RAPID + TCT 2024 Booth Tour | Mako Hotend, FIN Nozzle, Bondtech & LulzBot Showcase!

The RAPID + TCT 2024 event was buzzing with excitement as industry leaders showcased their latest advancements in 3D printing technology. Among the standout exhibits was Slice Engineering's booth, featuring the highly anticipated Mako™ Hotend and FIN Nozzle system, alongside impressive displays from Bondtech and LulzBot. In this blog, we'll take you through some of the highlights of this year’s event, focusing on the new innovations that are set to redefine desktop 3D printing.

Slice Engineering’s Big Reveal: The Mako™ Hotend for Bambu Lab Printers

Dan from Slice Engineering kicked off the tour by introducing the latest product designed specifically for Bambu Lab's P1 and X1 series printers: the Mako™ Hotend. This new hotend addresses key pain points users experience with the stock setup, focusing on speed, durability, and easy nozzle swaps.

1. Boosted Speed: The Mako™ Hotend delivers a 30-60% increase in throughput. For instance, a print that would take three hours with a stock setup can now be completed in just two hours with the Mako™. More detailed performance data and test results are coming soon, but initial feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

2. Enhanced Durability with Roll Cage Design: High acceleration can cause heat breaks to snap, leading to frustrating downtime. The Mako™ integrates Slice Engineering's signature roll cage technology, originally featured in their Mosquito™ Hotends, into the heat sink, protecting the heat break from damage during high-speed printing or accidental impacts.

3. No Tuning or Calibration Required: The Mako™ Hotend is designed to be plug-and-play, with no need for firmware adjustments or calibration. It's a hassle-free upgrade that maintains compatibility with Bambu Lab’s native software.

4. The FIN Nozzle Standard: Slice Engineering also introduced the FIN nozzle standard—an open-source initiative aimed at creating a universal nozzle design optimized for thermal efficiency. Collaborations with Bondtech, DiamondBack, and MicroSwiss have resulted in a range of nozzles suited for different applications, from high-flow CHT nozzles to diamond-tipped options.

Bondtech: Pushing the Limits of Filament Extrusion

At RAPID + TCT 2024, Bondtech showcased their industry-leading filament extrusion systems, including the BMG and LGX series extruders. Here's a quick overview:

• The LGX Shortcut with Mosquito™ Hotend: This combination delivers a short filament path, making it ideal for flexible filaments while maintaining reliability and precision.
• CHT Nozzles: Bondtech's CHT nozzles feature an innovative internal geometry designed to increase flow rates while reducing stress during extrusion. The collaboration with Slice Engineering extends to compatibility with the FIN standard.

LulzBot: Versatile and Reliable Industrial-Grade 3D Printing

LulzBot made a strong impression with their TAZ Pro XT, featuring a Magnum+ Hotend from Slice Engineering and an LGX Pro extruder from Bondtech. Here are the key features:

• Large Build Volume and Fast Printing: The TAZ Pro XT is designed for printing tall objects in a single piece, reducing the need for assembly or gluing. With a 2.4mm nozzle and 1.8mm layer heights, it can lay down plastic fast, making it perfect for industrial applications.
• Durability and Ease of Use: The TAZ Pro platform includes features like touchscreens, 32-bit boards, and runout sensors that monitor for filament stripping or jamming. The system is built to last, with an average lifespan of 15,000 to 20,000 print hours.
• Swappable Tool Heads: LulzBot’s modular design allows users to switch between different tool heads based on their needs, whether they’re using 1.75mm or 2.85mm filament, or printing with multi-materials.

Wrapping Up

RAPID + TCT 2024 was a showcase of innovation, with leading brands like Slice Engineering, Bondtech, and LulzBot demonstrating how they’re pushing the boundaries of 3D printing. Whether you're looking for faster prints, more durable setups, or greater versatility in nozzle options, these companies are delivering solutions that address real-world challenges.

For more information on the products featured, including pre-ordering the Mako™ Hotend, check out the links below. Don’t miss out on these game-changing upgrades.