Prusa i3 Build

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

Posted by Michael-w on 19/05/2017 13:04:01:

PS, might wanna check this out Neil, if the extruder feed is giving you trouble;

This is an upgraded version of the stepper extruder head used on the prusa I3, and although it is intended for the one I bought, they claim it can work with most reprap machines.

**LINK**

I paraphrase in sintrons own words;

"The extruder is the most important part of a 3d printer, and also the most difficult to calibrate, we have made necessary design to prevent "jammed" problem. I cant emphasize how important this is and other sellers don't have this and would cause many problems….

The MK8 extruder is open source universal suitable for most reprap and DIY long distance feeding filament 3D printers"

I already have a Mk 8 head, looks identical to that one (most don't have that little thumb tab on the end).

Apparently there's now a MK9 available.

My problem's haven't been with the head (aside from needing an extra guide put in to get flexible filament to work.

It's worth googling '#filaween' for an overview of 30 different filaments. That chap found price didn't seem to be a big issue when it came to print quality.

Accurately measuring the filament diameter and tuning the temperature/retraction settings DOES seem to make a difference.

[Enough!Participant @enough]

Posted by Neil Wyatt on 19/05/2017 12:07:37:

I am still having to keep an eye on the filament for potential jams – just cleared one. I'm doing an 18-hour part so this is a PITA,

IP/Wi-Fi camera can be handy for keeping an eye on a printer when you can't be beside it to baby-sit.

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

Posted by Bandersnatch on 20/05/2017 01:45:31:

Posted by Neil Wyatt on 19/05/2017 12:07:37:

I am still having to keep an eye on the filament for potential jams – just cleared one. I'm doing an 18-hour part so this is a PITA,

IP/Wi-Fi camera can be handy for keeping an eye on a printer when you can't be beside it to baby-sit.

You mean I could watch it on the computer without having to look over my left shoulder

N.

[Speedy Builder5Participant @speedybuilder5]

I guess it is the modern alternative to "Watching paint dry" ?
BobH

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

Posted by Speedy Builder5 on 20/05/2017 16:06:54:

I guess it is the modern alternative to "Watching paint dry" ?
BobH

It's strangely hypnotic. Cura chooses some rather odd sequences sometimes and you end up following what it's doing on a complex part and you discover ten or fifteen minutes have gone past.

Neil

[Enough!Participant @enough]

Posted by Neil Wyatt on 20/05/2017 15:34:20:

You mean I could watch it on the computer without having to look over my left shoulder

Well at least you wouldn't get severe neck or thorax syndrome (SNOTS as it's called in medical speak).

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

I fancied printing something big and eye-catching to show what 3D printing is capable of. I didn't design this, but I couldn't resist one of my favourite robots.

"Twenty seconds to comply!"

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

Posted by Bandersnatch on 20/05/2017 18:26:46:

Posted by Neil Wyatt on 20/05/2017 15:34:20:

You mean I could watch it on the computer without having to look over my left shoulder

Well at least you wouldn't get severe neck or thorax syndrome (SNOTS as it's called in medical speak).

Does that make you the bogeyman?

N.

[MWParticipant @mw27036]

Posted by Neil Wyatt on 20/05/2017 21:27:26:

I fancied printing something big and eye-catching to show what 3D printing is capable of. I didn't design this, but I couldn't resist one of my favourite robots.

"Twenty seconds to comply!"

Robocop

Michael W

[Enough!Participant @enough]

Posted by Neil Wyatt on 20/05/2017 21:27:26:

 

"Twenty seconds to comply!"

 

…. but how long to print?

Edited By Neil Wyatt on 21/05/2017 08:27:50

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

Posted by Bandersnatch on 20/05/2017 23:43:33:

Posted by Neil Wyatt on 20/05/2017 21:27:26:

"Twenty seconds to comply!"

…. but how long to print?

About 18 hours a leg

Sorry for editing your post I clicked the wrong button instead of quote… I undid my changes

[Enough!Participant @enough]

Posted by Neil Wyatt on 21/05/2017 08:28:37:

Sorry for editing your post I clicked the wrong button instead of quote… I undid my changes

That's OK Big Brother (please don't send the Thought Police round).

[Nick HulmeParticipant @nickhulme30114]

Neil,

I hadn't seen this thread until just now but bought the same printer a week ago, I think the guy must be operating a "continuous improvement programme" as once mine was assembled and (5 hours) it worked perfectly straight away, 1st part – the belt tensioner from the included SD card, 2nd part – Mesh Skull desk junk holder.

I had a couple of dodgy linear bearings (I ran Z with one each side for a couple of days) and one problem part (stuck it on the mill and removed the offending excess plastic) but a phone call to Factory 3D and replacements were swiftly shipped, I can't fault the quality, value and customer service!

– Nick

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

Posted by Nick Hulme on 31/05/2017 15:26:50:

Neil,

I hadn't seen this thread until just now but bought the same printer a week ago, I think the guy must be operating a "continuous improvement programme" as once mine was assembled and (5 hours) it worked perfectly straight away, 1st part – the belt tensioner from the included SD card, 2nd part – Mesh Skull desk junk holder.

I had a couple of dodgy linear bearings (I ran Z with one each side for a couple of days) and one problem part (stuck it on the mill and removed the offending excess plastic) but a phone call to Factory 3D and replacements were swiftly shipped, I can't fault the quality, value and customer service!

– Nick

Yep, they seem to be listing them and selling them as fast as they can print the parts!

[Nick HulmeParticipant @nickhulme30114]

Neil,

I've just swapped the stepper drivers over to 8825 chip based units, (I misdiagnosed an extruder jam as a failed driver ) figuring an upgrade wouldn't hurt

It transpires that the 8825s will run at twice the micro-steps of the originals and the RAMPS jumpers are set for max res so all moves and speeds were halved, until I worked out how to edit the config file in the Arduino development package, compile and load the code onto a spare Ardiuino 2560 Mega. I could have changed the jumpers, but where's the fun in that? 😀

I'm running the first test print as I type this and the printer does sound quieter and smoother than previously, whether output quality will be influenced remains to be seen,

Regards,

Nick

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

Let us know the results, Nick. I have a bag of 8825 boards.

I suspect that good alignment, taut drive belts and good assembly are the most important things.

Here's a gratuitous pic of my 3D printed Lunokhod:

[Roderick JenkinsParticipant @roderickjenkins93242]

3D printed serpent

Seriously interested in the Prusa now – if only they had them in stock

Rod

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

Oh Rod!

I wish you hadn't shown me that. A yellow and black full-size version is very tempting…

Something to add to the collection of instruments I can almost play!

Hmm, some research, including listening to some recordings, shows that the difference between a good serpent, played well and a poor one, played badly, is negligible…

Neil

[Nick HulmeParticipant @nickhulme30114]

Posted by Neil Wyatt on 25/06/2017 18:14:34:

Let us know the results, Nick. I have a bag of 8825 boards.

I suspect that good alignment, taut drive belts and good assembly are the most important things.

Here's a gratuitous pic of my 3D printed Lunokhod:

I love it Neil!

Are you going to print a bit of landscape for it?

If you fancy casting some fine-detailed metal parts I'm experimenting with some filaments dedicated to that, I have a couple of kilos of Moldlay wax-like filament and have nearly perfected a profile, I also have a few kilos of Machinable Wax's real wax filament which burns clean from moulds but also need to experiment with a lighter extruder spring before developing a profile for that. I'm sorting out TPU first though, – custom slicks for Scalextric

Regards,

Nick

[Paul LousickParticipant @paullousick59116]

Can the Prusa use wax fillament instead of plastic? If so a good way to make lost wax castings in metal.

Paul

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

Never heard of wax filament before!

The Prusa prints flexible filament really nicely, I want to try some tyres for a Beaverette soon.

Neil

[Paul LousickParticipant @paullousick59116]

Wax filament may be new. Youtube video of 3D printing a wax figure for casting in metal. (Not sure if the Prusa can do this)

**LINK**

**LINK**

A 3D printer has been on my wish list and if I can use it for making castings may arrive sooner than I budgeted for.

Paul.

[MWParticipant @mw27036]

I have bought about 50m of PLA filament, but it didn't come with a drum, typically, should I be expecting to buy the maximum single quantity in order to get a drum included? or should I be concerned with buying/making one myself?

Michael W

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

Don't be a cheapskate! You can get 1kg of filament for about £15 delivered. At the end you'll have a reel you can wind your 50M on to.

Neil

[MWParticipant @mw27036]

Posted by Neil Wyatt on 26/06/2017 15:24:22:

Don't be a cheapskate! You can get 1kg of filament for about £15 delivered. At the end you'll have a reel you can wind your 50M on to.

Neil

Ah good to know! I must learn to loosen those purse strings now..

Michael W

[Author]

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