Tech Breakdown: BCN3D Sigma & Sigmax R19

For years MatterHackers has been carrying the BCN3D Sigma Open Supply 3D printers. The distinctive Impartial Twin Extruder (IDEX) system on these machines permits them to supply among the cleanest and greatest multi-material prints we’ve ever seen. Just lately BCN3D launched the newest model of the Sigma line, the R19, with many enhancements and refinements. Many options which have been beforehand unique to the bigger Sigmax printer have been delivered to the common Sigma as effectively.

E3D Manufactured Hotends

The hotends on the Sigma R19 at the moment are being manufactured by our buddies at E3D in England. E3D is the world chief in hotend analysis and growth. E3D’s hotends are identified for his or her reliability and high-quality elements. MatterHackers has been proudly carrying E3D’s merchandise for a few years. The R19 hotends use the identical design as earlier Sigma hotends, so they’re suitable with earlier printers.

Filament Runout Sensor

Runout sensors are quickly turning into the norm on trendy 3D printers. BCN3D is becoming a member of the get together as effectively with the Sigma R19. You not have to fret about how a lot filament is left in your spool. The filament runout sensor detects when there isn’t a extra filament coming into the feeder. The printer will pause robotically and help you change spools, after which proceed your print with out shedding time and filament.

Bondtech Twin-Drive Gear Feeders

The feeders on the Sigma R19 now use twin pinch wheel drive gears made by Bondtech. This method permits the filament to be gripped and pushed from each side, doubling the quantity of drive that may be exerted by the feeder. These feeders have been beforehand solely out there on the Sigmax, however they’re now included on the common Sigma as effectively.

Mirror and Duplication Modes

The Sigma now has duplication and mirror printing modes, which reap the benefits of the IDEX system to run each extruders concurrently. Duplication mode permits you to print two copies of your print without delay. The print mattress is split in half and one print is completed with the left extruder and the opposite with the proper extruder. Consider it as turning your Sigma into two smaller printers, permitting you to print twice as many objects in the identical period of time.

Mirror mode can be out there, which does the identical factor besides the second print is mirrored (flipped) alongside the X-axis. As an illustration, this lets you print a pair of sneakers (left shoe and proper shoe) on the identical time.

Each of those options have been beforehand out there on the Sigmax, however they’re now on the usual Sigma as effectively.

In fact, you may nonetheless reap the benefits of the Sigma and Sigmax R19 for twin extrusion printing! 

Improved Person Interface

Many enhancements have been made to the software program on the printer’s built-in touchscreen. The printer can now stroll you thru extra procedures, like altering or cleansing hotends. The calibration course of is now extra correct. Extra rationalization is offered for a lot of capabilities. There are additionally extra alerts when the printer anticipates that one thing would possibly go flawed. These enhancements are additionally out there to folks with older Sigmas by a firmware replace.

Improve Kits for Older Printers

Certainly one of our favourite issues about BCN3D is their steady assist for his or her older merchandise. Once you purchase a Sigma, you don’t have to fret about a greater printer popping out a 12 months or two down the highway. BCN3D at all times gives kits to improve older machines with the newest options. You should buy the package to improve your older Sigma to an R19. BCN3D did the identical factor final 12 months when the Sigma R17 was launched.