Felix TEC-4.1 3D printer

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Introduction

Felix Pro 1 acquired by DKS, TECFA, University of Geneva, delivered in Dec 2015

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:

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

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).