Hackaday Podcast Ep 328: Benchies, Beanies, and Back to the Future
Printing a Benchy in Under 3 Minutes with Ultra-Fast Temperature Control
The Minuteman printer can produce a 3D Benchy model in just about two to three minutes by managing nozzle temperature dynamically to match flow rates. It uses a unique multi-filament mixing hot end fed by four motors to handle the ultra-high extrusion speeds needed for fast printing.
Key innovations include varying the nozzle temperature based on volumetric flow — higher temperature for faster extrusion and lower temperature for slower sections — controlled by a post-processing slicer script. The printing speeds are also smoothed to maintain temperature stability since the nozzle can't cool down quickly.
Additionally, advanced cooling methods like dry ice–chilled air enhance print quality at these extreme speeds. This approach pushes the limits of hobbyist 3D printing and hints at future slicer features aimed at optimal speed vs. quality tradeoffs.
Dynamic Nozzle Temperature Control
- Managing temperature changes according to flow rate is key for ultra-fast 3D printing quality.
- Smoothing speed changes helps nozzle temperature keep in sync, improving print results.
Slicer Temperature-Speed Tuning
- Use slicer software to vary nozzle temperature with print speed for better extrusion.
- Plan layer times to avoid rapid volume changes, aiding thermal control during printing.