December/January 2019

www.smartmachinesandfactories.com December/January 2020 | 39 | | TECHNOLOGIES | helps prevent materials such as PEEK and PEI from sticking. Stainless steel is a less common option, but it’s hardwearing, meaning it’s far less likely to become damaged. Another benefit of stainless steel is that materials are far less likely to stick, so less maintenance is required. The next level up is hardened steel, which is abrasion resistant, which makes it ideal for abrasive filaments such as carbon and metal fill. Hardened steel is generally regarded as an excellent all-round nozzle and, although more expensive than brass and copper, it will outlast the others. The next level up is the Olsson Ruby; this nozzle is made from brass except for the tip which features a small ruby with the hole through it. These heads are completely abrasion resistant and are ideal if you print with plenty of carbon fill but do come with a hefty price tag. Choosing the right nozzle There’s plenty of choice out there when it comes to nozzles; ultimately, your decision should be based on what material you’re using and then the level of detail required and the time available to create the print. For example, let’s say you’ve designed a camera dolly and need to print an enclosure for some electronics. ColorFabb nGen or TitanX ABS are both suitable materials, but you haven’t finalised the design yet, so you just want a print to check proof of concept. Selecting a sizeable 0.8mm nozzle for a fast print speed is ideal for checking the concept works. Once you’ve checked the design, you can then print with at a higher detail using a smaller 0.3mm-diameter nozzle. If you need to print parts that require the strength or rigidity of a composite material, such as a camera mount, then, once again, select the material and then the appropriate head. PETG CarbonFill is a good option with the SingleX head for Robox printers or an Olsson Ruby nozzle for other printers. By matching material, nozzle type and diameter to what you’re printing, you can achieve the best balance of detail and surface finish or speed. Correctly matching all elements is relatively easy and will make a significant difference to the quality of your prints and the longevity of your 3D printer. Chris Elsworthy, MD and Lead Mechanical Engineer, CEL-UK

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