BCN3D Smart Cabinet

The GLOBAL 3D company is the exclusive, authorized distributor of BCN3D 3D printers in Poland. The purchase of 3D printers in our company is a guarantee of receiving an original device from distribution on the Polish market as well as fast and professional technical support. We run a professional 3D printer service center and offer spare parts dedicated by the manufacturer. In addition, we offer implementation training for the purchased device.

BCN3D Smart Cabinet (SC)

Smart Cabinet is designed to extend the life of materials, protect filament and reduce printing errors caused by moisture, greatly improving the quality of prints. Smart Cabinet (SC) has a gel that absorbs moisture from the air in the chamber. Once saturated, the gel is isolated from the materials and heated until it releases the moisture, removing it from the system. This process effectively keeps the filament dry and optimal for use.

Smart Cabinet (SC) can hold up to 8 small spools (750g - 1kg) or 4 large spools (up to 2.5kg) of filaments. The tool drawer provides everything you may need, and thanks to the extra storage space, your workplace will always be tidy and clean. Smart Cabinet integrates with 3D printers, materials and software, streamlining your workflow with quick and easy loading of up to eight filament spools and wheeled design for hassle-free transportation within your facilities.

Influence of ambient humidity on printing from hygroscopic fibers

Print quality has been tested using our most hygroscopic filaments after recreating a constant humidity environment and storing each spool for 4 days. PVA provided good printing results under a wide range of conditions, while PA, especially TPU, required a much more restrictive storage protocol.

Highly hygroscopic fibers: moisture limit

The boundary printing humidity was obtained after storing the filaments for 4 days at 25 ° C and specific relative humidity (RH). We have observed that PVA can be successfully printed when stored at up to 40% relative humidity. PA began to show superficial imperfection when stored at 30% RH. TPU proved to be very sensitive to moisture and gave unsatisfactory results when stored above 12% RH.

Highly hygroscopic fibers: shelf life

The three examined hygroscopic fibers were subjected to kinetic absorption assessment. When stored under typical humidity conditions (60% RH), each filament required a different time to reach the printability limit. We have calculated that PVA can be stored on an unprotected shelf for up to 12 hours before a drying cycle is needed. The shelf life of PA has been estimated at 4 hours, which makes it unsuitable for very long prints. According to our calculations, TPU should be handled with care, as its extrusion efficiency started to decline after 1.5 hours.

Get the best finish

Hygroscopicity, i.e. the tendency to absorb moisture, is the great enemy of 3D printing because it is a characteristic feature of most thermoplastic materials. Even a small percentage of moisture can adversely affect most filaments, and thus the final result of the printing job, not only by imperfections appearing on the print surface, but also by damaging its mechanical properties. Correct filament storage will therefore have a significant impact on the overall quality of the printed parts.

Spool stored for 4 days at 70% relative humidity.

Over-extrusion and poor accuracy. Rough surface, opaque appearance and lots of threads indicate irregular embossing and poor intercoat adhesion.

Spool stored 4 days at 30% relative humidity.

Good extrusion and dimensional accuracy, but a rough surface due to the formation of micro vapor bubbles.

Spool correctly stored in the Smart Cabinet BCN3D.

Continuous extrusion without interruptions or formation of bubbles. Smooth surface and no flossing.

Key Features

Smart Cabinet is a solution that allows, among other things, to reduce the energy costs needed to dry filaments than with other methods. It ensures that filaments do not lose their properties and allows you to control the drying of materials.

Advantages of Smart Cabinet compared to other drying methods:

BCN3D Smart Cabinet:

• Optimal for all materials
• Low power consumption: 12W average / 100W max
• 8 compartments for small filament spools (4 for large spools)
• Prints in dry warehouse
• Environment with controlled humidity, dries without heat
• No consumables

Controlled humidity environment

Designed to extend the life of your materials, the silica gel open to a drying environment absorbs moisture from the air in the chamber. Once saturated, the gel is isolated from the materials and heated until it releases the moisture, removing it from the system. This process effectively keeps the filament dry and optimal for use.