What is the process of creating 3D printer filament?

The process involves storing raw materials, extruding, cooling, and laser measurement.

How is filament thickness controlled during production?

Filament thickness is controlled by adjusting speed with belts in the extrusion process.

Virgin resin is fresh, colorless, while recycled plastics are chopped into pellets.

Laser marking is done for identification before vacuum sealing and shipping.

Models are 3D printed, post-processed, painted, and displayed using modeling software.

PR is shifting from 3D printers to injection molding for more efficient production.
The Automated Farm System (AFS) streamlines 3D printing processes, reducing human intervention and aiming for widespread deployment by 2024.

What is the process of creating 3D printer filament?
The process involves storing raw materials, extruding, cooling, and laser measurement.
How is filament thickness controlled during production?
Filament thickness is controlled by adjusting speed with belts in the extrusion process.
What is the difference between virgin resin and recycled plastics?
Virgin resin is fresh, colorless, while recycled plastics are chopped into pellets.
What is the purpose of laser marking on finished spools?
Laser marking is done for identification before vacuum sealing and shipping.
How are large models at the Prague Zoo created?
Models are 3D printed, post-processed, painted, and displayed using modeling software.

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PR is transitioning from 3D printers to injection molding for production.
The process starts with storing raw materials like recycled and virgin plastics in warehouses.
Virgin resin is fresh from the factory and colorless, unlike recycled materials.
Recycled plastics are chopped into pellets for extrusion.
Filament development involves adding color to raw PLA using a vacuum hose and dryer.
The extruder melts and mixes the plastic, pushing it through a die head.
Cooling the material in a water bath solidifies it before diameter control.
Belts control filament thickness by adjusting speed in the extrusion process.
Laser measurement ensures precise filament diameter during production.
Finished spools are laser-marked, vacuum-sealed, boxed, and palletized for shipping.

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The production process involves a giant trolley with 24 pieces sent to shipping.
The production line includes workstations for assembly, testing, and packing.
Filament loading and testing are semi-automated, with operators starting the test.
The final assembly requires at least two people due to the printer's weight.
The packaging includes big boxes with accessories and large haribo bears.
Recycling involves grinding down improperly produced filament and reels for new ones.
The company is transitioning from 3D printing to injection molding for efficiency.
Injection molding involves heating plastic, injecting it into molds, and extracting parts.
Parts like spool holders are created through injection molding and shredding processes.
The SMT line allows for flexible prototype building with quick project starts.

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Models at the Prague Zoo are 3D printed from files, post-processed, painted, and displayed.
Modeling software used includes Zbrush, Blender, and Fusion for creating models.
Large models are cut into chunks using a slicer, focusing on smooth areas for cutting.
Bondo filler is used to smooth models, followed by sanding and spray painting.
A vacuum cleaner is deemed the most crucial tool in the workshop.
It takes two days to print and post-process a model, with slicing taking around 5 minutes.
The Automated Farm System (AFS) allows for modular configurations with up to 27 printers.
The AFS reduces human attendance needs by printing on demand and live data integration.
A new Core XY printer, smaller than the XL, is developed for the AFS with swappable features.
The AFS aims to deploy units by 2024, enhancing efficiency and reducing human involvement.
The repair department at Pia conducts full diagnostics and testing on received printers for repairs.
Technicians communicate with customers in their language, ensuring accurate issue identification.