What 3D printer...

[8ob]

i would hope that it would with stand up to 70c as this is typical maximum operating temperature of cables though would expect a cabinet to be far lower than that, does the manual not say?

You'll find more problems with temperature variation affecting print quality than anything else. A constant ambient temperature is required to obtain high quality consistent prints - especially where sensitive materials/design are involved.

I was made aware of drafts and heat loss etc, what I am trying to achieve is a temperature controlled draft free environment inside a fireproof cupboard. Chinese electrics and heater elements left running through the night worry me, https://the3dprinterbee.com/3d-printer-fireproof/

Bob

 

[Bladevane]

How about installing a heat detector nearby? I fitted one of these in my workshop to give me some warning if the printer overheated and started emitting nasties. https://www.safelincs.co.uk/ultrafi...CLr3029bGEt8zRilPqbyy-j2f0kFB4FEaAmp1EALw_wcB

 

[AndersK]

Try to keep it below 30°C
Depends a bit of what you're printing
ABS is easier to print with an heated enclosure at 40-45°C but PLA can fail if it doesn't cool fast enough.

An enclosure is great for temperature stability which often is a key factor.

Filtration and ventilation as @Parm said, not enough research made yet but I predict enclosure and filtration will be mandatory for commercial use. Highly recommended for DIY in my opinion.

Most enclosures have circulation rather than ventilation through a filter, once again to keep the heat inside and stabilise temperature.

The one I'm working with now will have a 3 stage filtration. Normal particle filter, HEPA and a carbon filter. Filtered air will circulate back in the chamber.

 

[Parm]

Filtration and ventilation as @Parm said, not enough research made yet but I predict enclosure and filtration will be mandatory for commercial use. Highly recommended for DIY in my opinion.

The reason we are doing some research is that there have been concerns that there may be isocyantes in the fume generated. This isn’t my project and I’m only aware of the outline but I do know that there is a big difference between different filament. Early indications are that the cheaper end of the spectrum generally produce nastier fumes

 

[Parm]

Try to keep it below 30°C
Depends a bit of what you're printing
ABS is easier to print with an heated enclosure at 40-45°C but PLA can fail if it doesn't cool fast enough.

An enclosure is great for temperature stability which often is a key factor.

Filtration and ventilation as @Parm said, not enough research made yet but I predict enclosure and filtration will be mandatory for commercial use. Highly recommended for DIY in my opinion.

Most enclosures have circulation rather than ventilation through a filter, once again to keep the heat inside and stabilise temperature.

The one I'm working with now will have a 3 stage filtration. Normal particle filter, HEPA and a carbon filter. Filtered air will circulate back in the chamber.

That sounds top spec, I’d be interested to see what you do, just so I have an idea of what can be archived

This sort of stuff is our horizon scanning research to find emerging problems and see what solutions my be required

 

[AndersK]

I think you have come longer in the UK regarding this. When I bought our first printer I had our H&S (external firm) check this and pretty much all there they could find was vague recommendations to use filtering when printing ABS.

When we have it up and running I'll ask if they have capability to analyse the air before and after the filter. I'll share that with you if we can do it

 

[Parm]

I think you have come longer in the UK regarding this. When I bought our first printer I had our H&S (external firm) check this and pretty much all there they could find was vague recommendations to use filtering when printing ABS.

When we have it up and running I'll ask if they have capability to analyse the air before and after the filter. I'll share that with you if we can do it

Not fussed about the air monitoring results, but I am interested in how you build the enclosures, set up the fans / filters and recirculate the air.

Controlling contaminants is my work area and this is all new to me

 

[AndersK]

Ok, I'll see if I can work around the photo ban in the name of science and safety for you Parm

 

[indy4x]

@AndersK just followed your link to the supplier, I had assumed you were building one from scratch hence the request for photos

I did have a look at their 3 stage filter unit tho

 

[AndersK]

just followed your link to the supplier, I had assumed you were building one from scratch

That's way above my pay grade

 

[ukracer]

Photo ban unfortunately
But plenty info here.

Tech Specs Generation 4 – Modix Large 3D Printers

Ordered it with all upgrades available

Photo ban?

 

[Parm]

I’ve graduated into the university of 3D printing. Much help was needed from a good buddy (he knows who he hus)

ive now printed the best test cube so far. Still room for improvement

 

[Bladevane]

Welcome to the Academy. It’s fascinating but can be hypnotic watching items appear out of nothing.

 

[Screwdriver]

Welcome to the Academy. It’s fascinating but can be hypnotic watching items appear out of nothing.

The most extraordinary aspect is thinking of a thing, sketching it and then have it pop up out of thin air. It is quite a magical process from end to end. I never tire of it.

 

[Bladevane]

Absolutely. When you are used to manufacturing stuff by removing material it is a whole new ball game to think of designing bits that start with nothing then get added to.

 

[thinfourth]

Ok its school me time.

What is each plastic type used for?

Which printer comes ready to use out of the box for as many different plastic types as possible for roughly £300?

I want it to work & not need to be upgraded as I develop.

What cheap / free bits of software would I need?

Are 3d scanners cheap enough to pair up with a printer?

Any other tips / mistakes you have all learnt along the way?

PLA and PETG are what use for 99% of what i print. PLA stronger but more brittle PETG more useable outside and less brittle

£300 printer not sure
£400 printer then is a pursa mini

Original Prusa MINI+ | Original Prusa 3D printers directly from Josef Prusa

Big 3D printer in a small body! MINI is a compact 3D printing workhorse with all the bells and whistles of larger Prusa machines. Made in EU, worldwide shipping.

www.prusa3d.com

Why? Well the prusa company are sort of apple like in they have an eco system where everything works pretty well. BUT unlike apple their stuff works with everyone else’s stuff

Upgrades to the mini = not many

Software

You need 2 pieces of software. One to make 3D models and one to convert the 3D models into something the printer understands

Making 3D models is a question as long as you have. But broken down simply 3 basic ways.

1 Download from the internet
2 Use a 3D sculpting package like blender or Z brush to make something pretty
3 Use a 3D CAD package to make something useful like fusion360

For making a 3D model into something useful then its prusaslicer which supports most 3D printers

 

[thinfourth]

The reason we are doing some research is that there have been concerns that there may be isocyantes in the fume generated. This isn’t my project and I’m only aware of the outline but I do know that there is a big difference between different filament. Early indications are that the cheaper end of the spectrum generally produce nastier fumes

When this is published can you send me a link

 

[indy4x]

When this is published can you send me a link

Better still, post it on the forum, quite interested to read it too

 

[Parm]

When this is published can you send me a link

It will be freely available on the website once published

 

[indy4x]

Reading up on the potential harmful fumes and dust from 3D printing I have ordered a 3 stage air purifier with HEPA and Activated Charcoal filters. This is on the premise that something is better than nothing and seeing as the printer lives in our home office/craft/junk room I need to do something, sticking an extract fan on the wall is not an option