I'm in the process of purchasing a 3d printer. This thread will follow my journey as I learn to 3d print. Below I found a good guide on YouTube for an overview with additional videos on the channel for more in depth and specific topics.
Is there a type of 3D printing that creates a smooth surface? All the pieces I’ve seen have distinctly rough surfaces that identify itself as “3D printed”. [Reply]
Originally Posted by modocsot:
Is there a type of 3D printing that creates a smooth surface? All the pieces I’ve seen have distinctly rough surfaces that identify itself as “3D printed”.
No.
Depending on the material used you can sand it or use chemical vapors to smooth it [Reply]
Just purchased one myself (arrived yesterday). I made my first print the cliche tchotchkes - fitting for the holiday.
However, I think I'll be spending most of my time for a while working on organizers. The Gridfinity system is awesome, so I'm printing all sorts of grids and bins for drawers and my modest little shop. It's pretty crazy how much you can do! [Reply]
I'm having a hell office a time getting little stuff to stay stuck to the plate. It always pops off and then everything fouls and ruins the print [Reply]
Originally Posted by loochy:
I'm having a hell office a time getting little stuff to stay stuck to the plate. It always pops off and then everything fouls and ruins the print
I'm a n00b and know nothing, but have you tried different plates? From what I understand, some are better at sticking than others. [Reply]
Originally Posted by loochy:
I'm having a hell office a time getting little stuff to stay stuck to the plate. It always pops off and then everything fouls and ruins the print
Before you print, clean your plate vigorously with isopropyl alcohol. Every time.
Be sure to use Brim. And increase the temp of your plate by 2-3 degrees for the first layer. Both will really help that first layer to stick.
If you model is top heavy in any way, you must use supports. Many models require them for a successful print. Sometimes it's a pain, as you'll use more filament for the supports than you do for the actual model.
If you have a particular model that's giving you trouble, link the model here. [Reply]
I have kind of the opposite issue - it's kind of a pain in the ass to get it to release from the plate after. Is the solution just to be patient and let the plate cool down? I think that's the case, but I have tons that I want to print, so I'm impatient. :-) [Reply]
Originally Posted by DaFace:
I have kind of the opposite issue - it's kind of a pain in the ass to get it to release from the plate after. Is the solution just to be patient and let the plate cool down? I think that's the case, but I have tons that I want to print, so I'm impatient. :-)
yeah...cooldown will help it pop loose, it is about the expanding and contracting of the plate, most overnight prints I come back to have popped loose themself.
For things coming loose during print, brim will absolutely help, you can also make your brim larger to help it adhere. I also turned my bed temp up a slight amount for one print that kept warping on me because part of the print pulled off as it was cooling during the print. [Reply]
Something I would love to find a way to get started on with our 3d printing is selling prints to make some money off of. If anyone does it and has success, I'd love to hear more about how you got started on it. I got gunshy as I read more about print files that have no commercial flags on them and all that. Like can I change one some and make it my own? Or do I have to start from scratch, etc. [Reply]
