The LABOTRIX Forge F1 is a desktop enclosed 3D printer for technology classrooms and STEM laboratories of general secondary schools, used when studying the basics of additive technologies, computer-aided design and three-dimensional modelling. It lets students create three-dimensional plastic objects from digital models and serves for making prototypes, demonstration models, teaching aids and functional parts in technology and computer science lessons and within STEM activities.
The printer builds by fused deposition modelling (FDM, FFF) with a motor-driven extruder and a build platform with a special coating for better adhesion of the first layer. The build volume, which is also the size of the largest object produced, is 220 × 220 × 250 mm. The extruder nozzle diameter is 0.4 mm, layer resolution starts from 0.05 mm, print speed reaches 600 mm per second and dimensional accuracy is ±0.3 mm. The built-in temperature control heats the extruder to 330 °C, which gives stable print quality with every compatible type of 1.75 mm filament: PLA, TPU, carbon fibre, ABS, nylon and nylon carbon fibre. The build chamber is fully closed by a body with a built-in air filtration system that traps fine particles and part of the volatile compounds released when printing with ABS, nylon and similar materials, and a fan cools the extruder and the platform. The printer is operated from a capacitive touch display with a 4.5 inch diagonal and an intuitive menu, it supports G-code, STL and OBJ files, and control files are transferred over a USB cable or a Wi-Fi wireless network. Power supply is 220 V single phase at 50 Hz, power consumption is 500 W, and the overall dimensions are 402 × 420 × 543 mm.
The set includes the main printer structure with the closed body, the air filtration system and the 4.5 inch capacitive touch display, supplied assembled; a build platform with coating; an extruder with a 0.4 mm nozzle; 10 kg of 1.75 mm printing filament — PLA, TPU, carbon fibre, ABS, nylon and nylon carbon fibre, including the starter quantity for the first print; a set of cleaning and maintenance tools with a spatula, a brush, a scraper and wrenches; a 220 V power cable; a USB cable for connection to a computer; slicing and printer control software; methodological materials for use in the educational process with recommendations for the teacher; a passport with a warranty card; and individual transport packaging. The printer arrives partly assembled and needs the extruder and the platform to be installed and the machine calibrated before the first print, and all the parts and fasteners for that are in the set.
In work the model is opened in the slicing software, where layer height, infill and speed are set, the models are arranged on the platform and a G-code file is exported. The file reaches the printer from a flash drive in its USB port, over the USB cable from a computer or over the Wi-Fi wireless network, and is selected on the touch display. The extruder temperature is set according to the filament type and the print starts from the display; the progress of the job and the temperature are shown on the printer display, and the first layers are watched to confirm that the model has adhered to the platform. After printing the extruder heating stops automatically, the object is left on the platform for 3 to 5 minutes to cool and is then removed with the spatula.
The printer is operated by trained users who understand the hazard of molten plastic and hot parts of the equipment, and students work with it only under the supervision of a teacher or a specialist. It is connected to an earthed socket through a surge protector, 10 cm of free space is kept around it for ventilation and heat removal, the air intakes of the filtration system stay unobstructed, and the room is aired when printing refractory materials. The nozzle is not touched during printing or immediately after it, protective gloves are worn when handling hot filament, and the extruder is left to cool for 30 minutes. Leaving the printer unattended during printing, using it near flammable materials and paper, opening the body while printing with ABS, nylon or nylon carbon fibre, and disassembling or repairing the printer independently are prohibited. Plastic residue is removed from the platform with the spatula after each print, the nozzle is cleaned with a cleaning needle or a soft brush, the XY belt tension is checked monthly, and the printer is stored in a dry closed room at +5 °C to +40 °C and relative humidity below 80% without condensation. The product is intended for learners aged 10 and older, that is grade 5 and above; service life is 5 years and the warranty period is 12 months from the date of sale.
