While much of the population is still reeling just from the discovery of all that the 3D printer can do, those who are involved in going further and further with innovation and constantly pushing the limits–as creative types will–are continually thinking of a way to create more expediently.
While many may joke about the slow speed of some 3D printing processes, the speed with which new products are hitting the 3D printing marketplace on a daily basis is undeniably rapid, and at times, somewhat head-spinning. There’s always a new 3D printer coming down the line, a bevy of new materials erupting from R&D and blowing everyone’s minds, as well as a wide assortment of hardware attachments, and more.
Because extrusion is one of the most important aspects of 3D printing, having a variety of nozzles to choose from is important. And Performance 3-d makes the obvious point that it doesn’t seem right for users to be limited only to brass nozzles. With that in mind, they are now also offering high-heat transfer aluminum and tool steel, which they promise is “tough as nails.” While they are busy developing a range of sizes, right now these nozzles are available in .4mm and .6mm.
The Performance 3-d team takes on a variety of projects of all scopes, sharing their engineering and design experience in prototyping and manufacturing services. With several different lineups of nozzles, they’ve highlighted the following items.
Their Elite nozzles, still made from a brass base metal, now have a more improved plating quality as the company has further refined their Duraplat3-d plating process, which was developed two years ago as the company wanted to upgrade their own MakerBot printer nozzles.
This results in allowing for an incredibly hard surface finish at almost 70 Rockwell, which they recommend for 3D printing all around, as well as a replacement for OEM nozzles. The innovative process allows for less friction, reduces extrusion stress, eliminates sticking and clogging, and reduces curling. The Elite nozzles retail for around $13.49 USD.
They also offer a new series with the Apollo nozzles, offering 7075 aircraft aluminum, promised to be the toughest alloy, and offering greater durability, as well as 60 % greater heat transfer. Nozzles retail at about $19.49 USD.
Also new in their lineup is the Hercules series. Manufactured by Performance 3-d, the Hercules nozzles are made with A2 heat treated tool steel and offer a good option for 3D printing when you are using harsh filaments like carbon fiber and metallic, retailing at about $24.49 USD.
