Are you seeking a 3D printer that can produce highly calibre prints that are trustworthy and accurate? One of the most widely used desktop 3D printers worldwide is the Taz 3D Printer by LulzBot, an Aleph Objects, Inc. division, which has been available since 2012. It is an open-source printer that users can customize and improve using publicly downloadable designs. The TAZ printer also utilizes a heated bed, a sizeable build area, and a wide variety of filament materials. This detailed manual will look at a Taz 3D printer’s parts, features, trends in print volume proportions, and how to get the best print quality from it. Additionally, we’ll talk about its ground-breaking modular print bed system, which enables users to switch between different build surfaces. So, consider the Taz 3D Printer if you’re seeking a 3D printer that can provide you with a reliable printing experience.
Taz 3d Printer: Definition
Developed by LulzBot, a part of Aleph Objects, Inc, the TAZ (Tool-Agnostic Z-stage) 3D Printer is a desktop 3D printer. It is an open-source printer, which means that the hardware and software designs are freely available for anybody to examine, change, and enhance. The TAZ uses an ample build space, a heated bed, a vast array of filament materials, and an open filament system. It also employs a comprehensive software suite, including Cura LulzBot Edition, a powerful slicing and printing application. As a result, the TAZ is simple to use and maintain, highly reliable, and accurate.
Components of a Taz 3D Printer
Multiple components make up the TAZ 3D Printer:
- Print bed- The print bed is the flat surface on which the 3D item sits during the printing process. This component is responsible for laying down the foundation for the production of the 3D object. In addition, the TAZ 3D printer has a heated bed that maintains a steady print bed temperature during printing. This feature ensures that the 3D object adheres to the bed properly, resulting in a higher-quality print.
- Filament: The filament is the “ink” used to print the 3D object. ABS, PLA, and TPU are some of the filament materials available. The TAZ 3D printer supports both the 1.75mm and 3mm filament.
- Extruder: The extruder is the printer component that produces the 3D item. It is responsible for melting filament and extruding it layer by layer onto the print bed. The TAZ 3D printer has a single-nozzle, direct-drive extruder that offers a steady and dependable filament flow.
- Hot end- The hot end is the component of the 3D Printer responsible for heating the filament before its extrusion. The hot end of the TAZ 3D printer consists of metal LulzBot and can achieve a max hot end temperature of up to 300 degrees Celsius.
- Electronics: The electronics are responsible for regulating the various 3D printer components. The TAZ 3D printer has an Arduino-compatible motherboard outfit capable of controlling the Printer’s numerous components.
- Software- The software is responsible for controlling the entire 3D printing procedure. Multiple software programs, including Cura and Slic3r, are compatible with the TAZ 3D printer.
- Frame: The frame is the component that offers support and stability to the other components. The TAZ 3D printer has a strong metal frame that can sustain high loads.
Features of Taz 3D printer
The Taz 3D printer is a robust and reliable fused filament fabrication (FFF) printer capable of producing high-quality prints. In addition, it has various features that make it suitable for both hobbyists and professionals.
The Printer is available in two models – the SideKick 747 and SideKick 289, with print volumes of 231 mm x 231 mm x 248 mm (9″ x 9″ x 9 1/4″) and 162 mm x 162 mm x 181 mm (6 3/8″ x 6 3/8″ x 7 1/8″), respectively. It operates in ambient temperatures ranging from +5°C to +45°C. The SideKick 747 has a 24″ x 28″ operating footprint, while the SideKick 289 has a 22″ x 25″ footprint.
The Taz 3D printer has ANTCLABS BLTouch (original) featuring innovative self-leveling technology, allowing you to quickly and accurately level your printer bed. In addition, it features USB serial connectivity options and an included 8 Gb SD card. The print surface consists of borosilicate glass together with a heated PEI build surface or an Octograb magnetic bed that is removable. The max print bed temperature can rise to 120°C (248°F).
The Taz 3D printer supports a wide range of filament diameters and materials, including natural & metal PLA blends, PLA, TPU, nGen, INOVA-1800, alloy 910, polycarbonate, PC-ABS alloy, PC-Max, polyamide, HIPS, ABS, PCTPE, PETG, HT, t-glass, nylon 645, PC+PBT, and more. It is compatible with Windows and GNU/Linux operating systems, and the recommended software is Cura LulzBot Edition, with version 3.6.25 or latest. It employs the Marlin firmware and supports file types such as .png, .x3d, .obj, .3mf,.stl, and .jpg.
The Taz 3D printer draws power from a single-phase, 100 VACS to 240 VAC, 50 Hz / 60 Hz, MEAN WELL RSP-350-24 on auto-switching mode, 24 VDC, 350 W, 14.6 A power supply.
Trends in the Taz 3D Printer’s print volume dimensions
The following is an analysis of the evolution of the seven Taz 3D Printer’s print volume over the years:
First Print Model
The first 2012 iteration (Taz 1 3D Printer) has a print volume of 280 x 280 x 250 millimetres (mm). This capability allowed the creation of 3D-printed parts, toys, and other many objects. In addition, the Printer’s heated print bed enabled the use of various new materials for 3D printing.
Second Model
Introduced in 2014, the Taz 2 3D Printer increased the dimensions of its print volume, with X, Y, and Z axes measuring 305 mm by 305 mm by 250 mm. This feature has enabled larger prints and more intricate crafts. This version also featured an all-metal frame, which improved printing stability and precision.
Third Model
The 2015 edition (Taz 3 3D Printer) included a print volume measuring 320 x 320 x 250 mm, significantly larger than its predecessor. This aspect expanded the Printer’s versatility and permitted the printing of increasingly more significant projects. In addition, the Printer has a heated print bed, enabling the use of a greater variety of materials.
Fourth Model
Created in 2016, the Taz 4 3D Printer witnessed a modest increase in print volume with X, Y, and Z axes measuring 325 x 325 x 250 mm. This feature resulted in a broader print area and greater flexibility. This version additionally had a heated print bed, enabling a greater variety of new materials for 3D printing.
Fifth Model
With X, Y, and Z axes measuring 330 x 330 x 250 mm, 2017 (Taz 5 3D Printer) offered a slightly larger build volume. This increase resulted in an expanded printing area and more adaptability. In addition, the Printer’s heated print bed permitted a greater variety of materials.
Sixth Model
The 2018 generation (Lulzbot Taz 6 3D Printer) experienced a significant boost in its print volume with X, Y, and Z axes measuring 340 x 340 x 250 mm. In addition, this model resulted in a broader printing area and greater flexibility. This version additionally had a heated print bed, enabling a greater variety of materials for 3D printing.
Seventh Model
The 2019 version (Taz 6 PRO 3D Printer) has the most significant print volume to date, measuring 350 x 350 x 250 millimeters. This feature considerably expands the printable area and increases adaptability. In addition, the Printer was supplied with a heated print bed, enabling a greater variety of materials for 3D printing.
Final Model
The 2020-released Taz 7 3D Printer has the largest print volumes of 380mm x 380mm x 250mm. In addition, it has a heated, detachable glass print bed and a system for detecting filament depletion. As a result, this Printer can produce prints of excellent quality rapidly and precisely.
How to Achieve Superior Print Quality with the Taz 3D Printer
This manual describes the methods to attain higher print quality with a Taz 3D printer.
1. Commence with a Solid Design
To get excellent print quality with the Taz 3D printer, it is necessary to begin with, a decent design. The design must be suitable for 3D printing and devoid of flaws or faults. In addition, the scale of the invention should be accurate, and the model should have sufficient wall thickness and supports. Finally, before printing, confirming that you have correctly aligned your model is essential.
2. Choose the Appropriate Filament
Selecting the proper filament for the 3D printing task is the next step. It is essential to choose a filament that is compatible with the Taz 3D printer due to the varying qualities of different filaments. PLA, ABS, nylon, and PETG are the most frequently used filaments with the Taz 3D printer. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the various filaments and select the most appropriate for the project.
3. Configure the Printer
Once you have chosen the filament, you must configure the Printer. This process includes installing the filament and configuring the nozzle and bed temperatures, among other settings. To acquire the most excellent outcomes, it is essential to confirm that all locations are accurate.
4. Elevate the Bed
Before printing, it is vital to level the bed of the Taz 3D printer. If the Printer has balanced the bed, the extruder will not move uniformly across the bed, and the print quality may not be excellent. Therefore, before printing, it is essential to take the time to level the bed correctly.
5. Adjust the Printer’s Calibration
The subsequent stage is printer calibration. This step entails configuring the Printer’s acceleration and jerk parameters and running additional calibration tests. To achieve the highest possible print quality, you must calibrate the Printer properly.
6. Adjust the Printing Options
After you have installed and calibrated the Printer, you must adjust the print settings. Necessary project settings are layer height, print speed, and infill %. To achieve the most professional results, it is also essential to modify the other settings, such as temperature, bed adhesion, and supported materials.
7. Observe the Print
It is essential to observe the printing process closely. This stage will allow the user to make necessary adjustments to guarantee a successful print job. Monitoring the print can also assist in identifying potential issues before they become severe.
The Modular Print Bed System of a Taz 3D Printer
The LulzBot TAZ 3D Printer’s revolutionary modular print bed design makes it simple for customers to swap between various build surfaces. This latest and greatest technology aims at speeding up and improves the effectiveness of 3D printing. A heated aluminium build plate, a detachable spring steel sheet, and a replaceable PEI (polyetherimide) print surface make up the modular print bed system.
During creation, all prints have a heated aluminium construction plate base. The modular print bed then heats the aluminium to the appropriate temperature for printing on the specific material. This aspect enables continuous surface for the build and equal heating. A thermistor and heater also sit into the aluminium build plate to guarantee that the aluminium maintains the proper temperature during the printing process.
The aluminium build plate sits on top of the detachable spring steel sheet, which offers a sturdy and solid surface for the print. Additionally, the non-stick layer on this sheet keeps the printed object from adhering to the build plate.
The interchangeable heated PEI print surface is the top layer of the modular print bed system. PEI is a thermoplastic substance with a non-stick surface and heat resistance. As a result, the PEI heated print surface will soften and become more pliable when the build plate’s temperature rises. This feature enables the print to adhere to the build plate more effectively. The PEI print surface also has a rough finish, which aids in keeping the printed object from distorting.
The TAZ 3D Printer’s modular print bed concept has several benefits over conventional printing surfaces. It facilitates quick and simple switching between various materials, enhances adhesion, and lessens warping. Additionally, the system is affordable and straightforward to maintain. Finally, as the build plate heats to the precise temperature required for the print, the modular tool head design also enables improved printing precision.
Conclusion
The LulzBot Printers are an excellent option for both 3D printing hobbyists and professionals. Additionally, its mix of features and hardened steel components, variable print volume, and modular print bed system make it a dependable and accurate printing device capable of producing high-quality prints. As 3D printing technology progresses, 3D printer build quantities will probably continue to rise. This rise will enable more ambitious projects and allow users to push 3D printing to its limits. Furthermore, its open-source software and hardware enable customers to change and improve the design to meet their specific requirements. With the TAZ 3D Printer, you will have the most excellent 3D printing experience possible.