The Meltzone

In Episode 74 of the Meltzone Podcast, Tom and Stefan revisit E3D's extruder testing, debate the pros and cons of AC versus DC power for 3D printer heating elements, and discuss the contentious issue of patents in the 3D printing industry. They explore the challenges and implications of patents that may hinder innovation and affect content creators. The episode also touches on their upcoming travel plans, highlighting the importance of maker events and community engagement.

This episode kicks off with Stefan sharing his recent trip to Cologne, aimed at discovering new products for his online store. They briefly discuss Tom's video on threaded inserts, including testing methodologies and Stefan shares his story about tackling a TikTok impostor. A significant portion of the episode features an in-depth discussion with engineers from E3D, shedding light on extruder testing, product development, and the nuances of testing methodologies. They discuss the challenges and strategies in developing new products, focusing on extruder efficiency, the impact of design choices on performance, and the balance between speed, quality, and reliability.

In this episode, the hosts start with a PSA about backing up data and Stefan's SSD failing. Later, Tom shares his plans for SMRRF and Stefan reveals his intention to be present at both Formnext and SMMRF in 2023. The conversation then shifts towards 3D-printed salmon meat, the Hangprinter project's challenge to the ORNL SkyBAAM patent, and Bambu's new A1 Mini, which might impact the 3D printing industry. They discuss a proposed bill in NY that would require background checks for 3D printer owners due to the perceived risk of creating firearms and the concerning case of 3D Printing Generals channel being deleted without notice. Lastly, they talk about the disappearance of @Naomi-Wu from social media after getting into trouble with Chinese authorities.

Stefan has just returned from OpenSauce, a recent Makerfair/Vidcon event held in San Francisco. He shares his thoughts about the event, including what he saw and missed out on. Tom and Stefan also chat about their six-week experience driving their new Tesla EV, and touch on the topic of solar charging. The duo then discuss the Ankermake M5C, which is a more affordable version of Anker's first 3D printer, the M5. They also ponder how long it's reasonable to hold a grudge against a company over a controversy. Later, they share their personal experiences with the Prusa MK4, and mention that Prusa has requested Tom's machine back for an inspection. Finally, they explore some current applications of 3D printing in the industry, and attempt to explain why Marlin Firmware is referred to as "Marlin."