Dglass 3D Autolift Precision Hot Ends now on Kickstarter

Autolift retracting hot end by Dglass 3D is on Kickstarter now.  It is a new type of hot end that will improve the 3d print quality, resolution, eliminate nozzle "dragging" and prevent clogging. You can get it trough the campaign for some USD 125.

Key features:

• Plug-and-play groove style mount 
• All-metal design for high temperatures 
• Micro linear bearing for maximum durability and performance
• Compact design allows for simplified adaptability 
• 1.75mm or 3mm filament 
• 40w cartridge heater included 
• 300º C thermistors included (500º C optional) 
• 0.35 mm nozzle included 
• Fan included Locally sourced parts, hand assembled by D3D team 
• No Kapton Tape Required! Thermistor & Heater affixed with setscrews

From the campaign:

The D3D team is proud to be back on Kickstarter with another 3D printing innovation. The idea for Autolift hot ends was born during our development process for the RUGGED HPX line of extruders, which was successfully funded on Kickstarter earlier this year. After hundreds of hours of testing, we discovered that rigid mounted hot ends could create quality prints, but were limited in their ability to offer fine detail and resolution when printing with 2 colors. That’s because they could not fully retract, resulting in plastic stringing and deposits left on the print. That limitation was frustrating and helped showcase the need for high performance hot ends that could prevent dragging, eliminate stringing and break the 100 micron barrier.

Our patent pending D3D Autolift hot ends are the solution. The AutoLift system automatically lifts the nozzle during filament retraction, eliminating dragging and preventing extra plastic from being deposited on the print.
Autolift is an engineered system comprising of a micro linear bearing and spring to activate the retracted nozzle position. The system does not require special electronics or servo actuation, and is designed to function as part of the standard filament retraction operation. The Autolift system is also adjustable, allowing the user to fine tune the retraction amount depending on the particular project, material or printing objectives.

Go ant check it out:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/dglass3d/autolift-precision-3d-printer-hot-ends

Here is the first post about this hot end:

http://diy3dprinting.blogspot.com/2014/04/dglass3d-advanced-retracting-hot-end.html

Read More

Dglass3D advanced retracting hot end

In theory retracting hot end should allow for higher quality prints and faster printing. This type of retractable hot end would allow that the printbed remains fixed and further increase precision and speed. Nozzle "dragging" should be eliminated in both printing and inactive extruder nozzle in dual hot end setups.
D3D is developing this technology and it could get on your printer soon ...

There are many shoulds and woulds, but the video looks promising ... as always, future will show if this product will make satisfied buyers ...

http://www.dglass3d.com/

Update (1.5.2014.):

Here is new video of hot end in action:




Update 2 (21.5.2014.):

It is on Kickstarter now:

http://diy3dprinting.blogspot.com/2014/05/dglass-3d-autolift-precision-hot-ends.html

Read More

D3D extruder

D3D is coming up with innovative and powerful new extruder print head. They promise advanced dual extrusion capabilities in half of the size of current dual extrusion heads.

The design process video



General company video and intro into extruder heads and presentation of their product



Details of their extrusion head






Kickstarter campaign will follow soon.

Check out their company site:

http://www.dglass3d.com/

About the company from their page:

Dglass 3D was founded in 2013 as a division of Douglass Innovations, Inc. Our Parent company, Douglass Innovations, purchased a mainstream commercially available FDM printer and in a very short time we uncovered many weaknesses, shortcomings, and challenges with the materials, the hardware, and the software. After uncovering these shortcomings we decided to form Dglass 3D with a very specific focus….. to improve FDM for the mainstream.
We are focused on hardware, software, and developing better materials for filament and we believe with our strong background in mechanical & electrical systems, software, polymers, and our commitment to excellence, we will improve the additive manufacturing user experience.

Videos from:

http://www.youtube.com/user/dglass3d?feature=watch

Update:
Here is their kickstarter for dual and quad extruders
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/dglass3d/the-3d-printing-extruder-reinvented-the-dual-and-q

Read More