MakerBot Experimental Extruder gets an upgrade

March 23, 2021
The GEN 2 extruder's hardened-steel components let it handle abrasive materials in the company's Method 3-D printer.

Labs Gen 2 Experimental Extruder MakerBot’s Labs Experimental Extruder allows its Method industrial desktop 3-D printers to use a variety of third-party engineering materials. The standard extruder is easily swapped with the Experimental Extruder, which can reach up to 572 degrees Fahrenheit. Using advanced materials, engineers can look for new 3-D printing applications.

What’s new? Hardened-steel components. The GEN 2 extruder, which became available in Q4 2020, features upgraded gears and a metal filament switch. 

Benefits  Part optimization. CT scan validation helps refine the material models and allows users to better predict the effect fiber orientation will have on mechanical performance. Armed with accurate models, engineers can troubleshoot quality issues and make adjustments to reduce material use or avoid points of failure.

MakerBot Industries LLC, Brooklyn, N.Y., 347-334-6800, www.makerbot.com