MakerBot Smart Extruder+ | More performance over a longer period of time

MakerBot announced earlier this week the MakerBot Smart Extruder+, a new interchangeable extruder for 5th generation MakerBot 3D printers. The new MakerBot Smart Extruder+ has been designed and tested to deliver increased print performance over a longer period of time. With improved components and an optimized sensor system, the Smart Extruder+ is designed to ensure a consistently fast and reliable printing process. MakerBot, in close collaboration with its parent company Stratasysto prove the performance of the Smart Extruder+ with the support of two independent teams.

MakerBot Smart Extruder+ | Product tests & review

MakerBot worked closely with its parent company Stratasys on the development and testing of the Smart Extruder+, benefiting from Stratasys’ 25 years of experience in the industry. MakerBot’s product testing initiative involved over 160,000 cumulative hours – or 18 years – of printing. A total of 5,800 prints were completed by two groups – one at MakerBot and one at Stratasys – to ensure independent verification of the test results. In these tests, the Smart Extruder+ performed consistently and reliably for over 700 hours on a MakerBot Replicator Desktop 3D printer printer – the equivalent of 2.32 km MakerBot PLA Filament. Over 90 percent of the test devices still printed successfully after more than 1,200 hours of printing time.

MakerBot Smart Extruder+ | Product developments

To ensure the long-term reliability of the Smart Extruder+, its main components have been optimized, for example the heat management system has been improved and the PTFE tube through which the filament is fed into the nozzle has been extended. In addition, the Smart Extruder+ enables a faster start of the printing process and a refined leveling of the build plate (calibration process of the 3D printer). The intelligent sensors within the extruder have been optimized for higher performance and for a consistently fast printing process – this can save time and costs. The Smart Extruder+ Sensor System communicates with MakerBot Desktop and MakerBot Mobileto keep users up to date on print progress. The filament sensor detection notifies the user via PC or smartphone, for example, as soon as the filament runs out and automatically pauses the print to allow the print to be restored.

MakerBot Smart Extruder+ | Order & Buy

The Smart Extruder+ is now available for pre-order and shipping in the USA is expected to begin on January 18, 2016. In Europe, the new Smart Extruder+ will be available from mid / end of February*. The devices will be delivered with the normal SmartExtruders until further notice. However, we will gradually replace them with the new MakerBot SmartExtruders+ in the event of a warranty claim. All MakerBot customers who own a 5th generation MakerBot Replicator 3D printer will receive the MakerBot Smart Extruder+ at a special price if they pre-order by the end of February. New customers also benefit from this discount when purchasing a 5th generation MakerBot Replicator 3D printer.

Click here to pre-order the SmartExtruder+ for the MakerBot Replicator Mini and the MakerBot Replicator.

Here you can pre-order the SmartExtruder+ for the MakerBot Replicator Z18.

MakerBot Smart Extruder+ | MakerBot Industries

The MakerBot Smart Extruder+ is the latest addition to the extensive MakerBot 3D Ecosystem, which makes 3D printing easy and accessible for everyone. The MakerBot 3D Ecosystem includes the MakerBot 3D printers and a 3D scanner; Thingiverse.comthe world’s largest 3D printing design community, and the software MakerBot Desktop and apps like MakerBot Mobile and MakerBot PrintShop. MakerBot installed in the USA alone MakerBot 3D printers at more than 5,000 educational institutions. MakerBot & 3d-edu.ch also offer a range of resources for schools and education, which can be accessed on the Edu-Portal. This contains a wide variety of ideas, activities and projects to get straight into the topic of 3D printing.

MakerBot, a subsidiary of Stratasys Ltd (Nasdaq: SSYS)sets the standard for reliable and affordable desktop 3D printers. Founded in 2009, MakerBot sells its desktop 3D printers to innovative and industry-leading customers worldwide, including engineers, architects, designers, educators and consumers. With more than 90,000 3D printers sold worldwide, MakerBot is a market leader in desktop 3D printing and is characterized by offering a complete 3D ecosystem that makes 3D printing easy and accessible to everyone.

(*Data without guarantee)