FDM based 3D Printers are typically limited to printing in different types of plastics. They work by usually melting ABS or PLA plastic in a similar fashion to how a hot glue gun works. Recently, however, we have begun seeing more and more materials become available for these 3D printers.
In June, we reported on a company called Structur3d which had launched and successfully funded their Discov3ry Paste Extruder. It allows for anyone with a FDM 3D printer to attach this add-on and begin printing objects using just about any paste that’s on the market. Now, there appears to be a little bit of competition. RepRapBCN has just informed 3DPrint.com that they have produced their own ‘Paste Extruder’ available for pre-order.
“Our paste extruder is an upgrade for our BCN3D+ 3D printer, but if you understand how it works, you will notice it is really easy to adapt to other printers,” explained Rafael Angles Lopez of RepRapBCN to 3DPrint.com. “Just a small tweak on firmware, and logically, design and print something to hold the extruder.”
While it is built specifically for the BCN3D+ 3D printer, as Lopez explained, it can easily be modified to work on virtually any FDM 3D printer. Once installed it will allow you to print in virtually any pasty material, such as jelly, chocolate, mashed potatoes, plaster, clay, and concrete. Here is a video showing it printing in colored mashed potatoes.
RepRapBCN demonstrated using several printing materials, including clay, mashed potatoes, and chocolate. All of them turned out quite well. The extruder works by using a specialized syringe that includes a plunger which pushes the filament through a small nozzle. The plunger is controlled by the extruder’s motor, which provides the control and power.
The Paste Extruder is currently available for pre-order for €110 (approximately $148 USD). It will begin shipping on October 15, 2014.
RepRapBCN also plans to release a user guide over the next few months which will help explain how to use different materials in the Paste Extruder. What do you think? Would you consider purchasing the Paste Extruder? Discuss in the RepRapBCN Paste Extruder Forum thread on 3DPB.com. Check out the video of the Paste Extruder printing in Chocolate below:
Subscribe to Our Email Newsletter
Stay up-to-date on all the latest news from the 3D printing industry and receive information and offers from third party vendors.
Print Services
Upload your 3D Models and get them printed quickly and efficiently.
You May Also Like
3D Printed Flowers Light Up Jersey Zoo in Tribute to Conservation Pioneer Gerald Durrell
This summer, Jersey Zoo is home to more than just rare animals; it’s also hosting one of the most visually stunning installations this year: Bloom. This glowing field of 3D...
Polymaker Unveils HT-PLA & HT-PLA-GF Line of 3D Printing Filaments
Today, Polymaker has launched a new line of HT-PLA & HT-PLA-GF filaments. These enhanced PLA versions increase the glass transition temperature of PLA from a normal 60°C to above 130°C....
APES Unveils Vision for 3D Printed Electronics Factory
Advanced Printed Electronic Solutions (APES) is a systems integrator, 3D printing service, and consultancy partner for additively manufactured electronics. 3D printed electronics machines have been around, but a truly scalable,...
Flashforge AD5X Review: Multicolor TPU 3D Printing Made Simple
Disclosure:The AD5X was provided to me by Flashforge free of charge for the purpose of this review. I have not received any additional compensation. All opinions expressed are my own,...