MakerBot launches the MakerBot Method Carbon Fiber Edition

The new MakerBot Method Carbon Fiber Editions print carbon fiber-reinforced nylon with high strength and accuracy.

With the MakerBot Method Carbon Fiber Editions, MakerBot offers new possibilities in desktop 3D printing. The new Method Carbon Fiber Edition is designed to enable engineers to print stronger and more precise parts for tooling, fixtures, jigs and fixtures, and final production. In addition, printing MakerBot Nylon Carbon Fiber parts can be used to replace metal parts in some applications.

This addition to the Method platform enables the 3D printing of carbon fiber-reinforced nylon. This material has been optimized for high strength and heat resistance. The new METHOD and METHOD X Carbon Fiber editions come with the new Composite Extruder. This extruder is optimized for processing abrasive materials and is also available as an upgrade for the previous Method and Method X 3D printers. It features hardened metal drive gears, a metal filament switch and a replaceable hardened steel nozzle. It can print MakerBot nylon carbon fiber material and all other materials on the Method.

The new MakerBot nylon carbon fiber material is a lightweight alternative to metal for structural applications such as brackets and gauges, manufacturing tools such as robotic end effectors, or under-the-hood applications. Due to its good thermal and mechanical properties, carbon fiber is often used in the manufacturing, automotive and aerospace industries. As an alternative to metal parts, carbon fiber can help reduce costs and increase the overall efficiency of companies.

The Method Series heated build chamber produces strong, production-quality carbon fiber-reinforced nylon parts with an excellent surface finish. Users can produce complex geometries – even with internal cavities – using MakerBot’s soluble support material (PVA or SR-30). The final part can then be annealed for added strength using the new “build space anneal” function. Breakaway support can also be used for shorter print times. The Method 3D printers’ dry-sealable filament trays help keep the moisture-sensitive nylon carbon fiber material dry, resulting in better print quality and high reliability.

MakerBot plans to offer additional composite materials for the Method series composite extruder in the future. Since the Method X has a higher build temperature (up to 110°C) than the Method (60°C), the Method X will be able to support a wider range of composite materials in the future. The Method Carbon Fiber Editions, the MakerBot Nylon Carbon Fiber Filament and the Composite Extruder are expected to start shipping in June 2020.

The Method series has industrial 3D printer features that make it perfect for printing the highest quality engineering materials. The combination of the heatable build chamber, ultra-rigid steel frame, sealed material chutes, high-performance extruders and soluble support material enables engineers to consistently and repeatably print accurate parts. The Method Series offers a diverse portfolio of materials for a variety of engineering applications. MakerBot materials include Nylon-CF, PC-ABS, PC-ABS FR, ABS, ASA, Nylon, PETG, Tough, PLA and support materials SR-30 and PVA. With the availability of the MakerBot LABS extruder for Method, you can also experiment and print with other third-party industrial materials.