Published on Wed Feb 12 2025 20:36:40 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Alex

The Fusion3 F306: A Deep Dive into Professional 3D Printing

The Fusion3 F306 is a name that frequently comes up in professional and industrial 3D printing discussions. It’s not a hobbyist machine, but rather a workhorse designed for demanding applications. Let’s take a closer look at what makes the F306 stand out, its specifications, how to get the most out of it, and its overall suitability for a professional environment.

What is the Fusion3 F306?

The Fusion3 F306 is a high-performance fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printer geared towards professional users. It’s designed to print a wide range of engineering-grade materials with precision and reliability. This printer isn’t about flashy features; it’s about consistently producing accurate and durable parts.

Detailed Specifications

• Build Volume: 305 x 305 x 315 mm (12 x 12 x 12.4 inches) – A generous build volume suitable for a variety of parts.
• Layer Resolution: 20 microns to 400 microns (0.02 mm - 0.4 mm) – Wide range for both detailed and fast printing.
• Print Speed: Up to 250 mm/s – While advertised, achieving this depends heavily on material and geometry. Expect more realistic speeds in the 50-100 mm/s range for quality prints.
• Nozzle Diameter: Standard 0.4 mm (with options for 0.25, 0.6, and 0.8 mm) – Providing flexibility for different printing needs.
• Materials: Extensive compatibility includes PLA, ABS, ASA, PETG, Nylon, Polycarbonate, PC-ABS, Carbon Fiber filled filaments, TPU/TPE (flexible), and more. (Note: Some materials might require specific upgrades or settings adjustments.)
• Heated Bed: Up to 140°C – Essential for printing high-temperature materials with minimal warping.
• Enclosure: Fully enclosed and heated – Maintains a stable printing environment.
• Filament Diameter: 1.75 mm
• Connectivity: Ethernet, USB
• Software: Simplify3D (Included License) – Industry-standard slicing software.
• Dimensions: 584 mm x 660 mm x 762 mm (23” x 26” x 30”)
• Weight: 54.4 kg (120 lbs)

Key Features & Benefits

• Robust Construction: The F306 is built to last, with a sturdy frame and high-quality components. This translates to consistent performance and long-term reliability.
• High-Temperature Printing: The heated chamber and bed allow for printing materials that other printers struggle with.
• Material Flexibility: The printer’s open material system gives users a lot of control.
• Simplified3D Integration: Bundling a Simplify3D license streamlines the printing workflow.

Usage Tips and Best Practices

1. Leveling is Key: Proper bed leveling is absolutely critical for successful prints, especially with large parts and materials prone to warping. Use a feeler gauge to ensure accuracy. The F306 does not have auto bed leveling.
2. Material Settings: Start with the recommended settings provided by Fusion3 or the filament manufacturer. Refine these settings based on your specific needs and print results. Temperature, speed, and retraction are the most impactful.
3. Enclosure Management: Use the chamber heater strategically. Pre-heating the chamber can dramatically improve adhesion and reduce warping, particularly with ABS and other high-temperature materials.
4. Adhesion Aids: Utilize adhesion aids like glue stick, hairspray, or specialized bed adhesives to improve first layer adhesion, especially with tricky materials.
5. Simplify3D Optimization: Learn how to fully leverage Simplify3D’s advanced features, such as variable layer height, support settings, and custom infill patterns, to optimize your prints.
6. Maintenance: Regularly clean the nozzle, bed, and other components. Lubricate the moving parts as recommended in the user manual.
7. Filament Storage: Keep your filaments dry, especially hygroscopic materials like nylon. Use a desiccant-filled container to prevent moisture absorption, which can lead to printing issues.
8. Fine Tuning Retraction: Adjust your retraction settings to minimize stringing. This can greatly affect print quality of detailed prints.

Fusion3 F306: Detailed Scoring

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the Fusion3 F306 across various categories, rated on a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being the best):

• Print Quality: 9/10 - Excellent print quality, capable of fine details and smooth surfaces when properly tuned.

• Build Volume: 8/10 - A good build volume for most professional applications.

• Printing Speed: 7/10 - Good speeds possible, but often sacrificed for quality with certain materials.

• Material Compatibility: 10/10 - Excellent material compatibility thanks to the heated chamber and open material system.

• Bed Adhesion & Leveling: 7/10 - Can be a bit finicky to dial in perfectly, requiring manual leveling. Good adhesion once properly tuned.

• Reliability: 9/10 - Very reliable printer due to its robust construction.

• Ease of Use: 7/10 - Requires some 3D printing knowledge to operate effectively. Not a plug-and-play machine.

• Firmware and Software: 8/10 - Simplify3D is a powerful slicer. The machine firmware is functional and stable.

• Connectivity Options: 6/10 - Ethernet and USB are standard, but Wi-Fi would be a welcome addition.

• Build Quality & Durability: 10/10 - Exceptionally well-built and durable.

• Noise Level: 7/10 - Moderate noise level; quieter than some industrial printers but not silent.

• Maintenance Requirements: 7/10 - Requires routine maintenance to ensure optimal performance.

• Customer Support: 9/10 - Fusion3 is known for excellent customer support.

• Upgradeability: 6/10 - Limited upgrade options; the focus is on its core functionality.

• Price to Performance Ratio: 8/10 - Good value for professional users who require reliability and material flexibility.

Average Score: Sum all the scores divided by the number of them:

(9 + 8 + 7 + 10 + 7 + 9 + 7 + 8 + 6 + 10 + 7 + 7 + 9 + 6 + 8) / 15 = 7.86 Verdict:

The Fusion3 F306 is a solid choice for professional and industrial users who prioritize reliability, material compatibility, and print quality over ease of use. Its robust construction, heated chamber, and Simplify3D integration make it a powerful tool for producing functional prototypes and end-use parts. While it requires some expertise to operate effectively, the F306 delivers consistent performance and excellent results when properly tuned and maintained.

Written by Alex