The 3DGence F350, F420 and F421 are all industrial-grade 3D printers suited to rapid prototyping and final production. They all have interchangeable print modules, unlocking material capabilities with a quick swap-out.
However, these printers are suited to different tasks.
Before looking at the differences between them, we should note that the F421 is the successor to the F420, which is now obsolete and discontinued. The F350 is the mid-range model, sitting above the smaller F340.
F420 vs F421 differences
The 3DGence F421 is a newer model than the F420 and is a direct upgrade, capable of replacing the F420 across all applications. If you have an F420 or have been looking at one, the F421 brings several improvements to the table.
Here are the main differences:
- Improved kinematic system for more precise control over the movement of mechanical parts, unlocking greater rigidity
- Composite-ready print head, suitable for carbon fibre filaments
- 10” TFT display panel with a new, faster user interface
- Mesh added to the heat chamber to protect hands from hot surfaces
- Build chamber lined with stainless steel
- Advanced ULT filtration unit filters macro dust, nano dust (VOC, UFP), solvent vapour, and noxious gasses
- LED status light indicators for the material bay
- Two new inspection openings
- Signal tower and emergency stop as standard
- Accessories chamber has a dedicated slot for the heat bed sheets
The F421 also supports a wider range of materials:
- Module M280: PLA, ABS, ABS-ESD, ASA, PA6, PA-CF
- Module M360: LEXAN, PC, PC-ABS, PEKK-CF, ULTEM 9085
- Module M500: PEEK, PEKK, AM™200 FIL
Applications
The 3DGence F421 is an industrial-grade, high-performance 3D printer for engineering applications. It prints ultra-polymers (ULTEM, PEEK) and composites, creating robust models that can replace aluminium and CNC milled models. Its speed (400 mm/s) makes it suited to rapid prototyping and final manufacturing.
F350 vs F421 differences
Like the F421, the F350 uses 3DGence’s M series interchangeable modules, and both print with an accuracy of 0.125 mm or 0.0014 mm/mm, whichever is greater. However, the F421 is the newer, more capable 3D printer.
Here are the main differences:
- F421 has a more advanced kinematic system
- F421 has a larger build volume (380 x 380 x 420 mm (60 648 cm3) versus 340 x 340 x 350 mm (40 460 cm3))
- F421 has a higher built plate temperature (180°C versus 160°C) which increases material support and print reliability
- F421 has a higher build chamber temperature (180°C versus 140°C)
- F421 supports more materials, including LEXAN, PC-ABS, PEKK-CF, ULTEM 9085, PEKK, VICTREX AM™ 200
Applications
The F350 only prints one ultra-polymer (PEEK) and one high-performance plastic (PC, polycarbonate). While it prints PLA, ABS, ASA, PA6 and PA-CF, it won’t print LEXAN, PC-ABS, PEKK-CF, ULTEM 9085, PEKK, VICTREX AM 200. While this limits its applications compared to the F421, it is still suited to engineering applications