Plastic Scribbler Introduces Its Newest Model of 3D Printer: The Asterid Model 1100
Cumming, GA (PRWEB) March 04, 2014 -- Starting with the Asterid 1000S $499 dollar base model 3D printer, Plastic Scribbler has added all the features even the most hardened veteran of 3D printing would need. The new model, Asterid 1100, includes a Smart Controller, a 12V 40W heater cartridge, a heated build platform with a borosilicate glass build surface and all the same great features as the 1000S model such as an 8” x 8” x 8” build volume, acme threaded rod for z-axis motion and geared extruder for more dependable extrusion.
The included Smart Controller adds a full size SD card reader in addition to a LCD display and allows for computer free 3D printing! With this standard option, the user is no longer tied to their office in order to use their 3D printer, the user can now take his 3D printer with him on a trip and doesn't even need to bring a computer! In addition, since the G-code is fed straight off the SD card, any latency or lag created by a personal computer and the USB interface would be completely eliminated. The included Smart Controller helps create the very highest quality of FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication) 3D printing that is possible today. The included slicer software would still be used to generate the g-code used for printing, but once the g-code file is on the SD card the Smart Controller does the rest. The user can auto-home all three axises, make small or large manual movements on each axis, all without the use of a PC. The Smart Controller also gives constant feedback on extruder and bed temperature, so the user can instantly monitor the status of their 3D prints.
In addition to the Smart Controller, Plastic Scribbler's newest model also includes a premium heater cartridge. When compared to the standard model 1000S power resistor, the heater cartridge out performs it in many ways. As plastic filament is extruded through the nozzle, heat is extracted. It is the job of the hot end heating element to return this heat loss back to the hot end extruder block. With a higher power density, the heater cartridge can restore heat loss more quickly which allows for more consistent extrusion and better 3D prints. In addition, since the heater cartridge heats up more quickly, the user can spend more time 3D printing instead of waiting.
Whether the user chooses to print in ABS or PLA (the Asterid model 1100 supports both), the included heated build platform helps them achieve excellent results. The heated bed keeps the first couple of layers of the 3D model warm, to help prevent warping due to uneven part cooling. The heated bed thus helps reduce the chance the 3D printed model will pull-up at the corners and warp severely. In addition, the heated bed surface also helps the first layer adhere to the borosilicate glass or build plate which also helps create better 3D prints. Over the heated build PCB, Plastic Scribbler has supplied the model 1100 with a 10.5” x 9” x 1/8” thick piece of borosilicate glass. Borosilicate glass has a very low coefficient of thermal expansion, which allows the glass to be safely heated and cooled without worrying about breakage. Borosilicate glass is also one of the flattest man made materials. A flat build surface is critical for the first few layers since an uneven surface would cause sticking and part deformation issues.
In addition to the new product offering, Plastic Scribbler has also been very busy on design side improvements. The z-axis motor mounts have been significantly strengthened and the y-axis guide plate bearing support has also been redesigned and upgraded. The new design strengthens the entire assembly and makes for a more robust 3D printer. The Plastic Scribbler team has also tweaked the slicer settings and improved the print quality. Finally, they have made small changes to the Y and Z axis limit switch mounts. The new mounts make it easy to tweak these two end points and give more clearance to the y-axis table and the z-axis limit switch. All these improvements have been incorporated into the existing 3D printer models the 1000S, the 1000HB and also in the newest model the 1100.
With all the professional features included in the price, the Asterid Model 1100 3D printer is a great way for artists, engineers, designers and students to get started in the world of 3D printing. In addition, all of Plastic Scribbler's 3D printers use standard 1.75mm plastic filament and do not use proprietary 3D printer filament. Some 3D printer manufacturers embed RFID tags or use other means to make sure the consumer is forced to purchase their brand of filament. Plastic Scribbler's 3D printers do not use proprietary filament and the end user is free to use and experiment with any 1.75mm plastic filament available on the market. This is a huge advantage and any 3D printer user should recognize the benefits right away. So, please visit Plastic Scribbler's website to check out all the great 3D printers they have to offer that start at just $499 dollars.
Tim Manasterski, Plastic Scribbler Inc., http://www.plasticscribbler.com, +1 6786776449, [email protected]
Share this article