3D45 3D Printing Basics
- Glue Application
- Print Removal
- Leveling Print Bed
- Spool Loading
- Filament Properties
Applying Glue to the Build Plate
It is important to ensure that the 3D45 build platform is covered with Dremel specified glue before each build. A properly maintained glue layer helps parts adhere to the build plate during prints and prevents warping and curling, especially in large prints. You should apply a layer of glue every 1-3 prints. When you apply glue, make sure you apply it to the whole area of the bed where the part will print. Make sure that the build plate is cool before removing it or applying glue.
Each time you apply glue, make sure to apply two overlapping layers. You can apply the glue to the perimeter of the print area first (1), and then zigzag up and down while overlapping over the entire area (2).
Wait for 10 seconds and then apply another layer zigzagging left to right (3). This ensures a uniform layer over the entire build area. Allow the glue to dry before leveling or starting a print. Preheating the build plate can help speed up this process. Every 7-10 glue applications, or if the glue layer becomes uneven, you should completely clean the build platform. You can do this in one of two ways.
Glue Stick Pattern Illustration
Option 1: Remove the build platform from the printer. Wet the platform in water, by holding it under warm water for a few seconds. Make sure not to get the warning label on the front of the build plate wet. After that, you should easily be able to scrape or wipe the glue off. Make sure the build platform is completely dry before putting it back in the 3D45.
Option 2: Remove the build platform from the printer. Use the scraper to scrape the glue off the entire surface of the build plate. You can scrape from left to right and then from up to down to ensure that all the glue has been removed. Make sure to remove the build platform from the printer before scraping as glue dust can get sucked into the filter and clog it.
Apply two full layers of glue to the clean build plate allowing the first layer to dry in-between. Once the second layer has dried, re-level the platform before starting your next print.
Print Removal
Watch this video for proper instructions on how to safely remove printer objects from your Dremel DigiLab 3D45 Printer.
Tools Required:
1. Object removal tool
Step 1: Bring Printer To Safe State
Allow the build plate and nozzle to cool down below 60 degrees C before handling. To ensure this, using the touchscreen go to tools, preheat, then select pause on both nozzle temperature, and platform temperature icons. Allow the temperature to drop below 60 degrees C on both nozzle and platform. The build platform may take up to 20 minutes to cool down to a safe temperature.
Step 2: Remove Build Plate from Printer
a. Remove the build plate from the printer using the tabs on the right and left side of the the build plate (shown in left picture). Place it vertically against a sturdy surface (shown in right photo).
b. Ensure the build plate is well secure and will not slip once the object removal tool is being used.
Step 3: Remove the Printed Part
a. Place the tip of the object removal tool where the print is attached to the build plate.
b. Give a firm bump on the top part of the object removal tool.
c. Repeat this process if needed until the part detaches from the build plate.
Leveling 3D45 Build Platform
It is important you level the build platform every time you reinstall the build platform to ensure that the build platform is evenly spaced from the extruder head. Not leveling the build platform may cause objects to not build properly.
1. Tap “Level” on 3D45’s touch screen.
2. The extruder and build platform will move into position to level the build platform. 3D45 will first check level at the back center of the build platform. The two knobs under the build platform are used to raise and lower the build platform on the left and right. The extruder contains a sensor that detects if the bed is level, no additional tools are necessary.
3. The touch screen will indicate if your build platform is too high or too low. If the build platform is too high, adjust the appropriate knob by rotating right until you hear a “beep” and the touch screen indicates that it is ready to verify that the bed is level.
4. If the build platform is too low, adjist the knob by rotating left until you hear a “beep” and the touch screen indicates that it is ready to verify that the bed is level.
5. Tap “Verify” to check the bed level. If further adjustment is needed the touch screen will indicate the direction, if the level is correct, the extruder will move to the next point and the level process can be repeated.
6. Repeat steps 3-5 for the second position, when you bed is fully level the extruder will automatically move to the calibration position and complete the leveling process.
Filament Spool Installation
Follow these steps to change or install a new filament spool in your 3D45 printer.
If changing spools from one currently installed start here. If replacing an empty spool, or loading filament into a printer with no spool skip to Step 4.
1. Start filament load/change process by tapping “Filament” button on touch screen. Extruder will move to front right corner of print area and extruder tip will begin to heat.
2. After extruder stops moving, open the 3D45 Lid for better access to extruder.
3. If existing filament is loaded, cut existing filament near extruder intake and tap the arrow button on touch screen.
4. Remove Spool door by rotating it counter clockwise. Remove existing spool if one is present.
5. Thread tip of new filament through guide tube, place spool on spool holder, replace spool door by aligning locking tabs and rotating clockwise.
6. When you place a roll of Dremel filament into the spool holder, the printer will autorecognize the filament type and adjust the printer settings to be optimized for the filament you are using (This will bypass any print settings loaded in your sliced file).
Note: You have the option to enter advanced printer mode to manually alter print settings after you change filament. Please check all settings (if manually entered) as improper settings may cause prints to fail, property damage, or personal injury,
7. If changing existing filament, 3D45 will automatically purge existing filament.
8: When Feed Filament screen appears, tap the arrow on touch screen and thread filament coming from guide tube into extruder intake until extruder feeds through on its own.
9. Ensure the gears inside of the extruder have properly grabbed the filament before you finish the filament change. You will feel a tug and see the filament start to feed itself into the extruder when this occurs.
10. Filament will be drawn into the extruder and begin to exit from the hot extruder tip.
NOTE: Your Dremel 3D45 was tested by building objects before leaving the factory. These test objects may have been made with a different filament color than you are using. Therefore, a small amount of filament may be remaining in the extruder.
11. When new filament appears from extruder tip, tap “done” on touch screen to complete filament load process, return to main menu, and calibrate extruder. Carefully remove excess filament without touching hot extruder tip. If necessary, carefully remove debris from extruder tip with needle nose pliers. Use extra care not to damage the extruder tip when clearing debris. Dremel 3D45 will not work properly with a damaged extruder tip and will require replacement.
Filament Property Comparisons
The material choice can make all the difference in your application whether your printing a part for visualization, making a functional prototype, or printing in the classroom. The right material choice can open up doors and enable accurate, functional prints. Use the information found on this page to determine what Dremel material is right for your next job.
PLA
ECO-ABS
PETG
Nylon
| PROPERTIES |
|---|
| Tensile Strength |
| Density |
| Elongation at Break |
| Flexural Modulus |
| Notched Izod Impact Strength |
| Heat Distortion Temperature |
| Extruder Temperature |
| Bed Temperature |
| PLA |
|---|
| 68 Mpa |
| 1.24 g/cm³ |
| 4% |
| 3200 MPa |
| 36 J/m |
| 54º C |
| 220º C |
| 35º C |
| ECO-ABS |
|---|
| 58 Mpa |
| 1.25 g/cm³ |
| 30% |
| 3050 MPa |
| 180 J/m |
| 78º C |
| 220º C |
| 45º C |
| PETG |
|---|
| 50 Mpa |
| 1.27 g/cm³ |
| 150% |
| 2100 MPa |
| 103 J/m |
| - - |
| 250º C |
| 70º C |
| NYLON |
|---|
| 52 Mpa |
| 1.13 g/cm³ |
| 310% |
| 1600 MPa |
| 150 J/m |
| 155º C |
| 255º C |
| 80º C |
| Print Settings |
|---|
| Nozzle Temperature Range |
| Optimal Nozzle Temperature |
| Build Platform Temperature Range |
| Optimal Build Platform Temperature |
| Print Speed Multiplier |
| Recommended Print Speed Multiplier |
| Fan Range |
| Recommended Fan Settings |
| PLA |
|---|
| 190º C - 240º C |
| 220º C |
| Up to 60º C |
| 35º C |
| 0-100% |
| 100% |
| 0-100% |
| 100% |
| ECO-ABS |
|---|
| 190º C - 240º C |
| 220º C |
| Up to 60º C |
| 35º C |
| 0-100% |
| 100% |
| 0-100% |
| 100% |
| PETG |
|---|
| 230º C - 260º C |
| 250º C |
| Up to 80º C |
| 70º C |
| 0-100% |
| 100% |
| 0-100% |
| 100% |
| Nylon |
|---|
| 220º C - 280º C |
| 255º C |
| Up to 100º C |
| 80º C |
| 0-100% |
| 90% |
| 0-100% |
| 50% |