Published on Sat May 14 2022 03:12:01 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Alex

The Fusion3 F400: A Workhorse 3D Printer

The Fusion3 F400 stands out as a robust and reliable 3D printer designed for professional use. It’s known for its exceptional print quality, wide material compatibility, and user-friendly interface. Let’s break down its key features and specifications.

Detailed Specifications

• Print Technology: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) / Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF)
• Build Volume: 355mm x 305mm x 305mm (14” x 12” x 12”)
• Layer Resolution: 20 - 200 microns (0.02 - 0.2 mm)
• Print Speed: Up to 250mm/s (depending on material and settings)
• Print Head: Single print head, all-metal hot end
• Nozzle Diameter: Typically 0.4mm (interchangeable nozzles available)
• Material Compatibility: PLA, ABS, PETG, Nylon, Polycarbonate, ASA, Flexible Filaments (TPU, TPE), Carbon Fiber filled materials, and more.
• Heated Bed: Yes, up to 140°C
• Enclosure: Fully enclosed
• Filament Diameter: 1.75mm
• Connectivity: Ethernet, USB
• Operating System: Embedded Linux
• Control Software: Simplify3D (included)
• Power Requirements: 110-240V, 50-60Hz
• Printer Dimensions: 610mm x 559mm x 660mm (24” x 22” x 26”)
• Printer Weight: 45 kg (100 lbs)

Understanding the Specs

• Large Build Volume: The F400 boasts a generous build volume, allowing you to create larger parts or print multiple smaller parts simultaneously.
• High Layer Resolution: A resolution as fine as 20 microns translates to incredibly smooth surfaces and detailed prints.
• Wide Material Compatibility: The all-metal hot end and heated bed are crucial for handling a vast array of materials, from common plastics to engineering-grade filaments. The enclosure helps maintain a stable temperature, which is crucial for materials like ABS and Polycarbonate.
• Enclosed Build Chamber: The enclosure helps maintain a stable temperature environment, reducing warping and improving print quality, especially with temperature-sensitive materials.
• Simplify3D Software: This industry-standard software offers advanced control over print settings, allowing you to fine-tune your prints for optimal results.

Using the Fusion3 F400: Tips and Best Practices

Getting the most out of your F400 requires careful setup, proper material handling, and attention to detail. Here are some essential tips:

• Bed Leveling: Proper bed leveling is paramount. Ensure the bed is perfectly level before starting any print. The F400 uses a semi-automatic bed leveling system; follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
• Material Selection: Choose the right material for your application. Consider factors like strength, temperature resistance, flexibility, and chemical resistance.
• Slicing Settings: Experiment with different slicing settings in Simplify3D to optimize print quality and speed. Pay attention to layer height, infill density, print speed, and temperature.
• Filament Storage: Store your filament in a dry environment. Moisture can negatively affect print quality, especially for hygroscopic materials like Nylon and Polycarbonate. Use desiccant packs or a filament dryer.
• First Layer Adhesion: Ensuring the first layer adheres properly to the bed is critical for success. Use a brim, raft, or adhesive (like glue stick or hairspray) as needed. Experiment with different bed temperatures.
• Support Structures: When printing complex geometries, use support structures to prevent overhangs from collapsing. Simplify3D allows you to customize support placement and density.
• Maintenance: Regularly clean the nozzle and lubricate moving parts to keep the printer running smoothly. Inspect the belts for wear and tear.
• Enclosure Management: For certain materials (like ABS), actively control the temperature inside the enclosure. Avoid drafts and maintain a stable environment.
• Start with Calibration Prints: Before attempting complex prints, run calibration prints (like temperature towers or bridging tests) to dial in your settings for each material.
• Monitor Prints: Keep an eye on your prints, especially during the first few layers, to catch any issues early on.

Fusion3 F400: Rating and Performance

Here’s a breakdown of the Fusion3 F400 across key performance indicators, each rated out of 10:

• Print Quality: 9/10 - Exceptional detail and surface finish achievable with the right settings.
• Build Volume: 8/10 - A large volume caters to a wide range of applications.
• Printing Speed: 7/10 - Respectable speed, but not the fastest on the market. Focus is more on quality and reliability.
• Material Compatibility: 10/10 - Handles a huge variety of filaments with ease.
• Bed Adhesion & Leveling: 8/10 - The semi-automatic leveling system is generally reliable.
• Reliability: 9/10 - Known for its robust design and consistent performance.
• Ease of Use: 7/10 - The included software is intuitive. More advanced users can tweak more settings as needed.
• Firmware and Software: 8/10 - Simplify3D is powerful and versatile.
• Connectivity Options: 7/10 - Ethernet and USB provide standard connectivity.
• Build Quality & Durability: 10/10 - A very well-built machine.
• Noise Level: 6/10 - Average noise level; not particularly quiet or loud.
• Maintenance Requirements: 7/10 - Requires regular cleaning and lubrication.
• Customer Support: 9/10 - Fusion3 is known for its responsive and helpful customer support.
• Upgradeability: 6/10 - Limited upgrade options beyond nozzle changes and standard maintenance.
• Price to Performance Ratio: 8/10 - The F400 offers excellent performance and reliability for its price point.

Average Score: (Sum of all scores / Number of categories) = 128 / 15 = 8.53/10

The Fusion3 F400 is a serious contender in the professional 3D printing space. Its robust design, wide material compatibility, and excellent print quality make it a valuable asset for prototyping, manufacturing, and education. While it may require some initial setup and calibration, the F400 delivers reliable and consistent results for users who need a workhorse 3D printer.

Written by Alex