A notable development has occurred in the rapidly changing field of 3D printing, where patience is frequently the most important quality. A self-taught modder and enthusiast, Monika McWuff, has broken the world record by finishing a Benchy model in an astounding two minutes and nine seconds. This achievement dispels the myth that 3D printing requires a lot of labor and emphasizes the creativity and customization possibilities available to the community.
The Need for Speed in 3D Printing
Even the most sophisticated printers need hours to finish medium-sized projects, so 3D printing has always been laborious. For testing purposes, enthusiasts frequently use the well-known Benchy model, which takes 13 to 30 minutes on the fastest 3D printers currently on the market. However, McWuff's custom-modified Ender 3 Pro has defied these norms, showcasing a flow rate 120mm/s³ and completing the Benchy model in just over two minutes.
A Record-Breaking Journey
Monika McWuff's journey to the #SpeedBoatRace LeaderBoard began when she purchased a used Ender 3 Pro for $80 on eBay less than a year ago. Intrigued by the prospect of pushing the boundaries of 3D printing speed, she embarked on a five-month-long project to modify her printer. Despite being relatively new to 3D printing, McWuff's determination and obsession with speed led her to break the world record, surpassing the previous best time of 2 minutes and 40 seconds posted by another maker in 2022.
Innovative Modifications
McWuff's modifications go beyond the ordinary, combining standard alterations with out-of-the-box thinking. She incorporated KevinAkaSam's Belt Driven Ender 3 modification, replacing the Z rods with belts, resulting in smoother and more precise movements. Unconventional choices, such as using a floor blower for cooling and bolting the printer to a 45-pound rubber bumper plate from the gym, demonstrate McWuff's creativity and commitment to achieving unparalleled speeds.
The transformed Ender 3 Pro retains only a few original components, with aluminum extrusions and part of the bed covered in a carbon fiber sheet. McWuff utilizes a stock Ender 3 Pro in a tented enclosure for printing ABS parts for her projects. The printer boasts nine motors, with specific configurations for the extruder, Y, X, and Z axes. Additionally, she obtained an extra Ender 3 board to power the entire setup, along with a second power supply strategically placed under the printer.
The Hotend and Beyond
One of the highlights of McWuff's modified printer is the hotend - a Trianglelab STD6 with a ceramic heating core, two extensions, and a .4 CHT Volcano nozzle. Recent tests clocked the flow rate at 120mm/s³, allowing for rapid plastic extrusion. McWuff is exploring further enhancements by considering a switch to a CHT V6 extender and a .5 Volcano nozzle.
Software and Settings
McWuff relies on OrcaSlicer for her printing endeavors. While adhering to certain Speed Boat Rules restrictions on layer height and line widths, she finds room for customization in other settings. A hand-modified code allows her to adjust temperatures during printing, ranging from 235 degrees for the first layer to 200 degrees for the final layers. Print speed peaks at an impressive 800 mm/s for infill and inner walls, with an acceleration rate of 50,000mm/s² - a rate five times faster than a Bambu Lab A1.
Monika McWuff's record-breaking 3D printer has not only shattered the perception of 3D printing as a time-consuming endeavor but has also showcased the incredible possibilities of customization and innovation within the community. Her journey from a standard Ender 3 Pro to a world-record-breaking machine exemplifies the power of passion and dedication in pushing the boundaries of technology. As the 3D printing community continues to evolve, McWuff's achievement inspires enthusiasts and makers worldwide to explore the untapped potential of their machines.
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