Felix TEC-4.1 3D printer

Introduction

Felix TEC4.1 acquired for DKS, TECFA, University of Geneva, delivered in Nov 2018. Picture source: FELIX Printers

The Felix TEC4.1 is a 3D printer made by FELIXprinters and that started shipping in 2018. It features semi-automatec calibration of the print bed, an optional dual head, etc. and strong, reliable steel extruders. This article shortly describes some of my experience and (if possible) some tips

This model is an evolution of the Felix 1.0 3D printer we bought in 2010, the Felix 2.0 3D printer we got in 2013 and the Felix 3.0 we did not buy.

- Daniel K. Schneider 26 nov 2018-

See also:

• RapMan (our first 3D printer assembled in Jan 2010, not used any more, but no modern printer will beat its look)
• Fabbster 3D printer‎ (given away)
• Felix 1.0 3D printer (bought in 2012 and still working)
• Felix 2.0 3D printer (bought in 2013 and still working)
• Felix Pro 1 3D printer (bought in 2015)

Technical specifications

Layer resolution

Minimum layer height: 0.05 mm,

Maximum layer height: 0.25 mm

Extruder / nozzles

Dual detachable full metal hotends (one is retractable)

0.35mm (0.25, 0.5mm, 0,7 options)

Max 275 C

Print volume

255 x 205 x 225mm

Print bed

heated, up to 105 C ?

Detachable and flexible (quick removal of prints !)

Semi-Automatic calibration (For leveling, a Z-Sensor will probe and then tell which of the two buttons to turn and how much. For z-probe, this is done through the control)

Print materials

Many (PLA, TPE, ABS, PVA, Wood, Glass, PET(G)

Software

In principle, one could use any controller/slicer software. As of Nov 2018 there are profiles for the following slicers: Repetierhost (Cura), K Simplify3D (commercial). Repetierhost is configured and distributed through Felix.

Connectivity

USB Cable

SD Card

Unpacking, assembly, configuration, calibration

Unboxing

The box arrived in good shape and unboxing is easy and fast.

• Unboxing and readying the Felix TEC 4.1
• 

  Box

• 

  Opened Box, with instructions.

• 

  Top removed

• 

  Top that included all spares, cables, extra spares, and three rolls

• 

  Assembled

Assembly

I takes about 15 minutes to unpack and assemble the printer. - 5 strips that hold elements have to be cut - the handle on top has to be fixed

PC Configuration

Download Repetierhost as distributed by Felix. The installation also will propose to install a serial driver.

Calibration

The printer is shipped with a 23 quick start guide. I includes

• 8 pages of specification, basics, part list, unboxing, handle fixing, etc.
• The calibration routine for a single head printer takes two pages

The printer may just work out of the box but I did not try that.

• The build platform must be leveled.
• In the display unit, select control->Level Build PLT.
• Turn front or rear wheel left of right X degrees as displayed, then test again.

Calibrating the Z-Probe, i.e. adjusting the right z height is done via software (i.e. the printer will remember). Here are my slightly modify tips, since the instructions are a little less clear.

• Put a large sheet of thick paper (120g) or two sheets of ordinary printer paper on the platform.
• Click Control->Calibrate Z-Probe
• Now if your paper is stuck on the platform, i.e you cannot remove move the paper, turn the wheel right to lower the platform
• If you wish you now can insert the Felix calibration card
• Then turn the wheel left to rise the platform until there is a good amount of friction, i.e. you can still pull the card away without dammaging it (I prefer the first layer to be very close).

First prints

There was no failed print nor any trial with the felix logo that ships with Repetierhost.

• First print was a spinning top with special (strong) Felix PLA. After the print, I recalibrated the Z-Probe as described above since the surface was not squashed enough. I used the Felix calibration card, but with a good amount of friction.
• Second print was a Beekee box with PETG from Felix (not completed at time of writing). I rised default temperature a bit to 220 degrees and slowed down first layer speeds a bit.

• First two prints
• 

  First print, a simple spinning flower top I designed.

• 

  Second print, Beekbox, designed by a TECFA team, led by Vincent Widmer (PhD student).