Model Locomotive with 3D Print Technology

In reviewing the BFB-3000 specs the deposition rate of material is listed at 15 cubic mm/sec. This rate is driven by the machines rate of melting the ABS filament material. The various axels contain upwards of nearly 0.55 cubic inches of material. It would require about 10 minutes to produce the main axel. The duration can be reduced by hollowing out the axel. The hollow axel takes about 5.4 minutes to deposit.

Also, the driver wheels have volumes of about 0.9 cubic inches which of course would require even more time. The wheels will be looked at and reduced in volume by some hollowing. It may still require deposition of the PLA support material which would add time for internal supports.

Supports are necessary as the ABS is very soft during and immediately after deposition taking some time to harden.

The machine has not arrived yet, so actual particulars are only estimated based on specifications, not actual experience. The general principle being discussed here is the need to reduce the total amount of material required in order to optimize the build time. The shape of the object with internal cavities is also important due to the tendency of the ABS material to droop following deposition. The shape is a tradeoff with the necessity to use time to deposit PLA supports, which also take similar amounts of time. PLA hardens quicker providing a fairly rigid support to prevent ABS droop. It may be necessary to design the cavities such that PLA supports are not needed thereby reducing the overall print time.