Blogs

What is Regenerative Manufacturing?

13.11.2023. What if you could freely 3D print art, products and objects for any number of uses, in collaboration with nature, with devices that are easy to use, open source in design, able to be modified as you wish, and use materials that are far lighter on and even regenerative to the environment? Here at Junai, we believe the time has come for regenerative manufacturing, and have many ways to help strongly support you doing it, enjoyably, flexibly, easily, with confidence.

But first, let's explore. What is regenerative manufacturing, how is it relevant to you, and what are its broader benefits? ......

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Steward Ownership

22.11.2023. Junai envisions a world where steward ownership drives purpose beyond profit. By divorcing voting and profit rights, this approach emphasizes self-determination and purpose. Transitioning into a steward-owned entity involves defining motivation, engaging stakeholders, structuring organization, establishing legal frameworks, and openly sharing the journey.

Let's dive into what steward ownership is and why Junai has chosen this path
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How to get started with regenerative materials

01.12.2023. Embark on a sustainable manufacturing journey with our beginner's guide, "How to Get Started with Regenerative Materials." This tutorial covers the fundamentals, from defining material requirements to exploring types like cellulose, calcium carbonate, chitosan, fungi, and algae. Learn about sustainable material sources, manufacturing techniques, and blending biomaterials. Discover resources for inspiration and suppliers, and get practical tips for testing and refining your creations. For a more in-depth look, check our article on regenerative materials.
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How to Print with clay?

02.02.2023 Explore the world of clay 3D printing with Junai's comprehensive guide. Choose your clay wisely, considering factors like color, structure, and water content. Dive into the tips for successful slicing and design considerations for clay 3D printing. Learn from the experiences. And if you need some gear, Junai offers modification kits and printers to kickstart your clay printing adventure. Happy printing!
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Recipes

Olive Pit Only

By combining 0.4% Alginate, 34.6% cellulose olive, and 60% water, we've created a lightweight material with excellent shock absorption properties. Perfect for interior products requiring a wood-like appearance, although please note that it is not naturally water resistant.

Ingredients used

Alginate Binder

Filler - Olive Pit

Strength

Flexibility

Easyness

Colour

More info

Oyster & Olive base

Combining 4% alginate, 43% water, 6% olive pits, and 47% oyster shells, this blend creates a durable paste that is easy to use and great for prototyping products. The materials works well both on desktop and large scale 3D printers

Ingredients used

Alginate Binder

Filler - Oyster Shells

Filler - Olive Pit

Strength

Flexibility

Easyness

Colour

More info

Oyster Shell only

Exceptional plaster-like material, carefully crafted with a precise blend of 61% oyster shells, 3% Alginate, and 36% water. This unique formula results in a resilient product that exhibits remarkable strength and durability. Please note that it has limited water resistance. This recipe is suited for both desktop as well as large scale 3D printing

Ingredients used

Filler - Oyster Shells

Alginate Binder

Strength

Flexibility

Easyness

Colour

More info

How to mix, load and print

Weigh and combine materials

Determine and weigh materials needed: Prepare materials per the recipe
Mix binder with water: Mix the binder with water and stir until no clumps are visible. Slightly press small clumps against the sides if any remain.
Add Filler: Add the appropriate filler materials and mixto a consistent paste. You are looking for a material that has the consistency of a fairly solid peanut butter. ‍

Load materials in 3D printer

Add paste to syringe: Carefully add the paste to the syringe, taking care to add it slowly from the top to minimize the introduction of air bubbles.
Select the right nozzle for the print: Select a luer lock nozzle that suits your specific printing requirements.
Add syringe to the 3D printer : Attach the syringe cylinder to the 3D printing kit, ensuring that it is securely fastened‍

Start print

Ensure a leveled printing bed: Adjust the height of your printing bed so that it is positioned appropriately beneath the nozzle.
Initiate a test extrusion: Activate the extrusion motor or filament feed system, carefully adjusting it until the paste begins to flow out of the nozzle.
Start the print: Monitor the print's progress and make adjustments such as bed height, material flow, or print speed to achieve an even first layer‍

Remove and Dry Materials

Remove materials: Remove the material. If you want to start a new print directly remove the full printing bed as the product is likely too wet and fragile to be removed the first 24-48 hours
Dry: Consider the nozzle size and geometry, and allow the product to dry for a minimum of 48 hours (up to a week) before using or shipping..

Extruder Kit - Assembled

A full assembly guide can be found here

Ender 5 Plus

A full assembly guide can be found here

Ender 3 v2 Biomaterials

A full assembly guide can be found here

Produce your own modification kit

Files

Manual

Purchase components

Procure motor and electronics: Purchase the necessary motor and electronics components required for your project.
Obtain or select reclaimed wooden boards: Acquire or choose reclaimed wooden boards suitable for your project. We suggest a thickness of at x mm
Purchase accessories and nozzles: Procure the relevant accessories and nozzles that are needed for your project. Or purchase directly from our

Part Cutting

Upload the Files: Transfer the design files to the laser cutter's software
Prepare the Wooden Boards: Choose wooden boards with a suggested thickness is 5 mm.
Cut All Parts: Start the cutting process, ensuring that all parts are cut according to the design.

Motor Mounting and Side Assembly

Mounting the Motor: Securely attach the motor to the small rectangular square using four screws.
Assembling the Sides: Click together the long rectangles to assemble them, forming two sides and one back.
Attaching the Motor Part to the Sides: Connect the motor part to the previously assembled sides, ensuring a proper and secure attachment.

Mount and connect

Mount kit: Attach the kit to your 3D printer, ensuring it is securely fastened using the designated holes. Before mounting, remember to dismount and completely remove the hotend
Connect electronics: Replace the cables for the hot end with the electronic cables meant for the extruder motor. However, retain the fan electronics in their current configuration and keep the motherboard box open.

Update firmware

Upload screen firmware: Follow the instructions in the manual to upload the firmware. Locate the screen firmware slot inside the motherboard box and proceed with the upload process accordingly.
Update motherboard firmware: Perform the firmware update for the motherboard. Ensure that you have the necessary firmware files and insert the sd card in the normal SD card slot

Test motor and print

Connect syringe: Connect the syringe to the plunger by inserting the rod into the motor connection and securely tightening the screws.
Test motor: Verify the motor functionality by using your printer's software to move the filament extruder. If the screw is turning as expected, it indicates that the setup has been completed correctly.
Load materials : Prepare your desired biomaterial recipe and start your first print!