Method and Method X printers gain carbon-fiber capabilities

Method MakerBot’sMethod and Method X 3-D printers can transform engineering-grade resins into complex parts with internal features and other difficult-to-produce geometries for the automotive and aerospace industries, as well as other fields. They also can be used for prototyping.

What’s new? New Method editions capable of printing carbon-fiber-reinforced nylon parts.  They feature a new higher-temperature, composite extruder that is optimized to handle abrasive materials. It has hardened metal drive gears, a metal filament switch and an interchangeable hardened steel nozzle. The extruder also is available for the original Method and Method X 3-D printers. In addition, the printers have a new heated-chamber annealing feature. Method’s dry-sealed filament bays help to keep the moisture-sensitive nylon carbon fiber material dry, resulting in better print quality and reliability.

Benefits The production of strong, heat-resistant, true-to-design parts with excellent finishes. Carbon-fiber material from MakerBot or other manufacturers can be used as a lightweight, lower-cost alternative to metal for structural and under-the-hood parts such as vehicular brackets and inspection gauges, as well as manufacturing tools such as robotic end effectors.

MakerBot Industries LLC, Brooklyn, N.Y.,  347-676-3456, www.makerbot.com