ComeTrue T10/M10 Due Diligence: Comparison Documentation

I was going to move on to powder handling for my second "Due Diligence"; but, I got waylaid by my growing appreciation for the documentation available to us that provides a wealth of information as we do our research into the T10 and/or M10.

A good place to start is with a document I was late to find.  And, that is a PDF that compares the T10 and M10 side-by-side.

190125 Full-Color+Ceranic_EN-A4.pdf

Yes, you will find some spelling errors and typos in ComeTrue3D's English language documentation and web pages.  But, don't let that fool you.  There is a wealth of information that transcends ANY such minor flaws.  Here are some things I learned from this one document.

Lines 1 through 4

Let's begin with the first four lines of the comparison table:

Model T10 T10 M10     Application Full-Color Ceramic Ceramic     Build Size 200x160x150(mm) 200x160x150(mm)    200x160x150(mm)     Max part size    190x150x140(mm)    100x100x60(mm) 100x100x60(mm)

We glean three interesting facts from these first four lines...

1. The T10 CAN Print in both Gypsum and Ceramic

The M10 is a less expensive version of the ComeTrue3D powder/binder printer that eliminates the full color capabilities to save money. But, it is not the only version that can handle ceramic powder. This is clear from the very first lines of the comparison sheet.

2. Color is Not Available with Ceramic Powder

Notice that the application doesn't split the two capabilities between Gypsum and Ceramic. It differentiates between Full-Color and Ceramic. I am trying to find out why. The aborted 3D Systems CeraJet ceramic printer could print in color using ceramic powder. So, I'm wondering if this might have something to do with 3D Systems patents, which would be aggressively defended.

Or, it could be an ink formulation issue where the current inks simply can't stand up to the heat. While it's an interesting question it is not a huge deal to us since NONE of the new ceramic printers can print in full color.

3. Build Size the Same but Part Size Differs by Application

Interestingly, when printing in ceramic powder, the allowable part size is reduced considerably. Nothing in the documents I've reviewed so far indicate the reason for this. It's certainly a factor in making a decision. True, it is very easy to use glaze to bond multiple parts during firing. But, even so it's hard to give the ComeTrue3D printers a 10 out of 10 when it comes to allowable part size when printing with ceramic powder.

Lines 5 through 10

In lines 5 through 10 of the comparison sheet we learn the following:

1. Type is "Desktop"

All of the models are classed as "Desktop" and are the same physical size.

2. Print Speed is 20mm per Hour

The great thing about powder/binder printers is that height is time. Unlike FDM printers, the difference in time between printing one item or 15 items is negligible. With a print speed of 20mm per hour, if the maximum Z-Axis is 60mm, then the longest print job would be about 3 hours plus the time to initialize a print job.

3. Layer Thickness Defaults 0.08mm, but, is Variable

Z-Axis Layer thickness is as little as 0.08mm. However, the listing for the M10 includes special modes specifically designed for developers wishing to use experimental powders. However, based on my earlier conversation with actual users, I'm thinking that this capability extends to the T10 as well. This would be a good question to ask your sales rep if you plan to use either of these printers in an experimental lab.

Lines 11 through 14

1. The M10 Permits "Print Time" and "Nozzle Slot" Selection for Developers.

Actually, this is talking about the number of times the printer applies binder for each layer. This is specifically provided to address the fact that "green" ceramic prints are more delicate than full color gypsum prints. ALL of the colors in the T10 are listed as "BINDERS". So, one can assume that full-color prints are sprayed with a bit more total binder in each pass than is a ceramic print. My understanding is that, being able to tell the printer to make multiple binder passes for each layer ensures that more binder is delivered and, theoretically, the 'green' part is a bit more robust.

The slot number selection may have to do with using experimental binders.

2. Horizontal Resolution is 1200 x 556 dpi

This is true of both the T10 and the M10 and is the same for both full color and ceramic. This is excellent resolution. But, remember, the true smoothness of a part surface is going to be determined by the powder used. Parts printed in fine powder will be able to benefit by this resolution better than those printed with a coarse powder.

3. The T10 uses TWO Print Heads and the M10 only uses ONE.

Both print heads on the T10 share the duties of dispensing color and binder. Since, the M10 is not a color printer, there is no need for a second head. Each head has 2400 nozzles for a total of 4800 nozzles on the T10. The print heads are MUCH larger than those on our ZCorp 450 or 310.

Lines 15 through 20

Most of the information in lines 15 through 20 demonstrate that the two different models are essentially the same in most categories of specifications. In summary both the T10 and M10: 

• Use the ComeTrue Print client software
• Connect via USB 2.0
• Are Certified for CE, FCC/IC
• Operate in Windows 7 / Vista / 8 and 10
• Operate at 100-210 or 200-240 volts

But, there is one significant difference in comparison line item 16.

The T10 Relies on .WRL Files for Printing Color

Both the T10 and the M10 can print from STL files. But, for color printing the only file type that it appears the comeTrue Print client can send to the T10 is the .WRL file type. Other common color file types like .OBJ, .PLY or .3DS must be converted to .WRL for printing.

This is not uncommon. The ZCorp Z450 requires "Vert color" .PLY or .WRL file types. But, it may be a new limitation to those not familiar with color printing. ComeTrue 3D has private labeled the "Pro" version of Netfabb as PixiRite Preparation Software. I understand that the cost is $1,500.

Since it is based on the NetFabb engine, it promises to be an excellent 3D file correction and converter software. While there is a "free" version of Netfabb available, it doesn't even come close to the power delivered by PixiRite.

Particularly if you are planning to capture 3D images for printing, I would urge you to seriously consider including PixiRite Preparation Software with your purchase.

We currently use Meshlab to make this type of file conversion. While free, it requires some complex workflow and we have not been entirely pleased with the conversions from .OBJ meshes to Vert color .WRL. Based on the little I've explore PixiRite, the whole conversion process looks cleaner and better. But, it is not something that I have been able to verify as yet.

Line 21

The final comparison in this document lists the consumables used by the T10 and the M10 in both full-color and ceramic print configurations.

Here is where it gets confusing...

Confusion #1 - Color Binders Under T10 Ceramic Column

I am not sure if this is simply an oversight or whether it's a hint that we can, in fact, use the color binders with ceramic. I have a call into the rep to clarify this.

Confusion #2 - Post Process Materials Included

In both the T10 and M10 ceramic columns, there are a number of materials that are NOT directly used with the printer itself. They are used only in the post-processing phase after printing is complete They are: 

• TP-81 (Ceramic Patch Powders) 200g)
• TG-82N (Clear Glaze Powders) 500g
• TG-82W (White Glaze Powders) 500g

All of these are powders that are mixed with water. TP-81 is used to fill cracks and holes that can happen when moving the part from the printer to the powder recovery booth. TG-82N and TG82W are powders meant to be mixed with water and applied as glazes in the final firing, if desired.

What is unclear at this point is the role of using a thin "slip" for the second firing cycle that permeates the part as is common with other ceramic powder workflows.

One thing is clear as I continue on my "Due Diligence" journey attempting to learn all I can about the ComeTrue3D series of powder/binder printers. Having had previous experience with ZCorp powder/binder printers helps me appreciate the thoughtfulness of MicroJet Technology's engineers as they designed these two printers. While there is still a lot to discover before choosing a printer for our future needs, it is clear that the quality of the candidate products is MUCH higher than I first suspected.




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