Model Boat Mayhem

Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => 3D CAD Design & Printing => Topic started by: C-3PO on January 23, 2022, 11:14:22 am

Title: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: C-3PO on January 23, 2022, 11:14:22 am
I have skirted around the topic of buying a 3D printer for some years.

I have got close a few times - I almost ended up with an Ultimaker S5 in an auction - I should have held my nerve....

I had a Prusa i3 Mk3s in a basket along with every colour in the rainbow print media just before Christmas and them got whiff of the Prusa XL which allegedly will ship later this year... the XL seems to have lots of new ideas/technology implementation and I wonder if the i3 Mk4 will get the benefit if they ever launch one. The 3D printer purchase process doesn't seem to involve talking to someone that can advise and point you in the right direction.

I have looked at resin printers

I have looked into the design creation etc

It seems the only way to enter this arena is to do lots of online research and then make an online purchase hoping you have got a "good un" which is a difficult one as whilst you pick up lots of jargon, and snippets of information along the way it seems that most printers undergo user tweeking and enhancement to get them to do a decent print job.

And I end up at where I started - I still have not purchased a 3D printer

I would really welcome suggestions that will leave a hole in my wallet and a smile on my face

Thanks in advance

Regards
C-3PO
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: grendel on January 23, 2022, 11:42:02 am
careful now, I started with a 3d printer, now I have a small CNC router, and an even bigger hole in my wallet, though I must say, the ability to cut wood to a precision of 0.1mm does feel nice.
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: Colin Bishop on January 23, 2022, 11:45:36 am
You don't say what you intend using it for. It's easy to get into the common situation where the ultimate 'payload' doesn't really justify the cost and effort of producing it. I bought a lathe a few years back because I thought it 'would come in useful'. It hasn't, it just doesn't fit in with my type of modelling where I can frequently produce a perfectly adequate result by quick and dirty methods (sometimes involving an electric drill and a file...  :embarrassed:)

Colin
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: derekwarner on January 23, 2022, 12:04:35 pm
Must say grendel....

Those CNC routed window frames look a lot more realistic in real wood  :-)) .......than 3D printed plastic versions  :((  off the same plan


Derek
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: Barney Magrew on January 23, 2022, 12:55:56 pm
Many years ago I bought an Anet printer, which at the time wasn't bad.  Times have moved on and I have recently purchased a Creality se6 cr which I find perfect for what I want, i.e.modelling etc.  I bought mine from the Box which was about the cheapest at the time, delivery next day.  However, the after service is dire, but if all works as it should then you will have no problem.
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: essex2visuvesi on January 23, 2022, 04:22:49 pm
I've been messing about with 3d Printers for the last 10 years and they are still far from plug and play devices.  Granted with automated be levelling etc they are a lot better now.
If your'e thinking FDM (Filament printer) the the Creality Ender series is worth a look.  They may not be the best printers on the market, but they have a huge following and there is plenty of support available on the interwebs.
Resin printing is another option, this gives a far superior quality for small parts, but the downside is that you also need to Wash the parts in IPA (nothe the beer) and cure the parts under UV light once printed.  There is also the smell
The introduction of water washable resins has helped, as this means parts can be washed with regular water.  It is also a little less smelly.
For a resin printer I would suggest either the Elegoo Mars or the Longer Orange 10, but these do have a limitied build area.  I had the orange 10 and recently moved to the Elegoo Saturn.
Resin Printing may be a little more expensive and time consuming to set up/maintain, but I find my failiure rate is much lerss than it was with filament printing.
Finally, If you're starting out with resin printing I highly recoomend buying the water based resin as its much easier to clean up.  It does have the downside of being (allegedly) a little more fragile, but for me it is perfect.


Happy to chat 3d printers if anyone wants to and can assist with 3d printer setups, both Filamant and resin.  The one thing I can't help with is vreating the models in the first place as my skill in that area is limited at best.
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: Colin Bishop on January 23, 2022, 05:53:46 pm
Ron Rees, who writes for Model Boats and has contributed material on 3D printers in the past has recently bought and recommends the Ender Pro mentioned above which now costs only £165 or so. He does say that the choice of filament can make quite a difference to the quality of the printed item.

His Ender produced the feathering paddle wheel components in the photo below and he tweaked the scale to make me a set for my ongoing paddler project although I have yet to assemble them (using the screws and nuts commonly found in spectacles  :o).

My article on Scratchbuilding in the February issue of Model Boats includes a pic of the Ender.

Colin

Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: gingyer on January 24, 2022, 07:33:25 am
I was a good boy last year and Santa got me a
Elegoo Saturn and mercury wash station.


I really think it’s great!
I got a few cheap files for phalanx guns, Carley floats and some other
Bits and bobs and the difference is amazing!


My plan is to use it for fittings.


I’m away from my computer for a week or so or would share pictures to see
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: essex2visuvesi on January 24, 2022, 02:41:47 pm
Really happy with the saturn, when using water washable resin I use a ultrasonic cleaner for my rinsing and have a heath robinson UV curing station using a UV led lamp, a couple of mirror tiles and a solar powered ornament turntable.
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: C-3PO on January 24, 2022, 02:52:42 pm
Thanks for all the info

Colin mentioned that I had not detailed what I wanted the printer for.

Well I guess I want a Shapeways comparable quality unit in my den - I fully realise that is not going to happen.

I would like something that does give great detail - for model boat parts

Back to Googling..

Regards
C-3PO


Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: essex2visuvesi on January 24, 2022, 03:19:28 pm
If you have a couple of 3d model files that you can share, I'll be happy to print you off a couple of samples on my resin printer and the filament printers we have at the makerspace I am a member of, so you can get an idea of the different finishes/quality
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: grendel on January 24, 2022, 03:37:35 pm
my pinter is a few years old now, it is a davinci ai0, one of the few true plug and play printers, yet still needed the bed levelling, it arrived completely constructed, and uses branded cartridges of filament (microchipped), this is good and bad, good because there is absolutely no setting up, you plug a cartridge in, feed the filament in the extruder and start printing - all the settings are handled by the microchip, the feed rates, temperatures etc, are all done for you.
the bad part is you are tied to their brand filament in the cartridges, - yes you can get a tool (3rd party) to reset the meter count on the chip, but the filament is quite expensive (£30-£40 a cartridge) if you have limited knowledge on how to set up the machine, then its good, but trade off is cost, as a draughtsman, I was confident in my CAD abilities to be able to design anything I wanted to print, and I guess that a 95% success rate for printing demonstrates that- in fact the only issues I ever get iis when the part comes unstuck from the print bed part way through.
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: Umi_Ryuzuki on January 24, 2022, 05:51:57 pm
Shapeways quality would dictate a resin printer. some of the mono printers are fair sized now.
So limitations on how big you can print are a bit less restrictive. But the resins can be a bit messy.
The mono verses earlier resin printers are larger and faster. 
A post curing machine is nice. However some people just set the part out in the sun or use a cheap UV lamp in a box.
Large parts can sometimes fall off the plate.

When I looked into a filament printer for larger pieces, a friend recommended three things.
A direct feed, 
a swiss hot end,
 auto leveling - BL Touch
 
I bought into the direct feed, it's been trouble free.
I also bought a auto leveling sensor. But never installed it, as it essentially wanted you to 
lobotomize the brand new machine and install new firmware. I felt I should get it running first, before
trying something like that. And later developed my own "live leveling" technique. 

The most frustrating issue for either printer is plate adhesion, parts slipping or falling out of place during printing.
Often it is a printer bed leveling issue, at least that is what everyone will tell you... ;)
.
 
 I have an older Anycubic resin printer and a Creality CR10 v3(direct drive filament)
I have used the stock software for slicing for both printers.
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: C-3PO on January 24, 2022, 10:31:16 pm
Quote from: essex2visuvesi on January 24, 2022, 03:19:28 pm
If you have a couple of 3d model files that you can share, I'll be happy to print you off a couple of samples on my resin printer and the filament printers we have at the makerspace I am a member of, so you can get an idea of the different finishes/quality

That's a very generous offer - thank you - When I get my act togther I may well take you up on that...

Regards
C-3PO
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: essex2visuvesi on January 25, 2022, 11:15:53 am
Rather than repost here, some resin prints:-
https://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,67809.0.html
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: C-3PO on January 25, 2022, 11:44:49 am
They look good - parts have a very smooth finish?- it's an interesting project.

How difficult is is to clean them up / seperate waste material so you have parts ready to assemble - presume this is a scapel job?

Regards
C-3PO


Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: essex2visuvesi on January 25, 2022, 12:04:24 pm
Once you get the exposure timing right it's quite easy. On larger parts they they can be easily removed with careful peeling, leaving a little pimple that can be cleaned up with 600-800 grit sandpaper.
There is a balancing act between time time to print and clean up.  Depending on how you orientate the model on the platform as each layer takes the same amount of time to expose whether there is lots on the layer or just a little.
For example laying a piece flat would reduce build time as opposed to placing the same object upright.
Also orientating the model in a certain way can reduce the supports required, or place the supports where the pimples won't show
As you can see from the 2 pictures, laying the fin flat will reduce the build time, however one side of the fin will be pimply due to the support material.
Changing it to upright reduced the amount of supports and moves the imperctions to an area that will be easier to make good.
Also the amount of resin used is reduced.  While not much in this particular scenario this can also be a factor on larger more comple prints
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: RST on January 26, 2022, 11:50:40 pm
Hi,

I'm a tad reluctant to post but I can't resist.  I have been printing for 3 years now and consider myself upgraded from "rank amateur" to "amateur" now.  I cannot do resin printing due to curcumstances but I think my filament printing is now quite admirable.

Plug and play:  My Steadytech mini (a wanhao I3) was just that.  My current Flashforge Guider II even more so.  I looked at the Davinci models when upgrading but didn't like the tie-in to the unique spools there was no benefit a chip held for me than changing an option in a drop-down menu in Flashforge.

Between my I3 Mini and the Guider II I had a re-branded Ender 6 (i think that's what it resembled close-enough).  I did loads of upgrades -glass bed, proper adjuctment screws you could acually feel.  Two extra braces for the "tower".  Nothing really expensive or intrusive though.  I actually sold this as I wanted something I could progress to other filements (Hence the Guider II) and my friend got a great deal ....it printed for him straight out of the box car boot which I was rather annoyed about as I wanted him to undergo some learming curve first!

...I dunno.  I look in envy at resin printers.  The chemicals and clean-up are prohibitive for me.  I'm not 3-D cad whizz either but I print stuff down to surprisingly small parts with decent enough resolution, certaily better then wood-grain and clean-up not much worse than any cast part I've purchased in last 10 years.

You can see my efforts in other posts.  I like the fact I can print things like these (about 12x6mm on a very basic printer).  Anyone says I am cheating then they don't now how much time went into getting a good print in the first place then repeating it.

Rich


Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: tigertiger on January 27, 2022, 12:51:52 am
One thing to consider is user groups. When my buddy bought his he looked for a printer that had an active user community. From those forums and groups he has been able to get a lot of problem solving help and there are lots of files created by group members online for add on components to the printer (e.g. an improved mount for spools). He can just download the files and print off components.
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: RST on January 27, 2022, 02:10:19 am
I personally learned nothing of the skill from "groups". It's ALL out there in the first place usually.
I might add I bought 3 printers from box.co.uk so far and their after-sales is absolutely zilch.  They just don't care.  I had one warranty claim the last few months (a genuine claim a part failed) -absolutely nothing from Box -I had to go to Flashforge direct in China who were exemplary in replacing in the end but that's absolutely no excuse for box for ignoring their responsibilities as the supplier according to UK law!

Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: Barney Magrew on January 28, 2022, 10:28:41 am
5 weeks ago I reported the problem to Box and still nothing.  I did get a great e-mail asking me to make a short video of the unit NOT WORKING.As I said before the sales is brilliant, the after sales absolutely non existent.
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: Martin (Admin) on January 28, 2022, 11:26:44 am
 
 Which companies, in your own experience, have good after sales service?
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: essex2visuvesi on January 28, 2022, 01:14:35 pm
Elegoo have very good customer service. My saturn arrived with a very tiny dent in the FEP film base of the resin tank. (the film base of the tank is a consumable item available on its own for a few quid)
Elegoo sent me a whole new replacement tank.
Also their email customer support has been very good with replies (that actually answer you questions) within 48 hrs, normally with in 24
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: Martin (Admin) on January 28, 2022, 02:11:24 pm

 OK, thanks ..... the ELEGOO Mars 3 Resin 3D Printer does look very interesting!
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: gingyer on January 29, 2022, 07:43:42 am
It was pointed out to me buying from Elegoo,
Buy direct from Elegoo’s website is cheaper than their Amazon shop.


The website the price is in dollars so it changes it pounds,
Where as it’s in pounds on Amazon
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: Subculture on January 29, 2022, 11:26:23 am
If detail is a priority and you're not into printing large stuff, then resin is a no brainer.

You can pick-up a Voxelabs Proxima 6 on ebay brand new for under a ton sometimes on their auctions. e.g.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/203805857433?hash=item2f73c69699:g:MHIAAOSwXHthy3RY

It's uses a mono LCD rather than RGB, so you get a longer life for the screen and quicker printing. It has a good build quality and printing size is adequate for most purposes. It's a 2k printer, but that's more than adequate for the majority of users, the difference between 2k and 4k is less than you think, and you pay quite a premium for the higher resolutions.
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: grendel on January 29, 2022, 11:39:05 am
I have just purchased a second 3d printer a flsun q5, currently it can be found on ebay for £139, a friend bought one a few weeks back, and had good reports about it, I will use this one for PLA as its a pain to convert from ABS to PLA on my davinci.
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: essex2visuvesi on January 29, 2022, 01:34:22 pm
Quote from: Martin [Admin] on January 28, 2022, 02:11:24 pm
[/size]
 OK, thanks ..... the ELEGOO Mars 3 Resin 3D Printer does look very interesting!



A good choice sir
Give me a shout when it arrives and I'll happily give you a quick tutorial on setting up (Bed levelling etc)If you have access to a 3d printer already then theres a couple of parts Id suggest you print off ready:-https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3895021 (https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3895021) - Aids draining of the completed modelhttps://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3811679 (https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3811679) - Resin level gaugehttps://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4069636 (https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4069636) - Drain Stand for emtying the vat
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: DJW on January 29, 2022, 07:00:16 pm
Hi All


I've recently purchased a Monoprice Select Mini V2, about £180. Quite modest in 3D print world.  I'm using eSun PLA+ sourced on Amazon, really strong. Designing in the remarkable (free) Tinkercad software and then using Cura as the slicer.  Really pleased, its a first foray into 3D print to learn the pros and cons.  I'm mainly using the printer to prototype parts before committing to metal versions, like these motor mounts:


(https://modelboatmayhemimages.co.uk/images/2022/01/28/20220128_174519_resized-Custom.jpg)


Also making parts for a bandsaw fence and router table.  Its just cutting the time taken to make up parts, or guides to make parts so much.  Would happily recommend.


Regards to all.
David.
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: Barney Magrew on February 02, 2022, 09:48:04 am
An update to my Box issue, I had an e-mail on Monday after 3 phone calls asking me to send them a micro usb cable as without it they ere unable to test my printer!   Really, this from a technology outlet.I have received my money back and gone to a different supplier.  Would still recommend the Creality series just not "The Box" to buy it from.
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: CarlC on February 03, 2022, 08:19:15 pm
I have a Creality CR10s, quite an old printer these days. That said it works great, and has a large print area. I have just printed the body panels and gears for a working 1/6th scale outboard motor, and all of the deck fittings, cabin and rams on my pusher tug. I also have a full hull for a boat under way (2 sections printed one to do).



Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: Martin (Admin) on September 11, 2023, 08:32:27 pm
 
I'm thinking about doing some 3D printing, inspired on by sir AndyN,
I'm looking at the Ender 3 xxx .... well established, still being made, LOTs of tutorials, LOTs of upgrades....

What to you guys think?

 
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Creality-S1-Pro-Filaments-220%C3%97220%C3%97270mm-Black/dp/B0BQJBXVV6?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: Waiting2Retire on September 11, 2023, 09:11:36 pm
Hi Martin,

I am quite new to the forum, but have been tinkering with 3d printing for some time.

I bought a Creality CR10 a few years back, as at the time you could get a good price (it was still post Brexit) and I was attracted by the large build area for printing plane parts or helmets for the kids!

It comes in pieces and you will do well to carefully assemble it square and true, as a model builder I am sure this will come as second nature, but over the years I have noticed a lot of people don't take care and if the gantry is not square and the Z axis level you are going to have a lot of problems and get very frustrated very fast.

The levelling of the bed is the key to a happy life. The printer has a routine in it to level the corners which works OK, adding the BLtouch sensor (magnetic touch sensor on the print head) brings a big gain as the printer will measure the print bed and compensate for it not being level. Another important step is to set the Z height, the gap from the moving head to the heated bed - printer has a routine to calibrate that and lots guides.

They all bend over time, mine is shaped like a bowl on the screen, but the same is +/- 2mm so you can't see it with the naked eye. The mesh it makes then compensates to lower the head more in the dipped centre and less and the corners.

I now find however I have rarely used the large bed space, and mostly print smaller items (sometimes to assemble into something bigger) and I also have space issues with it as it's quite large. I don't keep it in the garage as I planned due to the moisture ruining the filament and prints - so it lives in the house taking up space.


I think doing it over again today I would go for a smaller model like the Ender 3 pro - but as you say it's a pretty old design these days. The advantage is that its stable and mature, lots of spares etc.

Using the PC to drive it is frustrating, depending on your technical levels a raspberry pi running "Octoprint" will revolutionise how you use it, as you can connect the printer to the pi with USB then use a web browser to run the print, calibrate the bed and all the rest.

The latest thing is Klipper, uses a Pi to drive the printer not the board inside - I have not tried it looks complex.

What will make a cheap Creality work better is upgraded Marlin firmware. There is a Facebook group called Nic's reality firmware ([size=78%]https://www.facebook.com/groups/485185272196044/ (https://www.facebook.com/groups/485185272196044/)[/size]) where the firmware from Nic Wilson is much better than the default. I also found the calibration routine much easier to use as well.

In any case I think the entry point is pretty low these days, and massive information on the web, as well as lots of things on thingiverse and other sites to print without having to design yourself.

My steps to success were:
You see a lot of "experts" with their own methods, but this is what worked for me. My prints always stuck to the bed, could to be removed when the bed was hot but just fell off once cooled. I see a lot of people saying use glue, pritt stick, special sheets - I have never used any of that and had great success. If the print does not stick either the print head is too high (z-offset is wrong, or the corners are not level, the bed moves when heated/cooled over time), or the filament has got moisture in it.

Word on filament, keep it in the plastic bag with the silica gel when not using for a period, or it will take moisture from the air and affect your prints.

I think the push at the moment is fancy printers for £££ but I had no problem with the old creality provided I made sure it was setup with basic steps above each time I powered it up.

Good luck :)

Paul


Edit for Typo's and to add if you want to print fine detail items you don't want an extruding print like an ender but one of the tank resin printer - small scale items, people, etc. You can get a nice finish on most stuff with a well calibrated extruding printer - at least at the scale I work 1/12th and up
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: grendel on September 11, 2023, 10:27:57 pm
I think that nowadays you really need to get almost the latest printers, A friend swears by the elegoo ones, bamboo labs seem to have a good offering, the FLsun i bought just a couple of years ago was light years ahead of my first printer, and 1/6 the price, these new printers seem to be a similar level of advancement again, with simple assembly when they arrive of the basic modules, and plug the wires in and off you go.
modern machines - easy setup from the box, usually just add the gantry and plug in the cables.
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: tica on September 12, 2023, 06:26:15 am
I started out with a Ender 3V2 and after some mods and tweaking, it's running very nice, and has been for the last 12 months or so.
My Ender 5 Plus were both crap out of the box, but a change of firmware and some calibration did the job on those.
The easiest Ender I have owned is a Ender 3 S1, only needed some some change in the start G-code to ensure stable bed and nozzle temp before it starts printing. (Did the E-step test, extrusion test ect. but didn't need to change anything. But that depends also on the material you use.
I now have a Bambu Lab X1C and it is a game changer but it comes with a prize  %%   (Still keeping my E5+ for big prints and the E3S1 has been changed to a 5W laser engraver/cutter)
Choosing a Ender 3S1 Pro, or any other in the same prize range, check out https://teachingtechyt.github.io/calibration.html guides for calibration, this will help a lot.
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: Martin (Admin) on September 12, 2023, 10:57:11 am
 
Well I very tired last night so got onto Amazon and ordered an Creality Ender 3 V3 SE ,
 ( and probably some other stuff I can't remember, I'll have to check my email ).

I looked over all the Creality Ender 3 (starter) printers and this one seemed a good deal as it has an
 all metal head & Metal Dual-gear Direct Extruder but mainly for auto self leveling.

I've decided to try and learn Onshape as it's browser based ....
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: Martin (Admin) on September 12, 2023, 12:41:07 pm
Quote from: Waiting2Retire on September 11, 2023, 09:11:36 pm
Hi Martin,

..............

They all bend over time, mine is shaped like a bowl on the screen, but the same is +/- 2mm so you can't see it with the naked eye. The mesh it makes then compensates to lower the head more in the dipped centre and less and the corners.
 
Using the PC to drive it is frustrating, depending on your technical levels a raspberry pi running "Octoprint" will revolutionise how you use it, as you can connect the printer to the pi with USB then use a web browser to run the print, calibrate the bed and all the rest.

What will make a cheap Creality work better is upgraded Marlin firmware.

Word on filament, keep it in the plastic bag with the silica gel when not using for a period, or it will take moisture from the air and affect your prints.

Good luck :)
Paul


Thanks Paul,

Interesting read!

Why is Leveling and warped bed such an issue?
I seen this thing using Pi boards and "Octoprint" - too scary for me!
I never mess with no manufacture Firmware... unless there's an easy role back option.
Why is the moisture in Filament 'a thing'?? - Never heard of plastic being effected by moisture before.....  {:-{

Thanks again,
 Martin
 
 
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: Umi_Ryuzuki on September 12, 2023, 05:25:33 pm

Bed Leveling: If the bed is not level, the printer head may not press and adhere the 'plastic' to the bed. If your print comes loose, then the printer head will start stringing spaghetti all over the print area, and drag it around.
So, level the bed. ... When I had issues with getting a print adhered to the bed, not sticking, blue painters tape solved the issue.

Not sure about warped beds, as I have a glass printer bed.

PLA is essentially plant based... https://3dinsider.com/what-is-pla/

Moisture will cause popping at the print head as it flashes to steam.
This may or may not cause deformities as it prints, or worst case scenario, a failed print.

Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: Colin Bishop on September 12, 2023, 05:51:16 pm
When given some 3D printed feathering paddle wheel components I was advised to paint them as the material used can absorb water.

Colin

Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: Waiting2Retire on September 12, 2023, 10:32:21 pm
My experience with the PLA and moisture was poor print quality after leaving it out on the side of the printer for a long time unused, it is “a thing” but if you print a lot I think it’s no problem, if you leave printer standing for a few weeks best to put filament in a bag.


The beds all warp slightly, I guess to try a modelling analogy it’s like putting a layer of filler on a hull. If he hull is flat and you put it on at the same rate you have even coverage.


If the hull is tilted at thr start the filler is not touching the hull on the tool, in the middle it’s just right, at the end it’s scraping the hull with no clearance and nothing is being left on the surface… if that makes any sense?


If he bed is level, the extruded puts the hit filament down just right, not to close, not to far away just right.
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: Klunk on September 13, 2023, 12:04:01 am
On a related subject, and its a can of worms.....
Which program to use....
And pc spec! I'm having massive problems with windows 10 and 11 slowing down to a crawl due to background programs....Microsoft edge deleted, chrome now sends all data to Google for analytics.  Im going to get a new pc and just keep it off line, just to do rendering etc
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: Umi_Ryuzuki on September 13, 2023, 12:38:20 am
Using the default software for slicing for Creality, and Anycubic.
I don't need any special features...?

 My computer is an old Win10 with, like 24g ram. AMD FX(tm)-6300 Six-Core Processor 3.50 GHz
It has bogged down running CAD, but I have not had issues slicing files.
 
I understand that setting up a Win11, you plug it into the internet, then click okay, and quickly unplug
it from the internet while registering. Then it says no internet connection, try registering later.
And it keeps the computer from creating a "microsoft" account, and always syncing  online or with 'one drive'.

I never used EDGE, the only browser I have had has been Firefox.

.
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: Martin (Admin) on September 13, 2023, 09:40:56 am
 
What is 'Slicer' software?
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: Circlip on September 13, 2023, 09:43:29 am
Quote
Why is the moisture in Filament 'a thing'?? - Never heard of plastic being effected by moisture before..... 

  Difference between Nylon 6 and Nylon 66, 6 absorbs moisture. Was once advised by a supplier to 'boil' some straight from the mould Nylon items to give flexibility. After the 'dry' period on non strimmer use over winter, my coil of wind on line goes into a pan of boiling water before use, saves numerous breakages.


  Regards  Ian.
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: grendel on September 13, 2023, 11:27:08 am
slicer software does what it says on the tin, it takes your stl file and takes a slice through your object to create the code for the printer to print each layer, then it goes up the width of your layer, and does it again for the next layer to print. once its complete it stores the information away and saves it as a file for the printer.
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: Martin (Admin) on September 13, 2023, 01:12:16 pm
 
Does Creality will have their own slicer ?

BTW, this arrived today! - Ender 3 v3 se
(https://i.postimg.cc/Cxw2FTTH/20230913-125910-2.jpg)
 
 Thinking about it, maybe I should have ordered a couple of rolls of filament!

NB: Good / best ways to store filament?

Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: tica on September 13, 2023, 02:00:25 pm
I normally uses Prusa Slicer for my Ender series printers, but I'm not sure it has a profile for the Ender 3 V3 SE, but yes they do have their own Slicer.
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: Subculture on September 13, 2023, 02:26:34 pm
Use Cura with my Ender 2 (pretty much identical to an Ender 3, just smaller). Works perfectly well for me, get the latest version online, free software, https://ultimaker.com/software/ultimaker-cura/

Slicers are intimidating at first, as there are loads of parameters that make no sense to the uninitiated, however lots of tutorials online as this is a very well supported slicer.
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: Umi_Ryuzuki on September 13, 2023, 05:01:16 pm
Yes, you should find a thumb drive, or SD card with your printer.
It will have your slicing software to install on you computer.
 
Slicing is mostly a drag and drop procedure. However, everyone will typically rotate and tilt a model to minimize overhangs and therefore minimize supports required.
You can also rotate to minimize height, and therefore number of layers and maybe shorten print time.
It is all a little balancing act for all that, the software shows an estimated print time.
 
Once that is decided, you tell the software to "Save Gcode", and the software will slice and save your gcode file.
You then move the gcode file  to the thumb drive or SD card, and take it to the printer.
 That's the straight forward story...  ok2
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: JohnG on September 13, 2023, 05:29:09 pm
hi martin,
 some v good advice here - esp the post no32 from 'waiting2retire' - i'd agree with pretty much all he says:
- I run an older ender 3 with various upgrades - v pleased with it
- bltouch sensor to handle bed levelling well worth having
- a raspberry pi with octoprint recommended - find a tutorial and follow it and it should work! i find adding a pi camera has saved a lot of  walking to check how a print is doing  - obviously optional!
- marlin firmware worth having (i just upgraded to klipper instead - far from hassle free and so far not sure worth having).
( i found the guy on "teaching tech" on youtube spoke sense and easy to follow to install marlin https://youtu.be/U8_ldMckGDE?si=Np1qyubIV4v5rry0
this looks like the latest version:  https://youtu.be/eq_ygvHF29I?si=d0QH7OditNLSsePu.  i followed his tutorial to add a bltouch too, and used his calibration guides as suggested by tica. )
- i've been printing boat bits inc hulls with abs and petg - (wary of PETG melting in  a hot car....)  and have found keeping the printer in an enclosure (old small filing cabinet in my case) helps with keeping temperature
- cura as slicer works well for me - tried a couple of others and came back to cura

regarding storing filament - i use a sunlu filament drier box and have found it hassle free - about £30 on ebay.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/403548837796?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=wiqnnyjirsy&sssrc=2047675&ssuid=VvsUDjybSVK&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
with a few different open spools, i keep them in a sealed plastic box with small silica gel dehumidifier, but it's the sunlu drier box that reconditions and keeps dry when using.

hope all this helps. wish you lots of success. 
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: Waiting2Retire on September 13, 2023, 10:50:26 pm
The printer will come with a model on the SD card ready to test it (used to be a cat of some sort for creality) and a small roll of test filament that will get you going. No need for computer for test print select the model on the printer display. Start basic and work up.


I find white and black most practical filament choices to start with, lots of makes and opinions, I never had any issues with the popular makes or even Amazon basics works well for me.


Keep opened filament in a bag with the silica gel it came with, most good rolls come in a resealable bag and with the gel.


The filament dryer is useful, but walk before you run it’s another complication start basic.


And JohnG - you’re not supposed to agree with people on the internet are you?  ok2


Also using Cura slicer, prusa one is supposed to be good too but better the devil you know for me with Cura these days.
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: Martin (Admin) on September 23, 2023, 02:21:25 pm
 
1st Print in progress ....       https://youtu.be/zv_bZ7StMLU (https://youtu.be/zv_bZ7StMLU)
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: Martin (Admin) on September 23, 2023, 05:27:30 pm
 
Well it finished! It didn't blow-up, burn the house down, print miles of spaghetti!

What do you guys think? Observations? Comments/ Advice?
(https://i.postimg.cc/d745bFPQ/20230923-134516.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/d745bFPQ)     (https://i.postimg.cc/QFcPnvdV/20230923-153926.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/QFcPnvdV)
 
(https://i.postimg.cc/HVvskcwb/20230923-153940.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/HVvskcwb)    (https://i.postimg.cc/svkqm3yt/20230923-153943.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/svkqm3yt)    (https://i.postimg.cc/BXz40W3g/20230923-154025.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/BXz40W3g)    (https://i.postimg.cc/YjppNf81/20230923-154040.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/YjppNf81)

(https://i.postimg.cc/7fhwdHFh/20230923-154046.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/7fhwdHFh)    (https://i.postimg.cc/mh8Tmz6K/20230923-154124.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/mh8Tmz6K)    (https://i.postimg.cc/Mc2wnyvf/20230923-154134.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Mc2wnyvf)    (https://i.postimg.cc/bD49PN6P/20230923-154031.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bD49PN6P)    (https://i.postimg.cc/CnDHxTtq/20230923-154109.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/CnDHxTtq)

(https://i.postimg.cc/MfxXVCHR/20230923-154057.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/MfxXVCHR)    (https://i.postimg.cc/rRJsJfRH/20230923-154102.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/rRJsJfRH)    (https://i.postimg.cc/qgdG1gCc/20230923-154116.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/qgdG1gCc)    (https://i.postimg.cc/w3cQZHhC/20230923-154128.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/w3cQZHhC)


 
 
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: Umi_Ryuzuki on September 23, 2023, 05:47:10 pm
Note how you can scale in the slicing software before saving the gCode.
So you can print the same file in different sizes.
 Now maybe one of these...  :-)   
  https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?3108381-For-Those-of-you-with-3d-printers-Boat-Files (https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?3108381-For-Those-of-you-with-3d-printers-Boat-Files) 
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: Subculture on September 23, 2023, 07:22:50 pm
Print looks a bit stringy. What material, slicer/profile have you used?
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: Martin (Admin) on September 23, 2023, 07:33:21 pm
Quote from: Subculture on September 23, 2023, 07:22:50 pm
Print looks a bit stringy. What material, slicer/profile have you used?

SUNLU PLA+

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07R8X76GW?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: TheLongBuild on September 23, 2023, 07:43:30 pm
Next print Martin !!   :}


https://www.facebook.com/groups/141800550555213/permalink/866608511407743/
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: Subculture on September 23, 2023, 07:45:52 pm
What slicer are you using. Cura?
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: Colin Bishop on September 23, 2023, 08:39:49 pm
Might have trouble in getting even two channel RC into that Martin!

Colin
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: Martin (Admin) on September 23, 2023, 09:06:03 pm
Quote from: TheLongBuild on September 23, 2023, 07:43:30 pm
Next print Martin !!   :}

https://www.facebook.com/groups/141800550555213/permalink/866608511407743/

 Why would i want to print a Wheely bin!!!   {-)
 
 
 
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: Martin (Admin) on September 23, 2023, 09:09:31 pm
Quote from: Subculture on September 23, 2023, 07:45:52 pm
What slicer are you using. Cura?

Creality Slicer: "Creality Slicer is indeed based on Cura, but it's optimized for Creality printers."

I'm using it as it has the embedded config / profile or this printer, not many others have this printer yet....

 
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: Colin Bishop on September 23, 2023, 09:40:55 pm
I must confess that I am conflicted about 3D printing on a personal basis. I do find it interesting in many ways for producing fittings and components and some of the professionally produced items such as warship fittings are just amazing in their degree of detail and would be difficult if not impossible to reproduce using traditional scratch building methods. I can fully understand why modellers choose to go down this route.

But at the moment I am building a traditional Greek Fishing boat using conventional modelling techniques with plank on frame, lots of rubbing down and use of filler. Having been much involved with computers before I retired it's just nice to use wood, glue, abrasive paper and constructional techniques which mimic the full size vessel. It's all 'organic' with no plastic, nylon or petrochemical materials involved. The hull is partially covered with gumstrip paper even!

I suppose it is literally what floats your boat really! There is room for everyone in the hobby.

Colin
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: grendel on September 24, 2023, 08:56:32 am
to my way of thinking, a 3d printer is just another tool (a very versatile tool, but not the be all and end all of tools), so when i have something that cant be scratch built easily, then the 3d printer comes into use, and its generally for fittings and fixings that i use it, some I will take the time and effort needed to make them in brass on the lathe or mill, but others can more easily be made on the 3d printer, I actually enjoy both processes, as since I am a draughtsman, I get similar satisfaction in producing a 3d drawing of the part required for the printer that I do in machining the part on the lathe and mill, at the end of the day sometimes it comes down to whether I want the part in brass or plastic.
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: Waiting2Retire on September 25, 2023, 12:04:30 pm
The stringing at the top could be temperature related, what are you using to print at?


You can get test prints on thingiverse where it changes the temperature up a tower (using the G-Code) so you can see which ones are stringy, usually to hot, and adjust as needed.


Each filament brand seems to have a different sweet spot.
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: JaS on September 29, 2023, 07:47:15 pm
I had mine Artillery X2 for a week now and im very happy with it especially the bed size and the auto leveling function, for almost a week since I got it has been working and also the price was good.


Cheers
Jack
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: Martin (Admin) on October 15, 2023, 02:17:53 am
 
I've been mucking about with 3D printer a little bit now.... actually useful project .... this one didn't quite work,
 resigned the tolerances, reprinting now....


(https://i.postimg.cc/NL9HFdS3/20231015-014631.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/NL9HFdS3)


Last week's project, video light holder:
 


(https://i.postimg.cc/K1ZVm3jH/20231015-021009.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/K1ZVm3jH)        (https://i.postimg.cc/Mv0Nkm6B/20231015-021116.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Mv0Nkm6B)
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: Martin (Admin) on October 15, 2023, 03:10:25 am
 
Not too bad!    :-)


(https://i.postimg.cc/GHWMpMKt/Screenshot-2023-10-15-030911.png) (https://postimg.cc/GHWMpMKt)        (https://i.postimg.cc/tsFBnhv5/sd-3.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/tsFBnhv5)
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: Martin (Admin) on October 22, 2023, 12:06:13 pm
 
More Testing ....


(https://i.postimg.cc/GTKjsnr7/20231020-221940.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/GTKjsnr7)     (https://i.postimg.cc/zbm7sk0j/20231022-092401.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/zbm7sk0j)      (https://i.postimg.cc/GTdQ2m0T/PXL-20231021-180949268.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/GTdQ2m0T)     (https://i.postimg.cc/34g1YDqH/PXL-20231021-204713795.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/34g1YDqH)
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: Barney Magrew on October 22, 2023, 02:44:33 pm
I use a Creality CR6SE with Cura slicer and running through a Raspberry Pi, Obicom and C720 Camera.  Filament is Esun PLA+.   I've done more with this printer than any other.   It has heated bed and auto levelling.   Only downside is the size of the bed, but then, what do you want to print?
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: Martin (Admin) on October 22, 2023, 10:56:35 pm
 
 After much tinkering! ....


(https://i.postimg.cc/k4hsPwzy/20231022-212608.png)
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: grendel on October 23, 2023, 06:34:37 am
I am currently printing a battery box to convert my makita 12v drill battery (old style) from NiMH to 18650 lithium cells.
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: Martin (Admin) on June 16, 2024, 04:55:22 pm

Needed a 'grappling' / throwing hook, for boat retrieval, so dusted off my 3D printer.
I was pleased it still worked as expected, even though I had parked it in a bay window.... thus annealing it for once a day for 9 months!

First time using TPU material, it's a soft shiny plastic, like a cheap toy car tyre / grip on a garden tool / dog chew toy.

It's very stringy and needs extra thought as how to print it.
Left is the first, one piece attempt .... after I gave it a vigorous shave & a haircut!
Right it the redesign, 5 separate pieces, printed one at a time.

..... must get a retrieval Tug working again.

(https://i.postimg.cc/dZv804Ht/Grapple-1.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/dZv804Ht)              (https://i.postimg.cc/ftYcZ6vr/Grapple-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ftYcZ6vr)
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: Martin (Admin) on June 16, 2024, 05:11:15 pm
 
Also printed some Fender tyres for the 686 mini Tugs.

The round bow proved tricky for pushing stuff around....



(https://i.postimg.cc/NLHsGQmM/686-tyre-3.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/NLHsGQmM)       (https://i.postimg.cc/YhNtg8XB/686-tyre-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/YhNtg8XB)        (https://i.postimg.cc/nCfHCNG1/686-tyre-1.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/nCfHCNG1)             
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: MikeMcP on June 16, 2024, 06:03:42 pm
my 2p worth
I've been using a Creality Ender 3 for a couple of years now
upgraded it with
- BLTouch Z-axis sensor (worth its weight in gold)
- glass plate
- 3D printed spool holder
- direct drive filament feed
- metal bed adjusters


the last two make bed-levelling easy and allows the printer to compensate for a non-flat/level bed


I slice with Cura


and the best thing of all
- OctoPrint - amazing bit of software - allows you to upload files via WiFi and control the printer the same way


I've tried a lot of PLA from different manufacturers, 3DPrintz seems to be a good make


and I've just treated myself to an Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra resin printer (it has 18 micron pixels - the best I have seen in sensibly priced printers)
I also ordered a Mercury X post-processing bundle (wash and UV cure)
the Ender 3 is great for normal sized stuff, but not accurate enough for tiny details
I'm building a working winch


HTH


always happy to talk 3D printing
Title: Which 3D resin printer to buy...?
Post by: MikeMcP on June 21, 2024, 09:47:41 am
I've now put my toe in the water and got myself a resin printer

Elegoo Mars4 Ultra with Mercury wash and cure station

(https://www.mmcpix.com/resinPrinterSmall.png)

it comes with a free license for "VoxelDance Tango" (I kid you not!)
but
received wisdom is that it is rubbish and is a mare to install on MacOS
I can confirm that installing is too big a mountain for me (with 999 years in IT!)

so the question for the crew is
which slicer to use?

candidates seem to be ChituBox and Lychee
I'm leaning towards ChituBox

opinions please :)

TIA
Mike

(mods if this should be a new thread . . .)
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: tica on June 21, 2024, 11:00:54 am
"candidates seem to be ChituBox and Lychee"I have used both but ChituBox do not support my old Creality printer anymore as I cannot update the firmware in it, so I use Lychee as it give me more control, but maybe the latest versions of Chitubox can do the same.So test both and see which you prefer :-)
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: MikeMcP on June 21, 2024, 12:12:19 pm
@tica
thanks I am indeed trying both before I commit
cheers
Mike
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: andrewh on June 23, 2024, 01:19:10 pm
SNAP!  Martin


I got a Sovol SV06plus a couple of weeks ago, and it does exactly what it says on the tin. 


I got it because two flying buddies have the same model and we all use TinkerCad software for most of the models.  I think that TinkerBell suits us because it is aimed at pre-school children and we are all rapidly regressing in that direction!
 
Since this is modelBOATmayhem I admit to  starting with a Clyde Puffer and have also printed a load of small-but-useful bits for my indoor Aviation (and a free 4 foot power plane from Eclipson


OK, Preview does not seem to work


Onwards and Upwards
andrew
Title: Re: Which 3D printer to buy...?
Post by: andrewh on June 23, 2024, 01:23:07 pm
Pictures did not attach


Puffer and Go1 Wolf glider