I've Gone and Done Something Mental

[m_c]

What brand of filament are folk using ?

There is so much choice out there its mind boggling.

Currently im using Sunlu PLA +

I mostly use Sunlu, but I have had other brands.
There are some brands known for poor quality batches, so I'd suggest doing a quick look for reviews for any brand that you're looking for.

I know I had a bad Giantarm reel a few months ago. The reviews did have a high percentage of bad comments, but I took a gamble as it was the only source of the colour I was needing at the time. It was the first time I've ever had under-extrusion issues, then the filament started randomly snapping as it came of the reel. I bought it via Amazon, so I returned it without any further issues, and bought a different brand.

 

[ajlelectronics]

Funny how all starts to become reliable as soon as an upgrade kit is sitting next to it!

 

[ajlelectronics]

Multiple prints later, most of them are pretty good quality. Strange how it starts to behave. One thing that I did was to ditch the "piece of paper" test and use a proper ( I say proper, but this one was in funny money) .080mm feeler gauge. Much easier to use because it slides through consistently. A4 80g/sm is just over .090mm apparently.

 

[Parm]

The issue im finding now is that the roll of filament is nearing to the end where its a bit tighter on the spool. It just randomly keeps snapping

 

[MattF]

The issue im finding now is that the roll of filament is nearing to the end where its a bit tighter on the spool. It just randomly keeps snapping

Not had any problem with mine, upto just, in that regard.

 

[ajlelectronics]

The issue im finding now is that the roll of filament is nearing to the end where its a bit tighter on the spool. It just randomly keeps snapping

Have you made a filament guide yet? It gets rid of the sharp bends. That having been said, a triangular reel support on the desk next to the printer would be even nicer, spooling wise.

Something like this I have in mind... Reel support stand

 

[ajlelectronics]

Possibly a better one... Filament roll dispenser

 

[PhillipM]

The issue im finding now is that the roll of filament is nearing to the end where its a bit tighter on the spool. It just randomly keeps snapping

Old filament or low quality filament full of moisture, dry it out and it'll stop that.
Or buy better filament

 

[Pete.]

My Creality filament tends to snap on the run between the reel and the stepper if I leave it a few days. I put it down to being 18mths out of the sealed packet.

 

[Parm]

Old filament or low quality filament full of moisture, dry it out and it'll stop that.
Or buy better filament

This one is sunlu PLA + from Amazon

worked a treat till it got to the end

 

[Parm]

My Creality filament tends to snap on the run between the reel and the stepper if I leave it a few days. I put it down to being 18mths out of the sealed packet.

Exactly where mine is breaking, but only 4 months old

 

[ajlelectronics]

I have just had a Eureka moment! If I flip my panel design upside down on the bed, I get a much nicer face finish, because it carries the pattern of the glass surface rather than the extrusion pattern. I have just knocked out half a dozen too! Almost out of the sample white filament.

 

[skotl]

Per the title, I've gone and (un)done something mental - realised I actually have zero use for a 3D printer so I've cancelled my order for a resin printer and curer with Elegoo.
To their credit, it took 30 minutes for them to respond and refund my payment.

I still think there's a lot to like about resin printing, even more so after reading about the many challenges faced when using FDM printers. Sadly, common sense prevailed when I realised that I don't have a use for such a device, have no space to put it, and don't have the time to learn yet another new hobby.
(Not that any of these reasons have put me off in the past - blame a 4 week lead time on the Elegoo devices for the attack of common sensicles!)

By the way, if anyone is tempted, Elegoo have cut prices on the Mars 2 presumably in preparation for the Mars 3 shipping: ELEGOO: Best Consumer Level 3D Printers, STEM Kits & Robots – ELEGOO Official

 

[MattF]

By the way, if anyone is tempted, Elegoo have cut prices on the Mars 2 presumably in preparation for the Mars 3 shipping: ELEGOO: Best Consumer Level 3D Printers, STEM Kits & Robots – ELEGOO Official

Likely no-one may have been tempted, if you hadn't posted a link.

 

[PhillipM]

Resin has it's place, it's far more accurate and great for fine detailed stuff, and it's actually faster for objects that are large but low in height.

 

[skotl]

Resin has it's place, it's far more accurate and great for fine detailed stuff, and it's actually faster for objects that are large but low in height.

Please don't persuade me to reinstate the order

 

[MattF]

Saw this sign on Thingiverse, the other day.

DO NOT TOUCH - Sign by Blueforcer

Just a little gimmick.You can use it to protect your printer from curious fingers.English or GermanPrint in 1, 2 or 3 Colors:First 2mm for BackgroundNext 1mm for Warning BackgroundLast 1mm for Font

www.thingiverse.com

 

[ajlelectronics]

Please don't persuade me to reinstate the order

How else will the rest of us know anything about the resin printers unless you demonstrate it for us?

 

[AndersK]

My experience from resin printers , or SLA, is from mid 90's. Expensive, extremely fragile but super smooth finish and very accurate. We used it mainly to create silicon moulds for PU cast or a step to cast aluminium prototypes in plaster moulds.

Useless to anything else. @skotl , you need to prove me wrong and that it has evolved

 

[PhillipM]

I mean, I've made loads of small trim clips, gearboxes, lithophanes, and even the clips for repairing my welding helmet were in resin