There are several challenges to large-format printing: time, cost, and a higher risk of failure. As IC3D continues to grow as a leader in both materials and large-format 3D printing, we decided to put our engineering team to the test.
Could they design a chair that met the following criteria?
To perform this lofty experiment, the engineers created a custom nozzle with a 2mm diameter orifice — more than doubling the extrusion rate. The organic, circular shape and honeycomb infill ensure a sturdy design without the need of support. The team went one step further, forgoing PLA, which is the usual choice for large-format printing. Instead they chose ABS believing their design and knowledge could prevent the known tendency for warping in larger prints. ABS has the added bonus of being more impact-resistant and 25% percent lighter than PLA.
This design by Sean Moran, an IC3D engineer, won out. This chair demonstrates how good design, coupled with experience can produce a durable, large-scale object at lower cost. With strong, thick layers of production grade IC3D ABS, the team was able to bring something that would normally take a prohibitive amount of time into the realm of practicality.
In large-format 3D printing, the amount of material used throughout the prototype iteration process can lead to significant costs. To tackle this barrier, IC3D is developing a line of Recycled PETG filament for both at-home users and industry professionals alike. IC3D R-PETG will be both the economic and high-quality choice that makes large-format printing more accessible and environmentally sustainable with its high flow rate, bonding ability, and lower temperature requirements.
This chair and future R-PETG iterations mark the beginning of a new leap for IC3D. When given the ability to sustainably and affordably create large-format objects, a new door of possibilities is opened. If you’re interested in seeing what’s on the other side, be sure to sign up for our newsletter or contact us with your own inspired designs.
