Tag: 3dprinter

At some point, you will get a clogged nozzle. This can affect the quality of your prints and cause frustration. But how do you decide if it’s better to purchase a new 3D printer nozzle or clean the one that you have?

The first factor to consider is the cost of a new nozzle versus the cost of cleaning supplies. Depending on the type and size of your nozzle, you may find that buying a new one is cheaper than buying the tools and materials needed to clean it. For example, some nozzles require special solvents or heating devices to dissolve the clogged material. However, if you already have the cleaning supplies or you can find them at a low price, then cleaning your nozzle may be more economical.

The second factor to consider is the time and effort involved in cleaning your nozzle. Cleaning a nozzle can be a tedious and time-consuming process, especially if the clog is severe or hard to reach. You may need to disassemble your printer, soak your nozzle in a solvent, use a needle or a wire to poke out the clog, or even heat up your nozzle to melt the material. This can take hours or even days, depending on the severity of the clog and the method you use. On the other hand, buying a new nozzle can save you a lot of time and hassle, as you can simply replace your old one with a new one and resume printing.

The third factor to consider is the quality and performance of your nozzle. Cleaning your nozzle may not always restore it to its original condition, especially if it has been damaged by wear and tear, corrosion, or overheating. A damaged nozzle can affect the accuracy, precision, and smoothness of your prints, as well as increase the risk of future clogs. Buying a new nozzle can ensure that you get the best possible results from your 3D printer, as well as extend its lifespan.

In conclusion, deciding whether to purchase a new 3D printer nozzle or clean the one that you have depends on several factors, such as cost, time, effort, and quality. You should weigh these factors carefully and choose the option that suits your needs and preferences best. Happy printing!

Have you ever encountered the problem of gaps in your printed layers? This can affect the quality and strength of your prints, and make them look less appealing. What causes this issue and how can you fix it?

One possible reason for gaps in 3D printed layers is a low nozzle temperature. If the nozzle is not hot enough, the filament may not melt properly and flow smoothly. This can result in inconsistent extrusion and poor layer adhesion. To solve this problem, you can try increasing the nozzle temperature by 5-10 degrees Celsius and see if it makes a difference. You can also check if your nozzle is clogged or worn out, and clean or replace it if necessary.

Another possible reason for gaps in 3D printed layers is a high printing speed. If you print too fast, the filament may not have enough time to bond with the previous layer and form a solid structure. This can result in weak and brittle prints with visible gaps. To solve this problem, you can try decreasing the printing speed by 10-20 percent and see if it improves the quality of your prints. You can also check if your printer is properly calibrated and has no mechanical issues that could affect its performance.

By adjusting the nozzle temperature and printing speed, you may be able to eliminate the gaps in your 3D printed layers and achieve better results. However, keep in mind that these are not the only factors that can affect your prints. You should also consider the type and quality of your filament, the bed temperature and adhesion, the cooling fan settings, the layer height and width, and other parameters that may vary depending on your printer model and software. Experiment with different settings until you find the optimal combination for your project.

When considering the purchase of a new 3D printer, here are some important features to consider:

  1. Print Quality: Look at the resolution in microns; the lower the number, the higher the resolution. Good print quality is essential for detailed models.
  2. Print Speed: Higher speed can mean faster production times, but it may also affect the quality of the print.
  3. Build Volume: The size of the print bed determines the maximum size of the objects you can print.
  4. Materials Supported: Ensure the printer supports the types of materials you plan to use. Common materials include PLA, ABS, PETG, Nylon, etc.
  5. Type of Printer: The two main types are FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) and SLA (Stereolithography). FDM printers are generally more common and use a filament, while SLA printers use a resin and often provide higher detail.
  6. Bed Leveling: Automatic bed leveling can save time and effort, making the printing process easier, especially for beginners.
  7. Connectivity: Options like USB, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet can make it easier to send designs to your printer.
  8. Software: Compatible software is important for preparing your 3D models for printing. Some printers come with proprietary software, while others might use open-source solutions.
  9. Ease of Use: Look for features like touch-screen interfaces, easy assembly, and user-friendly design.
  10. Reliability: Read reviews to learn about the printer’s reliability and durability over time.
  11. Customer Support and Community: Good customer support can be crucial for troubleshooting. A strong user community can also provide tips and help.
  12. Price: Ensure that the printer offers a good balance of features for its price.
  13. Safety Features: Features like enclosed print areas and automatic shutdown can be important, especially in homes with pets or children.
  14. Upgradability: Check if the printer can be upgraded with improved parts or new features in the future.

If you have just purchased a 3D printer, congratulations! You are about to enter a world of creativity and innovation. However, before you start printing your own designs, there are some things you should know to make the most of your 3D printer. Here are the top 5 things you should know:

  1. Choose the right filament. Filament is the material that your 3D printer uses to create objects. There are different types of filament, such as PLA, ABS, PETG, and more. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages, such as strength, flexibility, durability, and temperature resistance. You should research the best filament for your 3D printer and your project before buying it.
  2. Level the bed. The bed is the surface where your 3D printer builds the object layer by layer. It is important to level the bed so that the first layer of your print sticks well and is even. If the bed is not level, your print may warp, curl, or fail. You can use a piece of paper or a digital sensor to check if the bed is level and adjust it accordingly.
  3. Calibrate the extruder. The extruder is the part of your 3D printer that pushes the filament through a nozzle and melts it. It is important to calibrate the extruder so that it extrudes the right amount of filament for your print. If the extruder is not calibrated, your print may be under-extruded or over-extruded, which can affect the quality and accuracy of your print. You can use a caliper or a ruler to measure the extruded filament and adjust the extruder settings.
  4. Optimize the slicer settings. The slicer is the software that converts your 3D model into instructions for your 3D printer. It allows you to customize various settings, such as layer height, infill density, print speed, and more. These settings can affect the quality, strength, and appearance of your print. You should experiment with different slicer settings to find the optimal ones for your 3D printer and your project.
  5. Maintain your 3D printer. Like any machine, your 3D printer needs regular maintenance to keep it in good condition and prevent problems. You should clean the nozzle, the bed, and the fans regularly to remove any dust or debris that may clog them. You should also lubricate the rods, belts, and bearings to reduce friction and noise. You should also check for any loose screws or wires and tighten or replace them if needed.

If you are thinking of buying a new 3D printer, you might be tempted to also buy some upgrades for it right away. After all, who doesn’t want to improve their printing quality, speed, and reliability? However, this might not be the best idea for several reasons.

Upgrading your 3D printer without testing it first can cause more problems than it solves. You might end up with incompatible parts, faulty installation, or unexpected results. For example, if you buy a new extruder without checking the compatibility with your printer model, you might find out that it doesn’t fit or that it requires a different firmware. Or if you install a new nozzle without calibrating it properly, you might get clogged prints or poor adhesion. These issues can be frustrating and time-consuming to fix, and they can also damage your printer or your prints.

Secondly, upgrading your 3D printer without knowing its strengths and weaknesses can waste your money and resources. You might buy upgrades that you don’t really need or that don’t make a significant difference.

Thirdly, upgrading your 3D printer without learning how to use it first can limit your creativity and skills. You might rely too much on the upgrades and not enough on your own knowledge and experience. For example, if you buy a new slicer software without learning the basic settings of your printer, you might not be able to customize your prints or troubleshoot them. Or if you buy a new filament without learning how to store and handle it properly, you might not be able to print with different colors or materials. These upgrades can be helpful and convenient, but they can also prevent you from exploring the full potential of your printer and yourself.

So what should you do instead of buying upgrades for your new 3D printer? Here are some suggestions:

  • Test your printer thoroughly before upgrading it. Make sure it works well and that you understand how it operates. Try printing different models with different settings and see how they turn out. Identify any problems or limitations that you encounter and look for solutions online or in the user manual.
  • Learn from other users before upgrading your printer. Join online communities and forums where you can ask questions and share tips with other 3D printing enthusiasts. Read reviews and watch videos of the upgrades that you are interested in and see how they perform on different printers and prints. Compare the pros and cons of each upgrade and decide if they are worth it for you.
  • Experiment with your printer before upgrading it. Try printing with different filaments, temperatures, speeds, and layer heights. See how these factors affect your print quality and performance. Adjust your slicer settings and see how they change your print results. Modify your models and see how they look on your printer. Have fun and be creative with your printer.
  • Upgrade to solve a specific problem after you have used your printer for some time.

If you own a 3D printer, you may have encountered a frustrating problem: the bed level undoing itself. This can result in poor print quality, wasted filament, and even damage to your printer.

One possible cause of the bed level undoing itself is thermal expansion. As the printer heats up, the metal parts expand and contract, which can affect the alignment of the bed and the nozzle. To prevent this, you should make sure that your printer is in a stable environment, with minimal temperature fluctuations. Bring your bed to the proper temperature and let it heatsoak for a few minutes.

There are screws that go through the center of the bedsprings with nuts at the end of them. Check the screws and springs that hold the bed in place, and tighten them if they are loose.

Another possible cause of the bed level undoing itself is vibration. As the printer moves, it can generate vibrations that can loosen the screws and springs that hold the bed in place. To prevent this, you should make sure that your printer is on a solid and level surface, and that it is not exposed to external sources of vibration, such as fans or speakers. You should also check the belts and pulleys that drive the printer’s motion, and adjust them if they are too loose or too tight.

A third possible cause of the bed level undoing itself is wear and tear. Over time, the parts of your printer can wear out or break, which can affect the bed level. For example, the springs that hold the bed in place can lose their tension, or the bearings that guide the motion of the printer can wear out. To prevent this, you should regularly inspect your printer for signs of damage or wear, and replace any parts that are faulty or worn out.

A simple solution that many people opt for is to change out their springs for better quality springs or silicone spacers. They are relatively inexpensive and provide much better support than most factory installed springs.

One last thing to check is the z axis limit switch(es). If the machine homes too high above the build plate, there may not be enough tension on the springs to keep it in place properly. Resetting the limit switch(es) can help by applying tension on the springs and stabilizing the bed height.

One of the most important parameters to adjust when slicing a 3D model for printing is the layer height or step height. This is the thickness of each layer that the printer will deposit on top of the previous one, and it affects the quality, speed and strength of the print. I would like to discuss some of the things to consider when setting a step height in a 3D printer slicer.

The first thing to consider is the resolution and detail of your model. If you want to preserve fine details and smooth curves, you will need to use a lower layer height, as this will reduce the visible stair-stepping effect that occurs when printing curved surfaces. However, if your model is simple or has large flat areas, you can use a higher layer height, as this will not affect the appearance much.

The second thing to consider is the printing time and cost. The lower the layer height, the more layers you will need to print, and the longer it will take to finish the print. This also means that your printer will be unavailable for longer. No big deal if you are a hobbyist, but if you have a hourly price associated with your printer it can really increase the cost of your prints. On the other hand, the higher the layer height, the fewer layers you will need to print, and the faster it will finish.

The third thing to consider is the strength and durability of your print. The lower the layer height, the better the adhesion between layers, and the stronger your print will be. This is especially important if you are printing functional parts that need to withstand stress or impact. However, if you are printing decorative or non-functional parts, you can use a higher layer height, as this will not affect the strength much.

There is no single optimal layer height for every print. You will need to balance these factors and choose a layer height that suits your needs and preferences. A good rule of thumb is to start with a layer height that is half of your nozzle diameter, and adjust it up or down depending on your model and desired outcome.

Also, consider “magic numbers.” For most hobbyist FDM printers ideal step heights are in increments of 0.04mm.

Z wobble is a common problem in 3D printing that causes the printed layers to shift or wobble along the Z-axis, resulting in a distorted or uneven surface. Z wobble can be caused by various factors, such as loose screws, bent rods, misaligned couplers, or poor quality lead screws. To fix Z wobble, you need to identify the source of the problem and make sure that all the components of the Z-axis are properly aligned, tightened, and lubricated. Here are some steps you can take to reduce or eliminate Z wobble:

  • Check the screws that hold the Z-axis rods and lead screws in place. Make sure they are not too loose or too tight. You can use a hex wrench to adjust them if needed.
  • Check the rods and lead screws for any bends or damage. If they are bent, you can try to straighten them using a hammer or a vise. If they are damaged, you may need to replace them with new ones.
  • Check the couplers that connect the lead screws to the stepper motors. Make sure they are not cracked or worn out. You can use a screwdriver to tighten them if needed.
  • Check the alignment of the Z-axis rods and lead screws. They should be parallel to each other and perpendicular to the X-axis and Y-axis. You can use a ruler or a level to measure the angles and distances between them.
  • Lubricate the rods and lead screws with a suitable grease or oil. This will reduce the friction and noise and improve the smoothness of the Z-axis movement.

Something that doesn’t come up often in conversation, but is important nevertheless, is electricity. 3d printer run on electricity and it does you no good to run one on an overloaded circuit.

First of all, you need to know how much power your 3D printer consumes. This depends on the model, the size, the features, and the settings of your printer. You can usually find this information on the specifications sheet or the user manual of your printer. Alternatively, you can use a power meter to measure the actual power consumption of your printer.

The power consumption of a 3D printer is usually expressed in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW). For example, a typical desktop 3D printer might consume around 200 W, while a larger industrial 3D printer might consume up to 5 kW. To convert watts to kilowatts, you simply divide by 1000. For example, 200 W / 1000 = 0.2 kW.

Next, you need to know how much current your 3D printer draws from the electrical outlet. This depends on the voltage and the power consumption of your printer. You can use this formula to calculate the current:

Current (in amps) = Power (in watts) / Voltage (in volts)

For example, if your 3D printer consumes 200 W and the voltage in your country is 120 V, then the current is:

Current = 200 W / 120 V = 1.67 amps

You also need to know the maximum current rating of your circuit breaker. This is the maximum amount of current that your circuit breaker can handle before it trips and cuts off the power. You can usually find this information on the label or the panel of your circuit breaker. The common ratings are 15 amps, 20 amps, or 30 amps.

To avoid tripping your circuit breaker, you need to make sure that the total current draw of all the devices connected to the same circuit does not exceed the maximum current rating of your circuit breaker. For example, if your circuit breaker is rated at 15 amps and you have a 3D printer that draws 1.67 amps, a laptop that draws 0.5 amps, and a lamp that draws 0.1 amps, then the total current draw is:

Total current = 1.67 amps + 0.5 amps + 0.1 amps = 2.27 amps

This is well below the maximum current rating of your circuit breaker, so you should not have any problems.

However, if you have a larger 3D printer that consumes 5 kW and draws 41.67 amps at 120 V, then you will definitely need a dedicated circuit with a higher-rated circuit breaker (such as a 50-amp breaker) to run it safely.

Some other tips to avoid electrical problems are:

  • Use a surge protector or an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to protect your 3D printer from power surges or outages.
  • Use high-quality extension cords or power strips that can handle the current draw of your 3D printer.
  • Avoid using multiple adapters or splitters that can overload your outlet or create fire hazards.

I know that’s a lot of math, the TLDR version of this is that most hobby printers can safely be run on a 20 amp circuit. It’s still probably in your best interest to run the calculation, though.

If you have a 3D printer, you might want to control it remotely from your computer or smartphone. This can be useful for monitoring the printing process, adjusting the settings, or stopping the print if something goes wrong. I would like to show you different ways to control your 3D printer remotely, depending on your budget and preferences.

The simplest way to control your 3D printer remotely is to use a USB cable and connect it to your computer. You can use software like Cura or Repetier-Host to send commands and view the status of your printer. However, this method has some limitations. You need to keep your computer on and close to your printer, and you can’t access it from another device or location.

A better way to control your 3D printer remotely is to use a Raspberry Pi (or clone), a small and affordable computer that can run Linux. You can install software like OctoPrint or AstroPrint on your Raspberry Pi and connect it to your printer via USB. Then, you can access your printer from any device that has a web browser, such as your laptop, tablet, or smartphone. You can also use a webcam to watch the print live, or use plugins to add more features, such as notifications, timelapses, or cloud storage.

Another way to control your 3D printer remotely is to use a dedicated device that connects to your printer via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. There are several products on the market that offer this functionality, such as 3DPrinterOS, Printoid, or Polar Cloud. These devices allow you to control your printer from anywhere in the world, as long as you have an internet connection. You can also share your printer with other users, manage multiple printers, or access online libraries of models.