SUNLU’s new 3D printing accent, the FC01 Filament Connector, can be a part of varied 3D supplies (PLA, ABS, PETG, PCL, PA, and PC). However why do you want such a software? Let’s discover out from this evaluation!
If you’re into 3D printing, you in all probability know the way arduous it’s to throw away a spool with a couple of meters of leftover filament. You suppose they may nonetheless be good at one thing, like testing a brand new 3D machine or printing small fashions. The SUNLU Filament Connector permits fusing collectively all these leftover filaments and utilizing them to the final cm for zero waste.
The SUNLU FC01 filament jointer can be useful for making your distinctive multi-color filament. Utilizing the slicer app, you may estimate the filament size for a colour swap and print the mannequin in two or three colours utilizing your pre-join filament.
SUNLU FC01 3D Filament Splicer evaluation
Disclosure: I acquired this filament joint machine as a part of a product evaluation collaboration with SUNLU. Product specs and high quality could range in line with the producer’s reliability, so I can’t assure that you’re going to get merchandise that carry out the identical as proven in my article.
Along with varied printing supplies (filaments and resins), SUNLU affords a variety of 3D printing equipment, together with filament dryers, vacuum baggage, and enclosures. The FC01 is the corporate’s and business’s filament filament fuser software.
The FC01 was despatched out from SUNLU’s European warehouse, and I acquired it in lower than every week. Additionally they despatched me two spools (Silver and Fuchsia) of their upgraded PLA+ 2.0 filaments. The filament connector comes within the field with a bag of PTFE splice sleeves (200 pcs of Teflon tubes) and a USB energy cable. The filament fuser unit measures about 75x110x35mm and weighs 140 grams. It has a clear “design” cowl and a security one which secures filaments throughout fusing. On the entrance panel is a 50x13mm monochrome touchscreen for straightforward operation.
Inside, within the unit’s middle, there’s a metallic heating aspect that melts the 2 filament ends. On the again, a replaceable blade permits you to lower off the PTFE tube after you end becoming a member of the 2 filaments.
A tiny swap detects when the filament flap is closed, and when the melting course of is completed, a sound alarm warns you to take away the filaments. It has 5 pre-set temperature and melting time settings (PLA, PCL, ABS, PETG, and PAPC).
Filament Connector FC01: Core options
[Zero Waste] SUNLU Filament Connector FC01 absolutely makes use of leftover 3D printing filament, minimizing waste and saving prices. The fusion splicer reduces tail materials waste and helps customers save on new consumables. Obtain environment friendly printing tasks with zero waste.
[Creative DIY, Multi-Color Printing] Simply fuse filaments of the identical materials however totally different colours to create vibrant, customized 3D prints, whether or not for multi-color fashions or gradient results.
[Quick and Accurate Fuse] The SUNLU FC01 quickly heats as much as 185°C in about 3 minutes, bettering effectivity and saving time. Temperature accuracy inside ±3°C ensures dependable and constant operation for a steady and environment friendly expertise.
[Wide 3D Printing Material Compatibility] It permits as much as 240°C fuse temperature and is appropriate with most 3D printing supplies, akin to PLA, ABS, and PETG (1.75mm diameter).
[Ultra-Safe Design] It adopts superior temperature management and high-quality insulation supplies to maintain the exterior temperature between 50 °C and 100°C throughout fusion, guaranteeing secure and worry-free use.
[Visual Operation] Constructed-in window and show display for real-time monitoring of the fusion course of. Offers real-time temperature info, guaranteeing customers are knowledgeable of every step and the tools’s standing.
3D Filament Connector (Welder): How does it work, and the way do you employ it?
In abstract, the filament connector’s working precept is much like that of a fiber optic fusion splicer however with out the necessity for ultra-high accuracy in aligning the 2 ends. The unit’s coronary heart is a heating aspect with exact temperature management.
While you activate the equipment, it begins to warmth as much as the default temperature setting -when that is reached, you’ll hear three beeps.
First, you should make a clear lower on the tip of every of the 2 filaments you need to be a part of. I like to recommend making angle cuts for an elevated contact floor. Subsequent, it is advisable insert the 2 ends right into a Teflon tube —ensure that they contact, and there’s no house between them. After this, insert the tube into the SUNLU melting machine, guaranteeing the junction falls within the middle of the heating aspect, and shut the protection cowl. It’s important to decide on supplies with the identical melting temperature; in any other case, they won’t fuse.
The fusion course of begins routinely, and the FC01 will verify when you may take away filaments. After the joint space has cooled and hardened, you may take away the tube with the built-in blade.
Lastly, carry out a visible inspection for dimension imperfection or poor bonding —if one thing is flawed, repeat the method.
The week-long check interval taught me that every one the welds will likely be good regardless of what number of occasions you attempt. The process will be perfected by testing totally different temperature settings, however you may nonetheless be stunned that the weld will come aside throughout use or get caught within the print head. Leveraging the PLA temperature from 185°C to 175°C improved the outcomes. Additionally, pushing the 2 ends into one another when melted strengthens the bond.
I like to recommend printing and utilizing this Pocket Razor Blade Tube Filament Cutter, which permits clear, exact, straight, angled cuts. One other challenge you need to take into account printing is that this spool drill winder, which permits simple and quick re-spooling of your {custom} filament mix.
Most moist 3D filaments, together with PLA, have a tendency to interrupt when dealt with, so I like to recommend dehydrating them earlier than use. The FilaDryer S4 can dry 4 rolls concurrently, making it an ideal possibility for custom-blend filaments.
Beneficial temperature and time settings
The FC01 comes with presets for every time of generally used filaments. If the joins are imperfect, you may attempt rising/lowering the temperature and adjusting the fusing time.
Materials
Melting temperature
Warming-up time
Fusing time
PCL
85°C
1 min
5s to 6s
PLA sequence
185°C
3 min
7s to 8s
ABS
220°C
3~4 min
7s to 8s
PETG
210°C
3~4 min
7s to 8s
PA & Computer
230°C
5 min
9s to 10s
Within the video under, Bryan Vines from BV3D affords some further suggestions on tips on how to get probably the most out of the SUNLU FC1 filament welding machine.
Pricing, availability, and choices
The FC01 filament fusion splicer is on pre-sale with 22% off. The naked unit is $34.99, and 14 bundle packs can be found. You’ll be able to go for combos that embrace filament dryers (S1, S2, or S4), filaments, or further PTFE tubes.
You Can Belief Our Evaluations!
Since 2014, FirstQuadcopter has reviewed, completely examined, and rated tons of of merchandise, together with drones, gimbals, energy stations, motion cameras, 3D printers, and different high-tech gear that can assist you make higher shopping for selections.