Fusion3 F400 Q & A and details

[SOC3D]

Bcn3d sigma, ultimaker 2+ extended, zortrax m200, mankati full scale xt and one or two others. We spent 90 days looking through specs. The fusion is the 12th printer to be bought or built here including prusas, flash forge, Rostock. Right now I’m debating the markforged or another f400.

[Johnic]

I got a proposal from chip and the printer is 8 weeks out. Ouch. Might need to consider a different printer.

[AndrewBougie]

It’s worth the wait… just my two cents.

[SOC3D]

Agreed. Mine was a preorder and more than 8 weeks. I’m glad I resisted the urge to cancel. Now that I have one I’d wait 3 months for another one.

[SOC3D]

The fusion, unlike most printers out there, is designed for small businesses. I’ve never run a print for anyone who owns a fusion. As for almost every other model of printer out there (especially makerbot) I’ve run prints due to quality issues, maintenance issues or deadlines for people who own or have access to a 3d printer.

[Johnic]

Ya. Spoke to chip this morning. I think it’s worth the wait. Need to line up a few things and place order. A lot for printer for first printer but it will suite me for a while I assume.

[Johnic]

Interesting and good info. Well, I’m looking to run a print biz off this printer (fingers crossed).

That why I’m purchasing this one. It will suite my needs.

[Spectra3D]

We’re very happy with our F306, I’m looking forward to getting an F400. It’s definitely worth the wait. I don’t know of another printer that has its particular niche. It’s highly capable, fast and can handle a huge array of materials.

[Johnic]

I watched a couple of you YouTube vid and notice a rubber band around the print head. Any reason for it ?

[SOC3D]

It’s around the bottom of the layer fan. At high speeds I had issues with the fan shroud vibrating more than I’m comfortable with. I’ve never owned a printer that I didn’t make some modifications to. The fusion is no exception. I also out a 120cfm fan on the extruder drive motor. (Way overkill) to prevent jams when using low temp PLA at high speeds.

[Johnic]

Of everyone’s other printers you’ve owned, how does the quality of the print compare. I’m not only looking at speed but looking at quality of print.

Thanks. Last question, want to pull trigger soon.

[AndrewBougie]

It’s excellent. Much better than most others I have worked with, and I have worked a lot of FDM printers. The selling points for me were: - Excellent print quality - Large enclosed print area - Industrial material capabilities - Uses the excellent E3Dv6 hot end - 2 year warranty

[Johnic]

Gotcha.

How upgradable is it down the road ?

[AndrewBougie]

Not sure, actually. I haven’t discussed this with Fusion3 at all, but the metal chassis does have mount points for a second extruder. I’m sure that is in their future plans. Personally, I can do every I need with a single extruder. The breakaway support works really well.

[3DPrintStudio]

Are you still liking the F400? Also, are the nozzles changeable?

[SOC3D]

We like all of our F400’s!

It uses an E3D V6 (Volcano on the HFR) so you can swap with OEM or Aftermarket nozzles yes. We swap nozzles a few times a week on both models depending on customer orders.

[3DPrintStudio]

Does it print well at 100mm/s as they advertise or is there some ringing when you get to those speeds? I have an Ultimaker 3 now but looking for something faster for single filament prints.

[sjohnson_NCSU]

Fusion3 uses swappable print heads and hardened steel nozzles (not brass). They don’t replace nozzles as that’s unreliable (need to heat to full operating temps (+240*C) with proper equipment to ensure nozzles are properly seated.

[SOC3D]

260c No special equipment. 2 crescent wrenches will work. Proper nozzle seating is a 101 level task and requires only working eyeballs.

[3DPrintStudio]

That’s what I was hoping. I know their manual discourages it, but I figured with the v6 that it should be possible.