3d printer forum
Hey there ??
So I need some help. I’m researching 3d printers and came across the Cubify. I’m wondering if someone could help me figure something out.
I’m looking to print a custom 3d letterpress plate (as shown in picture attached). Is this possible? How small can the text be? Is it precise? I’m looking to only print sizes 5x7 and smaller. If the cube isn’t capable of something like this, could anyone recommend another 3d printer that would do the job?
Many thanks,
Jamie
stngrz
March 17, 2017, 10:23am
2
Hi Jamie!
This is something you can do with any printer depending on the color and resolution you require on the low end (down to about 0.10mm). For example the finest line my printer can make is 0.40mm wide and variable from 0.20mm to 0.40mm in height.
submit it to my hub and I’ll take a look at your design files—> https://www.3dhubs.com/service/183834
@stngrz Have you ever experimented with a smaller nozzle, such as .2 or .1.? Pretty fun.
The smallest print on a 3d printer can do horizontally is how small the hole in the nozzle is, and usually a little more. As Strngz said below, the nozzle size on a typical printer, including the cubify, is .4mm. Some 3d printers can take smaller nozzle sizes, but doing so is rare and difficult, because when you get to sizes below .4mm, you are really just getting to a point the model will not hold up.
I recommend you take @stngrz up on his offer. If you have not seen an actual 3d print of what you are trying to do, it will be hard to pick a printer. The cost will be low compared to what a 3dprinter costs.
PS, the cubify appears to be on sale here: https://www.blinq.com/detail/electronics/printers-networking-office/printers-scanners-supplies/3d-systems-cube-3-printer-white-392200/500924?condition=brand-new&adpos=1o3&creative=108144009007&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=CjwKEAjwkq7GBRDun9iu2JjyhmsSJADHCD\_HUSUz5e-ThhqJqNswogwT-5tsWwR2SRBzhvz21IBrrRoCQzfw\_wcB
But I would get a print to look at before i went and bought a 3d printer that might not do the job. Also, be aware that the cubify has been discontinued from the manufacturer, I THINK.
stngrz
March 17, 2017, 6:38pm
5
I haven’t, no need as of yet… But maybe it’s time… I’ve used a variety of other printers capable of 5.0 microns or 0.005mm. I considered recommending a resin deposition type but they’re probably over kill and more expensive for this application.
Yeah, layer height (vertical resolution) is unaffected by it (more or less). But small horizontal details can really be improved by it. Its a terribly slow way to print, so you know, just for fun, as I have said.
I also have a 1.2mm nozzle I have been playing with. It can crank out a print FAST.
I have also been experimenting with the idea of dual extrusion. Shells, tops, bottoms with .4mm, other extruder doing infill with 1.2mm nozzle…
stngrz
March 17, 2017, 7:24pm
7
It is prototyping after all, I’ll stop my amazon on my way to Facebook or something haha