Continuous Filament Fabrication (CFF) is the flagship 3D printing technology from Markforged. Composite printers from Markforged that print with CFF technology use two print nozzles: one for the thermoplastic matrix and a second to lay down the fibers intact. As the fibers are added, a plastic coating around them melts so that the fibers then adhere to the matrix.
With Markforged composite 3D printers, you have a wide array of options for combining different plastics and fibers. Each specific combination gives you a different set of combined properties, allowing manufacturers to find the best combination for each application. For example, if you need a part that is extremely strong and also flame retardant, combine the Onyx FR plastic with carbon fiber. There are even combinations that are proving to be stronger and more lightweight than metal.
That is not to say, though, that composites are going to replace metal. Each fabrication method has its place in the industry. In fact, both composite and metal 3D printing applications can work together in tandem to help facilitate affordable and effective manufacturing.
Want to see it action for yourself? Contact EXBuild today for a demonstration.
3D printing allows for faster iterations of initial prototypes. Using continuous fibers makes prototypes stronger and more functional to test how your parts will behave in context prior to production.
Use composite 3D printing to efficiently create strong, custom tools with more complexity. The strength of continuous fiber means these parts are ready to work and durable enough for the production floor.
Supplement assembly operations with strong 3D printed parts optimized for your process and production environment. Build inspection hardware without sacrificing necessary stiffness or durability.
Implement 3D printing for low-volume, functional parts to be used in final products, or to print replacement parts on-demand for the manufacturing line.
To learn more, see how to choose the right fiber for your application in this webinar recording from Markforged or review our Composite Materials Data Sheet.
Designed from the ground up for quality and reliability, the Onyx One is the desktop 3D plastic printer for professionals. This 3D printer prints stiff Onyx composite parts that are 1.4x stronger than ABS.
This industrial-grade desktop printer gives the perfect blend of quality and affordability. The Onyx Pro prints composite parts, combining Onyx with fiberglass reinforcement for 10x the strength of plastics.
The Mark Two industrial desktop 3D printer is small, but produces high-performance parts. Raising the bar from the Onyx Pro, this machine introduces additional reinforcement materials for a more versatile range of parts.
The X3 is exceptionally accurate, reliable and cost-effective. The Onyx composite filament used in this industrial 3D printer creates plastic parts that are 20% stronger than ABS, are heavy duty and stand up to abuse.
The X5 is accurate, fast and affordable. It ups the ante from the X3 printer by adding fiberglass reinforcement using CFF to its composite parts, creating parts that are 20x stiffer and stronger than typical 3D printed parts.
The X7 takes the Markforged industrial 3D printers to the next level by introducing additional reinforcement materials for highly durable and versatile parts. Composite, continuous fiber parts printed on the X7 are stronger and lighter than aluminum, and can be ready the same day thanks to Turbo Print mode - an X7 exclusive feature.
The FX20 is the biggest, fastest, smartest printer in the Markforged lineup. Engineered to deliver maximum strength, accuracy and consistency, FX20 produces mission-critical parts for the most demanding applications, from the factory floor to the skies and beyond. Replace long lead-time metals with high-temperature thermoplastics and continous fiber reinforced composites.
The key to being successful with continuous fiber and getting the most out of your investment is by understanding the physics of 3D printing and identifying fiber where you need it within your parts. Below we will outline some basic tips, but once you get started, you will want to review the learning resources available from Markforged to get more information.
Learn more tips in our Guide to 3D Printing with Composites.
To continue learning, head over to the EXBuild Resource Center for all things 3D printing with Markforged.
If you need some additional information on how to get started with additive manufacturing in your business or what to know about before investing in Markforged, check out our Guide to Buying Markforged 3D Printers.
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