IVI: The Closed-Loop 3D Printer

[Testing] IVI CNC carving acrylic
almost 5 years ago – Thu, May 16, 2019 at 12:00:33 AM

Dear all, 

Today, we tested the CNC carving function on acrylic. 

Below are the settings of this test. 

Material: acrylic

Diameter: 100 mm

Height: 3 mm

Bits used: 0.3 mm engraving bit

Carving depth: 0.2 mm

Carving time: 1 hour and 17 minutes

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[Testing] Autodesk test with 30 mm & 40 mm fans
almost 5 years ago – Wed, May 15, 2019 at 12:52:09 AM

Dear all, 

Here are the testing results of IVI printing the Autodesk test model with 30 mm fans VS 40 mm fans. From this test, we think the result with 40 mm fans is slightly better than that of 30 mm fans. 

30 mm fans printing time-lapse

40 mm fans printing time-lapse

We will keep testing this solution with other models, other nozzle sizes and other speed before we make a final decision. We will also share the tests with you. 

Below are the printing parameters during this test.
        Nozzle diameter: 0.3 mm
        Printing temperature: 210℃
        Layer height: 0.15 mm
        Printing speed: 30 mm/s
        Travel speed: 100 mm/s
        Retraction speed: 65 mm/s

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Other feature comparison:

[Testing] IVI CNC carving Walnut
almost 5 years ago – Tue, May 14, 2019 at 12:40:01 AM

Dear all, 

Today, we tested the CNC carving function on Walnut. 

Below are the settings of this test. 

Material: Walnut

Diameter: 78 mm

Height: 10 mm

Bits used: 1 mm end mill

Carving depth: 0.6 mm

Carving time: 3 hours in total, 1.5 hours per pass

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[Testing] New print head attachment for the cooling issue
almost 5 years ago – Mon, May 13, 2019 at 12:14:45 AM

Dear all,

From our last Autodesk test, many of you requested that a more powerful cooling system is necessary for IVI to deliver better overhang print quality. And we agree with you. 

Considering the fact that besides the PLA & TPU, when printing other heat resistant filaments, the cooling system needs to be disabled, we designed a print head attachment. 

This print head attachment provides directional cooling, while the two turbofans with 7.7 CFM airflow on the top of IVI provides turbulent cooling. We believe by combining these two, it will provide enough cooling for both partial and large areas. 

Features of the attachment:

• The planned material for this attachment is plastic in order to reduce the weight.
• The attachment will be connected with the print head via magnet.
• The attachment will be powered through Pogo pin. (During our test, we soldered the fan wire directly to the PCB of the print head.)
• Two turbofans are installed on the two sides of the attachment.

Advantages of the attachment:

• One attachment can be used for the different print heads.
• Lightweight for less impact on overall print quality.
• Easily removable for when printing heat resistant filaments, like PC, Nylon, POM, etc. 
• Lower cost. 

So far, we’ve tested 30 mm and 40 mm turbofans and the 30 mm turbofans turn out to be enough for a better overhang print quality. We will keep optimizing this design with XIVO Design for a better result. 

Because of the limited time, we haven't test on many models except the Autodesk test model. We will keep testing and then share with you a detailed testing results. 

Please do not hesitate to share with us your thoughts on this. Together, we will nurture IVI to a better 3D Printer.  

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[Outsourcing update] Cooperation with XIVO Design
almost 5 years ago – Sat, May 11, 2019 at 12:21:54 AM

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