The aerospace, automotive, healthcare and other industries have long looked to carbon fiber to 3D print lightweight, high-performing and durable parts. Raise3D is taking that market to new heights and affordability with the release of its E2CF. Based on its existing E2 model, the new printer is made to optimize printing with fiber-reinforced materials, especially carbon fiber.
“The global effort to manufacture more energy-efficient equipment has fueled a high demand for high strength-to-weight ratio parts,” said Edward Feng, Raise3D CEO. “Carbon fiber is a great material choice for such parts, but its use in 3D printing was, until now, considered expensive. With the release of the E2CF, Raise3D fills the market gap for a desktop-level 3D printer optimized for fiber-reinforced filaments and will make carbon-fiber 3D printing affordable and simple at last.”
California-based Raise3D has come a long way since the release of its N2 in 2015. It has steadily added to its offerings, notably its industrial-grade E2 3D printer. The new E2CF is more heavy-duty, and offers manufacturers more accessibility to enhanced materials and production.
To ensure the quality and durability required, the E2CF features a double-gear extrusion system, which allows for processing hardened components with greater force while still minimizing extra wear. Both the nozzles and extruders are designed for long-term use, which means more than 1,000 hours of printing. The .4mm nozzle can handle temperatures up to 300°C and prints at speeds from 30 to 150mm/s. Layering height options run from .1 to .25mm.
The E2CF, which weighs 32.4 kg, has the added bonus of a leveling function developed specifically for fiber-reinforced materials. It provides better adhesion on the first layer, further enhancing quality and durability. It has an optical sensor that improves accuracy during nozzle calibration.
Since stability is essential in printing parts, the 607 x 596 x 465mm printer comes with two standalone dry boxes. These are designed to handle the high levels of water absorption associated with nylon and carbon fiber. They attach to the printer, ensuring that humidity conditions are properly maintained during printing.
The printer has a build volume of 330 x 240 x 240mm for single extruder and 295 x 240 x 240mm for dual extruder. It can be used with Wi-Fi, LAN, USB or live camera.
Raise3D isn’t just upping its 3D-printer game. The company is also set to launch its Industrial PA12 CF polymer and breakaway support material. According to Raise3D, PA12 CF has a tensile strength of 72 MPa, impact strength of 12.5 kJ/m2, and yields lightweight, durable parts with a high-level surface finish that eliminates post-processing. This high-performing material will be a viable option for numerous parts, including jigs and fixtures.
The company plans to offer the material as part of a package with the printer. Although the official availability date has not been set, the company plans on releasing its newest printer and material by the end of the year. As of now, the E2CF is expected to cost $4,499. In the meantime, it will be showcased at upcoming events, including Rapid+TCT, Sept. 13 to 15; TCT 3Sixty, Sept. 28-30; and Formnext, Nov. 16-19.
Interested in other 3D-printing innovations? Check out ioTech Introduces Continuous Laser Assisted Deposition 3D Printing Technology and Ultimaker Introduces New Print Core CC That Supports High-Strength Materials.