Hello All,

I am new to 3D printing, and am wondering about high resolution with a paste extruder. I would like to print with 100um (100 microns, or 0.1mm) resolution in the x and y axes. The needle extruding the paste does not need to be 100um thin (I would like it to be thicker), but I want to be able to have gaps between x-y layers of paste that are 100um. Basically, it would print something like a maze, with walls made of paste and pathways of 100um in width. Are there any motors that are capable of such fine movement and accuracy? Would calibration be an issue? Thank you in advance, and apologies for my lack of 3D printer terminology/experience!

Hello milner,

we have this machine at work:
[vormvrij.nl]
The resolution in xy is generally possible with reprap style machines.The smallest nozzle of the LUTUM printer is 0.6mm, but you can define your gaps in the CAD file or slicer. If you need finer nozzles, there is a german paste dispensing specialist currently advertising an addon for reprap style machines to extrude even smaller lines [www.viscotec.de]. Depending on the viscosity of your material, you have to be aware, that paste extrusion is generally more tricky than FDM. The viscosity can limit the smallest lines to be extruded.
Generally, I see no problem in what you want to do. But it would help, if you specify what material you want to print with and what your budget is.
Best regards,
krosstoph

Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 04/06/2016 09:14AM by krosstoph.