The Meltzone

The Meltzone episodes:

• 03.30.2024

  AC or DC?

  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...

  
• 03.12.2024

  Did we do a bad job in testing extruders? (feat. E3D)

  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...

  
• 10.22.2023

  It's all gone!

  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...

  
• 07.25.2023

  OpenSauce & New Ankermake M5C

  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...

  
• 07.06.2023

  The man behind Marlin: How an open source project works!

  Join Tom and Stefan in this episode as they chat with Scott Lahteine, the mastermind behind the Marlin 3D Printer firmware. They delve into the workings of an open-source project, covering topics such as Scott's role, time commitment, funding sources,...

  
• 06.07.2023

  3D Printer Manufacturer Shenanigans

  On this Podcast episode, Stefan asks Tom about his experience about dubbing his 3D Printing videos with a German audio track and why uploading to a new channel might be a better option. The episode is also well-filled with discussions...

  
• 05.04.2023

  Rocky Mountain RepRap Festival & Prusa MK4

  On this Podcast episode, Stefan shares his latest acquisition, the Vectorfinesse's 3D-printed headphones. The discussion then shifts to his recent trip to Loveland, Colorado, where he attended the Rocky Mountain RepRap Festival. Stefan shares some of the projects he witnessed...

  
• 03.24.2023

  Sweet 3D Printers & FreeCAD

  After a skipped episode due to a COVID break, Tom and Stefan are back talking about PV systems, irrigation systems, and electric snail fences. Tom started posting a couple of shorts, and Stefan is doing his first step in delegating...

  
• 02.22.2023

  Back again! Rotary CNC & Simplify3D V5 meme is over

  Tom and Stefan are finally back with a new episode. They talk about why they were gone and what projects Tom recently enjoyed working on, like the NERF he used as an intro in his last video and rotary machining...

  
• 11.22.2022

  New Bambulab P1P & Creality "Laser Eye Surgery" at Formnext 2022

  This episode starts with a quick chat about solar batteries because Stefan was faced with a power outage on the morning of the recording. After that Tom and Stefan switch over to a discussion about new ways of 3D scanning...

  
• 11.04.2022

  When 3D printing isn't the right solution

  Thanks to Bekonix for sponsoring this episode! Check them out at https://bekonix.com and use code MELTZONE for 3 months of Pro access for free. In this episode, Tom and Stefan talk about the reasons why this Podcast was postponed for...

  
• 09.29.2022

  Back to the new old Studio & Cherry-picked Review Units?

  This episode is not only about chatting and chicken but also a little update on Tom's move back to his new old studio and his plans to completely move in before he flies out to ERRF2022. After a bit of...

  
• 08.25.2022

  Bambu VS Voron VS Prusa XL & Kicked out of the Studio?

  This episode starts with a short and frustrating story on why Tom might have to leave his new studio again. Next, Stefan and Tom talk about Corridor Crews YouTube channels once again, which recently was hacked. Stefan gives a quick...

  
• 08.11.2022

  Prusa XL Delayed, Scams & NoZZles

  Thanks to Siraya Tech for sponsoring this episode! Check them out at https://siraya.tech/products/build-resin-high-resolution-engineering-resin or on Amazon at http://go.toms3d.org/Siraya In this episode, Stefan talks about what recently put him out of order for almost 4 weeks but how he used the...

  
• 07.21.2022

  Why stuff breaks, Robot Arms & Home-Compostable PHA Filaments

  Thanks to Private Internet Access for sponsoring this episode! Check them out at https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/TheMeltzone This episode starts with a discussion about the longevity of common 3D printing materials and why sometimes filament snaps on its own in the Bowden tube. Next,...

  
• 07.12.2022

  I caught Covid at MRRF2022 & Slicing Revolution in CURA and PrusaSlicer

  This episode is sponsored by Linode! Check out their scalable cloud solutions and get $100 free credit at https://linode.com/themeltzone This episode is slightly different because Stefan records it straight from Covid isolation which he caught, as many others, at this year's...

  
• 04.13.2022

  Anker Make M5 & BCM3Ds novel resin printing method

  This episode is sponsored by Linode! Check out their scalable cloud solutions and get $100 free credit at https://linode.com/themeltzone This episode starts with a quick update on Tom's new studio as well as the office space Stefan has an eye on....

  
• 03.14.2022

  Dream Studio, Macro Photography & Sneaky 3D Printing Quiz

  In this episode, Tom talks about finally finding his dream studio and office space! Both Tom and Stefan recently reviewed professional machines where they got a ton of negative feedback from viewers that made comparisons to maker and DIY tools....

  
• 02.17.2022

  Simplify3D V5 "confirmed" & REVO problems

  The first topic of this episode covers a controversial article where the author "has the feeling" that the release of S3D V5 might not be far away though there is very little substance to that claim. More substantial news is...

  
• 01.27.2022

  Is "exposure" enough payment & German channel?

  This episode starts with the question of whether content creators should have to license 3D printable models that others released under a non-commercial license or if the exposure alone is enough "payment". If you would license your creation how would...

  
• 12.30.2021

  Open Source CAD & Selling Stuff Online

  This episode starts with a short chat about the festive season and the presents Tom and Stefan got, followed by a talk about open source parametric CAD software and other professional yet affordable options. Next, Stefan shares some experiences running...

  
• 11.30.2021

  Prusa XL (obviously) & Creality MMU?!

  This podcast episode covers the physics behind Stefans recently reviewed CHT nozzle and his DIY version of it. Both discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this design and how it compares to a Volcano hotend. Stefan briefly talks about how...

  
• 11.05.2021

  Thingiverse Data Breach & Molten Prusa Heaterblock

  Stefan talk about the recent Thingiverse Data Breach, how it was handled, and that this is just another nail in the coffin. This is followed by a discussion about Thingiverse alternatives and Prusa's plans of re-branding PrusaPrinters. On the topic...

  
• 10.06.2021

  E3D Revo & Thingiverse Robs Creators

  The first episode after the summer break covers E3Ds new Revo extrusion system and Prusa Automated Farm System that they are currently demonstrating in Dubai. Stefan quickly talks about his line-up of threaded inserts that he recently launched and Tom...

  
• 08.26.2021

  Selling our creations? & SLA Printer Lockdown

  Thank you to Druckwege for sponsoring this episode! Check out their resins at https://shop.druckwege.de/ and use code "TOM2021" for 15% off! Stefan joins this Podcast from his holiday in South Tyrol. Topics are not only how to properly relax but they...

  
• 08.06.2021

  Stop Making Ender-3s & Über-Materials

  clones with little to no innovation. After this ramble, they talk about an artistic lamp Kickstarter campaign that uses orange peel filament which unfortunately seems to be only questionable marketing. Though during their research they've still stumbled upon a way...

  
• 07.11.2021

  Recycle everything: 3D Prints, PET Bottles, Spools and Turbine Blades

  Thanks to JLCPCB for sponsoring this episode! Get custom PCBs from $2 with free SMT assembly at https://jlcpcb.com/RHS This episode covers a ton of recycling topics starting from Stefan's adventures into 3D print recycling over the PETBOT that allows direct recycling...

  
• 06.16.2021

  Mom, we're famous!, Ultrasonic resin heating & watertight 3D prints

  Tom finished his VORON 2.4 build live streaming marathon and talks about his experience and the choices he made, for example using a DUET 3 with Reprap firmware instead of the usually used Klipper configuration. Stefan shows the latest Make...

  
• 06.03.2021

  Trademark, Re-branding & Filament Welding

  In this episode, Stefan proudly presents the trademark certificate that he registered for his channel name and talks a bit about the process involved in applying for it. Tom discusses his plans on re-branding his channel. The following topics cover...

  
• 04.30.2021

  Weird Printers & Good Bye Dragon Hotend

  This episode is full of weird 3D printers, starting with a 3D printing simulation from Spee3D. Tom and Stefan further talk about a new dynamic build platform concept to reduce the support amount and a Japanese project that converts a...

  
• 03.31.2021

  Are we geniuses?

  In this episode, Tom and Stefan present their new logo and talk about a semi open-source approach to electric driving vehicles, Lulzbot's new “as low as $750” printer, Stratasys' last heated build chamber finally expiring and a slicer integration to...

  
• 02.25.2021

  They Stole Our Content & Malware in Creality Software?

  Freebooting everything! Tom's whole website got copied and translated to French by an Affiliate Portal. One of Stefan's videos was re-uploaded by an Instagram channel as well as shots from his videos were taken to advertise threaded inserts on Amazon....

  
• 02.07.2021

  Talking VORON, PlyBot & Is PLA eco-friendly?

  In this episode, Stefan talks about his VORON 0 build he started right after the last podcast episode on his hunt for a 10 minutes Benchy. The news cover a lot of recent 3D printers and printing technologies including the...

  
• 01.11.2021

  The biggest 3D Printing YouTuber we didn't even know of & faster printing

  First, Tom and Stefan talk about the recent Corona situation and how it's affecting them. They quickly change the topic and discuss their latest experience with the CR-30 belt printer they have for testing. The news topics cover yet another...

  
• 12.12.2020

  A Creator's Responsibilities & Belt Printing

  After a bit of a break, Tom and Stefan are back talking about their responsibility as "influencers" and the new hype around Belt 3D Printers that are currently on Kickstarter. Belt 3D printing doesn't only require suitable hardware, but also...

  
• 10.09.2020

  Behind the scenes of OctoPrint (with Gina Häußge)

  This week, Stefan and Tom have a guest on the podcast - Gine Häußge, main developer of OctoPrint! They talk about what it's like creating and maintaining open-source software, what her learnings mean for other projects like FreeCAD and what...

  
• 09.25.2020

  Fusion360 changes, belt printers and the ASMBL!

  With Stefan's last day on parental leave, he and Tom get together once more to talk about the developments in the 3D printer scene. It seems like Belt printers are making a comeback, Fusion360 is again making drastic changes and...

  
• 08.19.2020

  Fatherhood & a real Open Hardware Standard

  After another short break due to Stefan becoming a father, both talk about recent projects involving 3D scanners & sublimating 3D scanning spray. News cover KFC planning to print with lab meat in Russia, 3D printing gunpowder, a Standard for...

  
• 07.14.2020

  Vegan 3D Printing, 500.000 Creality Printers (in one month) and Automatic Printer Tuning!

  3D Printed "meat" is the hot topic right now! Stefan and Tom cover two approaches that aim to print texture into vegan "steak" and "salmon". Both look promising, but like with most 3D printed food, the hard challenges remain to...

  
• 06.04.2020

  Stolen YouTube Account & Printer Maintenance

  After thinking about buying a lathe for ages, Stefan finally bought himself a new machining tool for the workshop. Tom shares his own experience with his Mini Lathe. Tom recently received a Prusa Mini and talks about his first impressions...

  
• 05.03.2020

  Open-Source Metal 3D Printer, Nonplanar Nozzles and Tesla's Model Y using 3D Prints

  Lots of interesting topics this time! Tesla is apparently using last-minute 3D printed parts in the first Model Ys they delivered; Adrian Bowyer is proposing a novel print removal system; and the US Army has been working on a non-homogeneous...

  
• 04.09.2020

  Best practices for printing PPE and plans for our next CNCs!

  It's The Meltzone Lockdown edition! Tom is running out of home improvement store goods while Stefan is holding himself over with VR and finally building his E3D Toolchanger. We're also talking about printing faceshields and other PPE and how getting organized...

  
• 03.25.2020

  3D printed medical supplies & tons of questions

  On this content packed episode, Tom and Stefan talk about their recent live streaming efforts, VR, the newly added FFF slicer in Fusion360 and why Stefan thinks it's a challenge to add gears to his new plastics shredder. There are...

  
• 03.13.2020

  Plans for MRRF / Resin Testing Consistency / Prusa Mini Bed Issues

  Update: After the blanket travel ban from Europe, MRRF has officially been canceled / postponed. In this episode, we talk about Stefan's new Toolchanger, more use cases for LW-PLA and our (back then still relevant) plans for MRRF 2020!

  
• 02.22.2020

  Kicked from Amazon.com, Resin + Foamed PLA and Pellet Extruder

  Tom and Stefan talk about the upcoming events that they'll attend including Malta Maker Fair and MRRF2020. Both recently released a material testing video and discuss if resin prints are really isotropic and why lattice or porous structures performs the...

  
• 02.07.2020

  Shaping the future

  Flashforge first cloned Makerbot - and now it looks like Makerbot are selling Flashforge's machines? That and a discussion on the (non) availability of the Elegoo Mars Pro, our take on Linus' "I've been thinking about retiring" stream and our...

  
• 01.14.2020

  Light Weight PLA & Teflon Lined VS Full Metal Hotend

  Tom and Stefan are back from their holiday break and meet up in the "real" CNC Kitchen. They talk about current projects like Stefans work on Colorfabbs Light Weight PLA (LW-PLA). Both discuss the recent problems with the Hermera Extruder...

  
• 12.19.2019

  Damaging Prusa's boards to flash firmware?

  Is Prusa turning on the open-source community by requiring you to physically damaging the Mini's board to run custom firmware? That's our big topic of the week! Well, technically, topic of the bi-week? Stefan has been working on a surprisingly...

  
• 11.28.2019

  Formnext, 3D printed RC planes and why we only review Chines printers

  Tom and Stefan have been at Formnext 2019 the week before and talk about their impressions.The news cover the current state of Lulzbot and also that Generative Design for Fusion360 is currently available for free. Podimo, a German startup wants...

  
• 10.31.2019

  Everything's on

  It's finally a normal episode with Stefan & Tom again! We talk about our experiences with travelling to shows and what we enjoy doing when our calendars are not stuffed with events. Tom uses an E3D Supervolcano for the first...