The SUNLU Filament Connector FC01 opens new possibilities for 3D printing enthusiasts. SUNLU has long been known for its high-quality 3D printing filaments, but the Filament Connector offers a clever solution for processing filament leftovers and creating individual color gradients. In this review, we take a detailed look at the SUNLU Filament Connector FC01 and its performance in practice.
Technical specifications of the SUNLU Filament Connector FC01
The SUNLU Filament Connector FC01 is equipped with a display-controlled heating element that can heat the ends of filament pieces up to 230 °C to weld them. The device is designed for filaments with a diameter of 1.75 mm, including common materials such as PLA, ABS, PETG, PCL, and PA/PC. The heating process to the base temperature of 185 °C takes about three minutes, while the actual welding only takes a few seconds. Power is supplied via a USB cable providing 5 V and 2 A.
Easy handling thanks to intuitive design
The design of the SUNLU Filament Connector is focused on functionality and safety. The compact housing is made of sturdy black plastic, while the heating element is surrounded by a protective cover to prevent accidental contact. On the front of the device is a touch display, through which both the temperature can be set and various preset profiles for different filament types can be selected.
Heating times and welding duration by material
| Material | Temperature | Heating time | Welding duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCL | 85 °C | 1 minute | 5-6 seconds |
| PLA | 185 °C | 3 minutes | 7-8 seconds |
| PETG | 210 °C | 3-4 minutes | 7-8 seconds |
| ABS | 220 °C | 3-4 minutes | 7-8 seconds |
| PA/PC | 230 °C | 5 minutes | 9-10 seconds |
Welding filaments: Step by step
Welding filaments with the SUNLU Filament Connector is very simple. The ends of the filament pieces are first cut cleanly and at an angle to create an optimal contact surface. Precision is crucial here, as an inaccurate cut surface can lead to an unstable connection. A fine side cutter or a cutter blade is particularly suitable for this process.
In the next step, one of the filament pieces is inserted into a PTFE tube piece, which serves as a guide for the connection. The other filament piece is inserted precisely into the tube so that both cut surfaces lie exactly against each other. Once the device has reached the desired temperature, the filament ends can be placed into the heating element and the lid closed. After the short welding duration, the connected filament pieces can be carefully removed.
Test results: Filament welding under real conditions
For our test, we connected several sections of the new PLA+ 2.0 filament from SUNLU with the Filament Connector and tested it on a Creality Ender-3 V3 Plus printer. It became clear that precise work is crucial to ensure a stable weld seam. The contact points remained stable during the printing process, and there were no problems with the extruder or print quality.
The connected filament contained a total of four weld seams, which were fed through the extruder without any difficulties. Even upon close inspection of the prints, no defects were visible. These positive test results confirm the reliability of the SUNLU Filament Connector when handled carefully.
Conclusion: A useful tool for 3D printing
The SUNLU Filament Connector FC01 has impressively proven in our test that it offers a reliable solution for welding filaments. Especially for users who want to reuse filament scraps or create color gradients without changing filament, the device is a worthwhile investment. The build quality is robust, and the design ensures easy and safe handling. The price-performance ratio is also convincing, making the SUNLU Filament Connector a clear recommendation for 3D printing enthusiasts.
A possible addition for future versions would be a cutting tool that ensures the perfect cutting angle. But even without this feature, the SUNLU Filament Connector FC01 performs its task excellently.
