Boost Your CraftBot Flow IDEX with This Powerful Upgrade Kit!

Hey everyone! I’m Dan Barousse, CEO and Co-Founder of Slice Engineering. Today, we’re thrilled to showcase our partnership with CraftBot and introduce you to the CraftBot Flow IDEX—a printer that’s been known for its reliability and performance. We’re excited to demonstrate how our technology seamlessly integrates with their systems to further enhance their already impressive track record of reliability. 

About CraftBot

CraftBot has been a market leader in the professional desktop 3D printing industry for many years. They’re known for their robustness and user-friendly designs, often referred to as the “CraftBot Tank” due to their big, framed structure. In fact, the very first 3D printers we used here at Slice were previous-generation CraftBot machines. We’ve always admired their commitment to building quality, no-nonsense machines. Recently, we finally had the opportunity to work directly with them to bring even more innovation to their product line.

CraftBot Flow IDEX

Today, we’re focusing on the CraftBot Flow IDEX. IDEX stands for Independent Dual Extruder, offering unique versatility and performance—especially for the price point, as there are only a few professional-level IDEX machines available on the market. The CraftBot Flow IDEX has the features you would expect from a pro-level machine, including:

• Mesh bed leveling

• Built-in camera

• Web interface for printing and monitoring

• Filament runout sensor

• Rigid steel frame with built-in linear rails

• Huge print volume

Interestingly, the user interface (HMI) now runs off of a Raspberry Pi, which provides some cool future development options. With its dual extrusion capability, you can print in several different ways:

•Mirror Mode: Print a right and left version of the same part (useful for things like insoles).

•Parallel Mode: Print identical parts next to each other, effectively turning one printer into two.

•Multi-material or Multi-color Mode: Print with two different filaments feeding into the same part, with separate print heads. This allows for unique and complex designs without using a purge tower.

Integration with Slice Engineering

We’ve been working directly with CraftBot on the latest update to their Flow machines, which includes a upgraded extruder from CraftBot coupled with our Copperhead Hotend and GammaMaster Nozzles. The upgrade has key performance improvements, including: 

• Improved flow rate from our Copperhead Hotend

• Increased power output

• More extrusion force from the new CraftBot extruder

• Better printing of flexible filaments

• Abrasion resistance from our GammaMaster Nozzle

• Superior bridging performance and reduced heat creep

Technical Details 

When it comes to 3D printing, understanding the difference between linear speed and volumetric flow rate is crucial. Linear speed is measured in millimeters per second (mm/s) and refers to the speed at which the print head moves. Volumetric flow rate, measured in cubic millimeters per second (mm³/s), refers to the amount of plastic pushed out in a given time. With this upgrade kit, you can increase your volumetric flow rate, allowing for faster linear speeds without compromising quality.

Technical Specifications:

• CraftBot Flow Upgrade Kit: A drop-in, plug-and-play replacement for the previous-generation CraftBot Flow hotends, utilizing the stock heat sink.

• Copperhead Hotend: 60% more efficient at reducing heat creep, with a higher temperature rating and flow rate potential than PTF-Heine heat breaks.

• GammaMaster AP3X Nozzle: Abrasion-resistant and designed for superior performance.

• Custom Industrial Heater: A 50W, 24V heater with the correct connectors.

• Boron Nitrite Paste and Slice Engineering Stickers are included in the kit.

The Copperhead Upgrade Kit is compatible with all CraftBot Flow generation models, including Flow, Flow XL, Flow IDEX, and Flow IDEX XL. If you want the full benefits of printing with flexible materials, we recommend picking up the extruder directly from CraftBot.

See the CraftBot Flow IDEX in Action

Let’s see the CraftBot Flow IDEX in action with our upgrade kit installed. The kit is designed to reduce print time while ensuring consistent layer adhesion and detail.

If you’re as excited about the CraftBot Flow IDEX and the upgrade kit as we are, click the link below to get yours today! You can also get the kit alongside their new extruder directly from CraftBot or through their reseller network. They have a responsive fulfillment team in Memphis, Tennessee, that keeps all the parts and printers you need on hand.