designs/flexible-coupler-using-colorfabb-ngen-flex

Designed by Imaginables from Australia, this coupler was made for a multiple material print and they used PLA with our nGen_FLEX. nGen_FLEX as their YouMagine page states, works very well with regular PLA. We opted to print with nGen ourselves, since the combination with nGen_FLEX has proven to be a match made in 3D heaven.

Our print was made on the recemtly launched Ultimaker 3 at a 0.1mm layer height.

Click the image above to see the flexible filament at work!

nGen was released late last year and is an all-round filament which has many advantages over, say, a PLA. The temperature resistance is over 80 degrees C and it works on most printers with a heated build plate.  nGen is a low-odor, styrene-free material uniquely suited for 3D printing enthusiasts, particularly those who need the flexibility to print within a wide processing temperature range. With nGen you will have good flow properties through the printer nozzle—even at lower temperatures than some other polymers require. These properties make nGen more workable at a wider breadth of temperatures, producing reliable results and resulting in less waste.

nGen_FLEX was released recently at the TCT Show and is our first semi-flexible material. With a Shore A hardness of 95 it is a material that is ideally suited for functional parts. It is not soft and squishy like other flexible materials in the market, but allows for fast printing and printing on 3D printers using a Bowden tube. nGen_FLEX is a material for users looking for an engineering grade flexible filament with a high temperature resistance (over 120 degrees C) and good chemical resistance.

Both nGen and nGen_FLEX are made with Eastman Amphora™ 3D polymers, a range of co-polyesters developed with Eastman Chemical Company for 3D printing. Amphora co-polyesters are low-odor, styrene-free choices that are uniquely suited for 3D printing applications. With Amphora based filaments, items can be created that are more functional, more durable, more efficient and attractive. You can find more information about co-polyesters in the article we recently published: What we talk about when we talk about co-polyesters.

Both nGen and nGen_FLEX are available now in our webshop (click here or here) and via our network of distributors and resellers. Click here for a reseller closest to you (Imaginables also resells colorFabb filaments. Click here and here).

Upgrading our equipment

It’s great to be able to improve on your own equipment simply by adding 3D printed parts. We designed and printed an end-piece for our pelletizer. With this end-piece we prevent spillage of material because the pellets are guided much better.

Next to this part we also added a better dust shoot, collecting all the dust and guiding it towards a bag. A m8 locknut is incorporated in the sides of the end-piece so there’s the ability to clamp it down.

For both applications we used colorFabb_XT, made with Eastman Amphora AM1800. This machine is used everyday at colorFabb and vibrates a lot during operation. We decided XT would be the best choice for this particular application where good toughness is needed but no particular high heat resistance.

The two tone color effect on the end piece was created by switching colors during print, using the pause and change filament routine on the Ultimaker 2.

3D printed facade tiles

To inspire the community of architects we 3D printed a fantastic design by David_Mussaffi showing the potential of 3D printing for architectural purposes.

David designed various wall tiles which are clearly inspired by wave patterns. The models have been created using Blender.

We used woodFill and corkFill to print this model, which are two perfect materials for architects. These materials look and feel totally different then regular plastic filaments. For scale architectural models this materials is a great match and adds lots of value.

David also made a video of his Ultimaker 2 printing the wall tiles in colorFabb Dutch Orange.

Universal Bottle Opener

The day before Christmas we feature a print that is both functional and, more important, has a backstory. Travis Corbett, under the name In3Designs, has designed the Universal Bottle Opener.

Design: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1097099

The reason for designing this bottle opener are best explained in Travis’ own words: “My mother was diagnosed with Cushing syndrome over a year ago. Along with many other symptoms muscle deterioration is one of them. She has been treated and is on the road to recovery but she is still very weak. She was telling me that she had to go to her neighbors house so they could open up a bottle for her. She had a bottle opener but not one that would fit a large bottle. I went through a few different designs but now I have a working version. The “Universal Bottle Opener” or “UBO” can open large juice bottles, sports drink bottles, soda bottles, canned drinks, and pop tops!”

This is a fantastic design and we love how 3D printing is being used this way! Keep up the good work, Travis!

For this print we used our all-round nGen filament and printed two bottle openers simultaneously on the Stacker S4 with 2 print heads.

nGen is made from Eastman Amphora™ AM3300 3D polymer. Like colorFabb_XT, colorFabb_HT and nGen_FLEX, it is part of Eastman’s Amphora range of copolyesters for 3D printing. Find more about co-polyesters, what they are and what the advantages are by visiting our previous blog. You can find out more about nGen by visiting our dedicated landing page.

nGen is a low-odor, styrene-free material uniquely suited for 3D printing enthusiasts, particularly those who need the flexibility to print within a wide processing temperature range. With nGen you will have good flow properties through the printer nozzle — even at lower temperatures than some other polymers require. These properties make nGen more workable at a wider breadth of temperatures, producing reliable results and resulting in less waste.

The printer used was the Stacker S4. With up to 4 print heads working simultaneously, he Stacker is a perfect printer for large scale projects and small series production. You can find more information by visiting our website: http://stacker.colorfabb.com/

 

 

 

Underwater Hockey sticks

It is the season of giving and we can only imagine the amount of 3D printed items given away. One give away that was printed recently were little commemorative underwater hockey sticks. For this bulk print job we used our new PLA Economy filament.

Design by Joshyu: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:129665

Scaled at 20% from its original design, these little sticks were all printed on the Ultimaker 2+.

Underwater hockey is a sport that is played on the bottom of a swimming pool where two teams push and move a puck over the bottom of that pool. Although fairly unknown with the mass audiences, it is played worldwide.

PLA Economy was used for these prints since this new filament is a perfect filament to make such a give away, especially when they need to be produced in bulk and small series production. There were 33 little sticks per build plate, taking up approx. 5-6 hours per printer to finish the job. In total, nearly 200 were printed.

PLA Economy was launched only a month ago and we’ve been sold out ever since. With all the back orders having shipped now, we are creating a stock situation. We have been printing quite a lot with our new PLA Economy line. A few examples are:

We have been testing this material for the better part of the summer and have found this filament a great alternative those customers who need a lot of PLA. We have released PLA Economy in four colors: White (RAL 9010), Black (RAL 9005, Red (RAL 3020) and Silver (RAL 9023). This PLA grade has been tested extensively and is being produced and shipped by the same colorFabb team you are used to so you know we are not compromising on quality. You can rely with this filament on the same high standards that colorFabb is known for. It is available only on 2.2kg spools.

PLA Economy is an addition to our range of PLA/PHA, which is available in 30 colors (and on 750 grams spools).

Design: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1862683

Coke bottles

Our nGen filament is a great material for visual prototyping. Recently we used nGen to print Coke bottles in various colors:

Design: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1594463

We printed these bottles on the Swiss made Delta Tower with a 0.2mm layer height. The smooth surface and consistency of the filament, make nGen an ideal material to print large prototypes with. These models were scaled up to nearly 30cm.

We printed this model in 6 colors, but did you know that we offer nGen in 17 colors (including a clear one)?

You can find the full portfolio of nGen in our webshop.

nGen is made from Eastman Amphora™ AM3300 3D polymer. Like colorFabb_XT, colorFabb_HT and nGen_FLEX, it is part of Eastman’s Amphora range of copolyesters for 3D printing. We work closely with Eastman to bring the best materials to the market. Find more about co-polyesters, what they are and what the advantages are by visiting our previous blog.

Ever since launching late last year nGen has seen a rapid adoption amongst experienced and new users alike. An early review by 3D Printing For Beginners still holds true to this very day. The ease of use and higher temperature resistance (twice that of PLA!) should make this a go-to filament for everybody who wants to get more from their print.

nGen is a low-odor, styrene-free material uniquely suited for 3D printing enthusiasts, particularly those who need the flexibility to print within a wide processing temperature range. With nGen you will have good flow properties through the printer nozzle—even at lower temperatures than some other polymers require. These properties make nGen more workable at a wider breadth of temperatures, producing reliable results and resulting in less waste. Find out how to print with nGen in our handy tutorial.

Amphora 3300 has been made into high-quality filament that exhibits advanced overhang ability, excellent looks, and large printing temperature range—empowering large panel of users to create durable and useful items. With the unique combination of a low processing temperature and an elevated temperature resistance, nGen can quickly print creations that are functional, durable, efficient and attractive.

You can find more information about nGen by clicking here.

 

Until the end of the year you can benefit from the Buy 4, Pay 3 promotion! Use coupon code colorfabb4you on our website to get the fourth spool you order for free! Some conditions apply though: cheapest spool is for free and samples and PLA Economy are exempt from this part of the promotion.

Death Star ornament

That’s not a moon, it’s a … Christmas ornament. Lighten up the Christmas tree with some Star Wars holiday spirit! A perfect material is our nGen filament and a touch of glowFill.

Design: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:117733

Designed by plainolddave (based on an original idea by Galen Erso, but without the weak spot), the files can be found on Scarif itself, aka Thingiverse. There is no need to go on a dangerous mission. Just click the link and transmit the files to your own rebellion stronghold. We printed the ornaments with nGen light gray and gray metallic for the most part and the trenches with glowFill on the Ultimaker 2+ at a 0.12mm layer height.

nGen is a great all-round filament for every day use.

nGen is made from Eastman Amphora™ AM3300 3D polymer. Like colorFabb_XT, colorFabb_HT and nGen_FLEX, it is part of Eastman’s Amphora range of copolyesters for 3D printing. Find more about co-polyesters, what they are and what the advantages are by visiting our previous blog.

nGen is a low-odor, styrene-free material uniquely suited for 3D printing enthusiasts, particularly those who need the flexibility to print within a wide processing temperature range. With nGen you will have good flow properties through the printer nozzle—even at lower temperatures than some other polymers require. These properties make nGen more workable at a wider breadth of temperatures, producing reliable results and resulting in less waste.

Amphora 3300 has been made into high-quality filament that exhibits advanced overhang ability, excellent looks, and large printing temperature range—empowering large panel of users to create durable and useful items. With the unique combination of a low processing temperature and an elevated temperature resistance, nGen can quickly print creations that are functional, durable, efficient, and attractive.

You can find more information about nGen by clicking here. nGen is available in many great colors.

glowFill was launched over 2 years ago and is part of our range of special filaments. It is a fantastic filament to lighten up these dark, wintery days. Great to make a full print with or perfect to accentuate a print like we made to give it an extra special touch!

I Am 3D Hubs

A few weeks ago 3D Hubs invited us to attend the opening of their new office. As you know, we have been working together with 3D Hubs for quite some time now. All 3D Hubs members are entitled to a discount when ordering from colorFabb.

3D Hubs has its home in Amsterdam and Amsterdam is in the DNA of 3D Hubs. We thought it would be fun to make a variation on the I Amsterdam logo that you can find for real on the Museum Square in the heart of Amsterdam. We adjusted it a bit, we played with it a bit and the result is quite nice:

You can download this very design from our Thingiverse page and print one yourself.

For this print we used bambooFill for the base plate, nGen Red for “I am” and PLA/PHA Standard White for “3D Hubs”. To make it completely Dutch, we printed all the parts on the Ultimaker 2. This print is a perfect example to use various materials from our portfolio together to create the best result!

3D Hubs is of course the platform that connects 3D printers worldwide and offers it as a service to the ones without a 3D printer. One of the primary forces in 3D printing today, 3D Hubs has seen a stellar growth in the past few years with a few succesfull investment rounds, a necessary move to a bigger office in the heart of Amsterdam and a role to educate the world about 3D printing. Read, for instance, their clear article on what 3D printing is.

We are a proud partner of 3D Hubs and are looking to work together with 3D Hubs and its members in 2017 even more!

 

For the remainder of the year, because it is colorFabb’s fourth anniversary, we continue our Buy 4, Pay 3 promotion. Use coupon code colorfabb4you on our website to get the fourth spool you order for free! Some conditions apply though: cheapest spool is for free and samples and PLA Economy are exempt from this part of the promotion. Since it is less than two weeks before Christmas, don’t forget to order in time!