What’s More? - Thermo Top Kit Cover Progress Update
Latest Updates
Hello everyone! We've seen all the attention and feedback you've shared across different platforms regarding the Thermo Top Kit Cover. Thank you so much for all your support! Today, we are very excited to share a progress update with you. Right now, the Thermo Top Kit Cover is in its final iteration stage, with all development work proceeding at full speed.
Front View of the Printer with Thermo Top Cover Kit
Thermo Top Cover Design
Functionally, we have implemented two major optimizations:
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Quick-Release Panel: We added an opening at the top of the cover equipped with a quick-release panel. This allows users to quickly open the top to handle filament cutting or organize the print area without having to remove the entire cover.
Quick-Release Panel
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Upgraded Cushion-Sealing Design: We redesigned the vertical cover edge into an angled corner structure, which previously connected directly to the machine's edge. We also secured it with foam tape on the horizontal surface of the folded corner where it contacts the upper frame.
Cushion-Sealing Design
This design brings three major benefits: it ensures a secure fit and prevents the cover from falling off, prevents chamber gas from leaking, and reduces printing noise for a quieter printing experience. Here is the acoustic noise test video:
*Note: Test results may vary depending on the testing environment, printer status (non-mass production), and testing methods. Data is for reference only.
Active Heating & Cooling Integrated Module
Considering the internal space of our printer and to ensure a more convenient experience for everyone when installing and maintaining this module, we have integrated the active heating and cooling functions into a single unit, located on the outside of the printer's rear panel (Since the back panel is made via sheet metal fabrication, this will not affect the mass production of the printer). Currently, we are conducting further testing and optimization on this module.
Active Heating & Cooling Integrated Module
Filtration Design
Meanwhile, noticing the strong demand for filtration from most users, we specially integrated a filtration design into this module free of charge. It adopts a composite filtration structure combining a nylon mesh, HEPA H12, and activated carbon. This absorbs particles and odors emitted by filaments during printing, providing a safer and healthier printing environment.
Mode Description
The Active Heating & Cooling Integrated Module has two main operating modes:
Internal Circulation Mode
In internal circulation mode, the active chamber heating control dynamically maintains the internal thermal temperature. Currently, the maximum stable chamber temperature can reach up to 65°C, which is sufficient to support printing filaments that require a heated chamber, such as ASA, ABS, PA-CF, and PC. At the same time, the fan inside the module drives the air within the chamber to circulate through the heating element and filter element, effectively filtering out particles and odors generated during printing.
Internal Circulation Mode Reference Image
External Circulation Mode
In external circulation mode, the fan inside the module draws out the hot air from the chamber, filters it, and exhausts it through a damper, thereby rapidly lowering the internal chamber temperature. This mode supports printing low temperature filaments such as PLA.
External Circulation Mode Reference Image
Chamber Temperature Testing
Chamber Temperature Data
We have conducted preliminary chamber temperature tests on the current solution. Three testing points were placed above the heated bed, in the middle of the chamber, and at the bottom of the chamber respectively to record their temperature changes.
The test data shows that the current solution can heat the chamber to 60°C in about 18 minutes, which already meets the chamber temperature requirements for most filaments. Reaching 65°C currently takes a longer time, and we are continuously optimizing this, which will be detailed in our upcoming update plans.
From the temperature distribution, the highest temperature occurs in the middle of the chamber and the lowest temperature at the bottom, with a maximum temperature difference of within 5°C, which is a normal performance level in the industry.
Chamber Temperature Testing Diagram
Printing Test
We have conducted print tests under chamber temperature conditions. Here is a video of printing with ASA material.
Impact of High Temperatures on Linear Motors
Since we use linear motors, we also tested the effect of chamber temperature on the magnets within the linear motors. The magnets in our linear motors are rated at N38M, which has a maximum operating temperature of 100°C. The temperature data recorded during printing is shown below. The test results indicate that under a chamber temperature of 60-65°C, the magnets still operate normally. You can check the magnet specification sheet we include in the appendix.
Mover Temperature Testing Diagram
Next Step
Thermo Top Cover Design
To address the structural support challenges caused by the larger size of the top cover, we have made targeted upgrades in the next version: by increasing the cover thickness and adding reinforcing ribs, we will enhance the overall structural strength, ensuring that it remains solid and deformation-free even during long-term high-temperature printing.
Furthermore, we have innovatively designed two sets of universal roller structures inside the top cover, allowing the PTFE tubes to route through them. This not only allows the tubes to move freely during printing, but also prevents them from tangling with each other.
In addition, we will optimize the sealing at the side inlet of the top cover specifically for the PTFE tube feeding path of the FEDs accessory.
Active Heating & Cooling Integrated Module
Considering that there is still room for improvement in the current heating efficiency, our next plan is to comprehensively enhance the heating performance of the module through multiple measures, such as increasing the heater power, upgrading the fan speed, and testing the optimal placement of the integrated module, to provide a better experience.
Currently, the optimization and verification work is well underway. Thank you for your attention and trust, and please stay tuned for more updates from us in the future!
Appendix
Magnet Specification
We used ChatGPT to generate internal circulation mode reference image and external circulation mode reference image to provide a brief illustration.