MakerBot Announces Smart Extruder+

MakerBot, a provider of desktop 3D printers, has introduced the Smart Extruder+ for is fifth generation of 3D printers. This extruder has improved components and an enhanced sensor system. According to the company, it is designed to provided a streamlined printing process and ease extrusion swapping.

The Smart Extruder+ features improved key components to ensure reliability, such as an enhanced thermal management system and an extended PTFE tube to feed the filament into the nozzle. Additional improvements include faster print start up and refined build plate leveling, the process of calibrating a 3D printer.

The Smart Extruder+ sensor system communicates with MakerBot Desktop and MakerBot Mobile to keep users informed about the status of a print wherever they go. For example, the filament detection sensor notifies users - on their computer or mobile phone - when filament is absent and automatically pauses a print to enable print recovery.

“The advances we made with the MakerBot Smart Extruder+ are a big step forward and set a new benchmark in 3D printing,” said Jonathan Jaglom, CEO of MakerBot. “The extruder is the most critical part of a 3D printer and it is a part that wears out after a certain period of time and needs to be replaced. We engineered and tested the Smart Extruder+ to enhance its reliability, provide better performance and extend its lifetime. And we stand behind it by doubling our warranty to six months. Because it is swappable, the Smart Extruder+ can also reduce downtime when it’s time to replace it.”

For more information, visit MakerBot.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.