3D printing is a method of creating 3 dimensional objects from computer model file. Many different forms of 3D printing exist today, but Dremel's 3D Printers utilize Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) to extrude layers of molten plastic on top of one another until an object is realized
Build quality depends on a number of factors such as layer thickness and slicer settings. The Dremel printers extrude filament into layers thinner than a sheet of paper, 50 to 300 microns (.05 -.3mm). The thinner the layers, the more detail can be printed. Also, many slicer settings can influence the build quality, the DigiLab Slicer has settings that are optimized for Dremel's 3D Printers.
3D20: Maximum build volume is 9” x 5.9” x 5.5” (230mm x 150mm x 140mm).
3D40, 3D40 Flex and 3D45: Maximum build volume is 10” x 6” x 6.7” (254mm x 154mm x 170mm). 30% larger than the 3D20."
The time it takes to build a 3D object depends on the size and complexity of the model file and it is not an exact science. Dremel 3D model files have estimated build times for your reference.
The thickness of your object layers is something you can choose. The 3D40, 3D40 Flex and 3D45 Printers have a maximum resolution of 50 microns (0.05mm), the 3D20 has max resolution of 100 microns (0.1mm). All printers have a minimum resolution of 300 microns (0.30mm). The higher the resolution, the smaller each layer and the better your object will look. The layer resolution depends on the setting:
Low - 0.3mm
Medium - 0.2mm
High - 0.1mm
Ultra - 0.05mm (3D40 and 3D45 only)
Objects sticking to the build platform is a good thing as they require a firm adhesion to the build platform during the build process. This is to ensure that the object remains stable throughout building. If your prints are too difficult to remove, your nozzle may be too close to the build platform. You may need to adjust your first layer height which is available in the settings menu (Assisted Nozzle Gap Calibration). Please find the instructions for assisted nozzle gap calibration here: how to self repair Please contact customer service if you have any questions, or this does not work. See instruction manual for object removal instructions.
On following page you can see Dremel 3D Printers in action: how to self repair.
"3D20: quick start guide, PLA filament (1x .5kg spool), USB cable, SD card loaded with model files and Dremel3D software, build tape, an object removal tool, instruction manual, unclog tool, and leveling sheet. 3D40: quick start guide, PLA filament (1x .5kg spool), USB cable, USB Flash drive loaded with model files and Digilab Slicer Software, build tape (2), an object removal tool, instruction manual, unclog tool, and build sheet. 3D40 FLEX: quick start guide, PLA filament (1x .5kg spool), USB cable, USB Flash drive loaded with model files and Digilab Slicer Software, build tape (2), an object removal tool, instruction manual, unclog tool, and flexible build plate.3D45: quick start guide, ECO_ABS filament (1x .5kg spool), PETG filament (1x .5kg spool), USB cable, USB Flash drive loaded with model files and Digilab Slicer Software, build platform glue, an object removal tool, instruction manual, unclog tool, and build sheet."
Dremel 3D Printer and Dremel PLA filament is sold a select stores nationwide and also online. Digilab online dealer locator.
3D20: There is no door lock or monitoring on the Dremel 3D20. 3D40 and 3D45: The doors are monitored, and both doors must be closed to initiate a remote print from the Dremel Printcloud. This ensures that there are no hands inside the printer when a print is started from a user who is not near it. During any other time, including building an object, opening a door will cause a warning notice to display on the screen.
No, there is no emergency stop button, however, on all Dremel 3D Printers, the side power switch will immediately cut power to the printer.
The 3D40 and 3D45 Printers come with "Quik Level", which is a feature that is capable of detecting the position of the build platform with the use of smart sensor technology. It creates a reference point in the back of the build platform, then transfers that level to the front two adjustable points. It then directs the adjustment until all points are at the same level.
Dremel filament is manufactured to provide the highest quality during operation and will help your Dremel 3D printer run smoothly. Also the DigiLab 3D45 utilizes specific RFID information stored on each spool to ensure the correct temperature, speed, and other parameters are used for each different filament type.
All Dremel PLA is compatible with all the Dremel 3D printers. The advanced filament types (Eco-ABS, Nylon, etc) are only compatible with the new DigiLab 3D45.
For the Dremel 3D20 and 3D40 you should only use Dremel PLA filament. The DigiLab 3D45 supports Dremel PLA, Eco-ABS, and Nylon. Other filament types may cause damage to the printers and will void the warranty.
How long your filament lasts will depend on several factors including the print quality used, infill density, and the number of supports required. For an example, each Dremel PLA spool contains at least 175 meters of filament, and the standard Dremel Frog print requires approximately 5 meters of filament, so each spool should be able to print approximately 35 frogs.
Storing your filament correctly extends the usefulness of the filament. Filament should always be stored in a cool, dry environment unexposed to changes in temperature or humidity. Always keep your filament inside the shrink-wrap plastic until you are ready to use it. Filament that is exposed to humidity or temperature extremes can become brittle or difficult to melt.
No, Dremel has developed a specially modified PLA blend that mimics the properties of ABS. We have avoided ABS filament due to health concerns.
3D20: Connect the printer to you computer with the USB cable. Click the ""Machine Inforation: button in the tools menu. Compare this against the latest version available for download on our website.
3D40 and 3D45: Connect the printer to the internet using the ethernet cable or wifi. The printer will automatically check for updates every time you turn it on. There is also a ""Check for Updates"" button in the tools menu. If your machine is not connected to the internet, you can check the firmware version in the ""About"" screen in the tools menu and compare it to the version that is available for download on the website here .
First download the firmware package from the website here . Then, extract this zip file onto a blank USB drive. Turn off your printer and place the USB drive into the front port. Turn the printer back on, and follow the instructions that come up. If this does not work, please contact customer service here .
Your new Dremel printer will come with slicer software package pre-loaded on the USB drive (3D40,3D45) and the SD card (3D20). We have upgraded our slicer offerings with each printer release. You can find the latest version of DigiLab 3D Slicer here . this supports the 3D20, 3D40 and 3D45. There is also a cloud based remote printing service that can be used with 3D40 and 3D45, this allows remote slicing, starting, and monitoring prints. Remote monitoring includes status of locally started prints and video status for 3D45 only. You can log into the Dremel Print Cloud Here .
The Dremel 3D20 can only build .g3drem files, you can use Dremel Digilab 3D Slicer or Simplify3D to create these files. All of these programs can accept .STL and .OBJ files.
The Dremel 3D40 can build .g3drem, .gcode, and .g files, you can use Dremel Digilab 3D Slicer or Simplify3D to create these files. All of these programs can accept .STL and .OBJ files. The Dremel 3D45 can build .g3drem, .gcode, and .g files. You can use Dremel Digilab 3D Slicer or Simplify3D to create these files, these programs can accept .STL and .OBJ files.
Dremel has utilized the knowledge of the 3D printing community by using open source elements in our printers and slicing software. All attributions are made, and the applicable code is available to the community. Please refer to you manual for instructions.
Both 3D40 (latest firmware) and 3D45 will accept the following common gcode formats: .g3drem, .gcode, and .g. The officially supported slicers are: Dremel Digilab 3D Slicer, 3D PrinterOS and Simplify 3D. Although code from other slicers will run, you may need to optimize the settings yourself.
If the Dremel Digilab 3D software is unable to connect to the printer, first make sure that the USB cable is properly connected. Next you need to make sure that the driver is installed correctly. Check your operating system to troubleshoot driver installation. For further troubleshooting, contact customer service.
A model will be red if it is too big for the build area, floating above the build platform, or part of the model is positioned outside of the build area. Use the "Scale" and "Move" functions in the Dremel 3D software to adjust the model so that it is within the build area.
This could be caused by a few different reasons. A common reason is that a model file was saved outside of the build area or was scaled too small for you to see. It is recommend that you use the "Move" function to center the model and the "Scale" function to increase the model size.
Unfortunately Dremel 3D does not have the ability to repair models. Your best bet is to try Print Studio, or Digilab 3D Slicer as both have the ability to work with imperfect models.
The Dremel Digilab 3D Slicer is Dremel's own slicing software. It is based on the open source Cura with several modifications that are specific to Dremel printers. We will continue to develop 3D Slicer to improve its capabilities and ease of use.
Yes, both options are possible.
Supported operating systems:
Apple® Mac® OS® not supported at this time - Will be in first update.Microsoft® Windows® 7 SP1, 64-bit (32-bit not supported)
Microsoft Windows 8.1, 64-bit (32-bit not supported)
Microsoft Windows 10, 64-bit (32-bit not supported)
Minimum Windows system specifications:
CPU: 64-bit processor (32-bit not supported)
Memory: 3 GB RAM (4 GB or more recommended)
Storage: 300 MB free disk space for installation
Graphics: OpenGL 2 compatible graphics chip, OpenGL 4.1 for 3D Layer view
You can now use your 3D20 with the Digilab 3D Slicer.
It is possible that the model you are trying to build is corrupt, or of an unsupported type. Please turn the off then back on again and try to print one of the pre-loaded models. Also check to make sure that the firmware is up to date as there were issues with alternate file types in earlier versions.
Extruder misalignment is most often caused by a tangle in the filament spool. This prevents the extruder from moving to the right. Check to make sure the spool is freely feeding filament. Misalignment can also be caused when portions of a multiple part build become loose from the build platform, these loose pieces can become wedged between the extruder and other parts of the build. If this issue happens repeatedly, please contact customer service .
"3D20: The build platform has become unlevel, please re-level using the supplied leveling shim.3D40/3D45: First try releveling the build platform. If the problem persists, you may need to adjust your noozle gap which is available in the settings menu (asissted nozzle gap calibration). You can find the instructions here: self repair Please contact customer service if you have any questions, or this does not work.
Most clogs are due to non-melting debris that gets into the extruder. That is why is it important to keep filament clean when it is open, but not being used. Clogs can also be caused by too much retraction in print files, using a high print temperature with a low melt-point filament, and jagged or bent ends during a filament change.
You can unclog your extruder by using the unclog tool and following the steps here: self repair . If that does not work, please contact customer service .
3D20: Please ensure the extruder wire tube (tube with black mesh housing) moves freely and is located away from the build platform and guide rails. If caught on the build platform, the extruder will not return to home position and a loud noise may occur.3D40 and 3D45: Ensure that the filament is not tangled on the spool. Also check to see if the extruder is caught on the build platform or an object built on it.
Please contact Dremel customer service department for service information. Visit support for contact information.
Yes. Dremel has worked hard to design your packaging so that un-boxing and boxing your Dremel 3D printer is quick and easy. The packaging will come in handy for future transportation and storage.