Published on Sun Nov 22 2020 03:31:21 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Alex

The Zortrax Endureal: A Deep Dive into High-Performance 3D Printing

The Zortrax Endureal stands out in the professional 3D printing landscape as a powerful, production-ready machine designed for engineering-grade materials and demanding applications. It’s not your average desktop printer; it’s a meticulously engineered system built for repeatability, accuracy, and the ability to handle complex geometries and challenging filaments. Let’s explore what makes the Endureal tick.

Detailed Specifications:

• Printing Technology: LPD Plus (Layer Plastic Deposition Plus)
• Build Volume: 400 x 300 x 300 mm (15.75 x 11.81 x 11.81 inches)
• Layer Resolution: 50-300 microns
• Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm
• Filament Diameter: 1.75 mm
• Connectivity: Ethernet, USB
• Operating System: Android
• Slicing Software: Z-SUITE
• Supported Materials: Zortrax filaments (e.g., Z-PEEK, Z-NYLON, Z-ULTRAT, Z-ABS, Z-PCABS, Z-ESD, Z-FLEX) and compatible third-party materials.
• Chamber Temperature: Up to 200°C
• Bed Temperature: Up to 180°C
• Nozzle Temperature: Up to 480°C
• Dimensions: 730 x 660 x 1220 mm (28.7 x 26 x 48 inches)
• Weight: 150 kg (330 lbs)

Key Features and Advantages:

• Dual Extrusion: Equipped with a dual-extrusion system, the Endureal enables printing with both model and support materials, including specialized support filaments designed for high-performance polymers. This is crucial for complex geometries and overhangs.
• Heated Build Chamber: The actively heated build chamber is a critical factor in minimizing warping and ensuring dimensional accuracy when printing with materials like PEEK and Nylon. The chamber can reach up to 200°C, creating an environment that promotes optimal layer adhesion and reduces internal stress within the printed part.
• Material Management System: The Endureal features an advanced material management system that controls the temperature and humidity of the filament, ensuring consistent material properties and preventing moisture absorption. This is paramount when working with hygroscopic materials.
• Automated Calibration: The printer includes automated bed leveling and nozzle calibration routines, simplifying the setup process and ensuring accurate first-layer adhesion.
• Advanced Software (Z-SUITE): Z-SUITE provides a comprehensive slicing and print management platform. It offers advanced features like automated support generation, infill pattern selection, and print profile customization. The software is user-friendly while providing access to a wide range of parameters for fine-tuning print settings.
• High-Temperature Nozzle: The Endureal’s hot end can reach temperatures up to 480°C, enabling it to process a wide range of high-performance materials that require elevated processing temperatures.
• Enclosed Build Volume: The completely enclosed build volume maintains a stable thermal environment, preventing drafts and temperature fluctuations that can negatively impact print quality, especially with large or complex parts.
• Reliable Hardware: The Endureal is built with industrial-grade components and features a robust frame designed to withstand the rigors of continuous operation.

Usage Tips and Best Practices:

• Material Selection: Carefully select materials based on the intended application and mechanical properties required. Refer to Zortrax’s material guide and consider consulting with their technical support team for specific recommendations.
• Chamber Temperature Optimization: Experiment with chamber temperature settings to find the optimal balance between layer adhesion and part cooling. Increase the chamber temperature for materials prone to warping, but be mindful of potential heat deformation in smaller features.
• Support Structure Placement: Use Z-SUITE’s support generation tools to strategically place support structures, minimizing their impact on the final part’s surface finish and facilitating easy removal.
• Material Drying: When using hygroscopic materials, ensure the filament is properly dried before printing. Use a filament dryer or a dedicated dehumidifying system to remove moisture and prevent printing issues.
• First Layer Adhesion: Ensure a clean and properly leveled build plate for optimal first-layer adhesion. Apply a thin layer of adhesion promoter (e.g., glue stick or specialized adhesive) if necessary.
• Regular Maintenance: Perform regular maintenance tasks, such as cleaning the nozzle, lubricating moving parts, and inspecting the build plate, to ensure optimal printer performance and longevity.
• Software Updates: Keep Z-SUITE updated to the latest version to take advantage of bug fixes, performance improvements, and new features.

Zortrax Endureal Rating (Out of 10):

• Print Quality: 9
• Build Volume: 8
• Printing Speed: 7
• Material Compatibility: 9
• Bed Adhesion & Leveling: 8
• Reliability: 9
• Ease of Use: 7
• Firmware and Software: 8
• Connectivity Options: 7
• Build Quality & Durability: 10
• Noise Level: 6
• Maintenance Requirements: 7
• Customer Support: 8
• Upgradeability: 6
• Price to Performance Ratio: 7

Average Score: 7.73/10

Conclusion:

The Zortrax Endureal is a powerful and capable 3D printer designed for demanding applications that require high-performance materials and exceptional dimensional accuracy. Its advanced features, such as the heated build chamber, dual extrusion system, and material management system, make it well-suited for producing functional prototypes, end-use parts, and tooling. While its price point reflects its industrial-grade capabilities, the Endureal offers a solid return on investment for organizations that require reliable and repeatable 3D printing of engineering-grade materials.

Written by Alex