Dec 21, 2016 | By Tess
Last year, Italian 3D printer company Northype launched a Kickstarter campaign for its Adam All-in-One 3D printer, CNC mill, laser cutter, 3D scanner. Unfortunately, the startup was unable to meet its funding goal at the time, and we haven’t heard much from the company since, until now. Northype, which seems to be starting a little bit smaller this time, has just released Flatforce, a new and innovative 3D printer build plate.
The 3D printer build plate, which is still patent-pending, offers users a solution to warped 3D printed parts without having to resort to using adhesive materials like spray, glue, or even tape. According to Northype, not only can the Flatforce build plate be used without additional adhesives, but it can also work with lower temperatures than is traditionally common. That is, while you might have to print at a minimum of 115°C to get ABS to adhere to your standard build plate, with Flatforce, you should be able to print at as low as 65°C (for small parts) or 90°C for larger prints.
With a thickness of 2.55mm, the Flatforce build plate can reportedly be installed with any desktop FDM 3D printer, replacing your glass build plate, and can be used with a wide range of materials including ABS, Nylon, Nylon Carbon, HIPS, PETG, and more. As the company states “Flatforce is the very universal build plate…Simply install Flatforce on your printer and start printing.”
So, what sets Flatforce apart from standard built plates and adhesive materials? Northype explains that rather than opt for a smooth, glasslike surface for the build plate, makers can benefit from having a rougher, grippier surface, which allows fresh prints to adhere better, reducing the risk of warping. Northype has not released many specifics about the grip technology they have used with Flatforce, presumably because the technology is still awaiting a patent.
To test their new product, Northype teamed up with 3D printing filament manufacturer Treed Filaments, which used Flatforce with their range of technical filament materials. In addition to testing the Flatforce build plate, Northype also announced it will be releasing a new 100% Polypropylene filament and an accompanying build plate (the Lene build plate) in partnership with Treed Filaments in the next few weeks.
The new Flatforce build plate, for its part, is available in a wide range of sizes and shapes and has been shipping as of December 15, 2016. Its cost ranges from about €34 to €88 ($35 to $91 USD) depending on size.
The company writes, “The world of FDM focuses a lot on 3D printing materials, extruders, firmware, etc. But often leaves out a very important thing: the build plate, the component that can determine the success of our 3D prints. Flatforce fills this gap.”
Posted in 3D Printer Accessories
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