Tech Breakdown: BCN3D Sigma D25 3D Printer Review
BCN3D has done it again with the inaugural Sigma D25, the first entry into BCN3D's Desktop series of 3D printers and continuing their IDEX legacy.
BCN3D paved the way for one of the cleanest methods of dual-extrusion 3D printing: Independent Dual Extrusion. From their original Sigma IDEX 3D Printer, BCN3D has come a long way with their latest edition: the Sigma D25. As part of the inaugural Desktop series of 3D printers, the 25 Liter build volume Sigma D25 features improvements in construction and electronics learned from the BCN3D Epsilon while building on the abilities we’ve come to know and love about BCN3D printers.
Let's break it down-
Reimagined Inside-Out
The Sigma lineup hasn’t just gone through a face-lift, from the mechanics to the frame, everything about the Sigma D25 is an improvement built on the foundation laid by the previous models of the Sigmax. You’ll first notice the all-new light grey color, a distinction made for the new Desktop line of BCN3D printers. Major changes have been made to the motion system to increase its rigidity for improved print performance, from a stainless steel cross bar to an aluminum build plate with a silicone thermal pad for consistent flatness and heating. Stronger NEMA17 motors come standard for the X-axis to prevent overheating and provide the torque necessary to move each IDEX printhead reliably. Every change and improvement has been made to reinforce the Sigma D25 as a 3D printer capable of maintaining a print farm.
IDEX for Duplication & Mirror Modes
With the technology pioneered by BCN3D, the Sigma D25 features dual-IDEX print heads. Two fully-featured print heads ride along the stainless steel cross bar but each have their own dedicated motor driving their X axis movements. Instead of a dual extrusion system with both nozzles on one print head, IDEX allows for the unused hotend to park off to the side, cooled down and out of the way until it’s called upon to get back to printing, where it will then purge into a purge bucket, wipe off the nozzle, and start printing. This entire process keeps the in-progress 3D print clean and free from any oozing or smearing from the unused nozzle. Alternatively, both nozzles can be used at the same time in duplication or mirror mode with both print heads moved over the build plate and follow the same movements (or mirrored movements) to bring the power of two 3D printers into one body for ultimate batch printing potential.
Improved Electronics
In alignment with the changes to the hardware, the user experience is even better as well. The new touch screen is a larger 5” screen for easier navigation and clearer instructions with improved menus throughout the system. The Sigma D25 takes lessons learned on the first BCN3D Epsilon by incorporating wireless connectivity for cloud integration, printing over Wifi, and over-the-air firmware updates. Even the calibration process and print profiles in BCN3D Cura have been improved and tweaked for better printing performance and compatibility.
Technical Specifications
With all these upgrades combined, the D25 is a 3D printer that has been streamlined for your everyday 3D printing needs. With a maximum bed temperature of 80°C, profiles are tailor-made for PLA, PETG, TPU, and PVA to 3D print beautifully and without issue, while still allowing you to create your own 3D print profiles for any material you’d like to print - it’s an open filament system, so you can explore top materials like MatterHackers PRO Series performance materials. To improve the resolution of adjustments for bed leveling, the new beds screws are ergonomic and offer finer adjustments for a flatter first layer than ever. In alignment with the large build volume of the Sigma D25, the extruders have been relocated to the back of the 3D printer and the spool holders can be mounted inside the frame for standard spool sizes and a smaller footprint or to the back of the 3D printer for larger spools. A staple of every BCN3D printer is IDEX, and the D25 is no different; the purge buckets have been enlarged and the duplication and mirror functionality is as powerful as ever. Coupled with the swappable hotends you can keep one nozzle at a fine 0.4mm for the walls of your 3D prints and use the other with a 0.8mm nozzle for strong and robust infill.
The Sigma D25 is the first of BCN3D’s new series of desktop, production-ready 3D printers and is loaded with features to make a capable and powerful 3D printer that can fit on any engineer’s desktop. To learn more and to order yours today, check it out here.
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