3d printing anyone?

How many of you have a 3d printer? What style? What filaments do you use? Has anyone built their own printer? What software do you use? Where do you source your files?

I currently have a duplicator i3. It's a simple 200x200x180mm prusa style printer. I'm only printing PLA for now. I use MatterControl to slice and usb feed from my game rig. I pull files for calibration and random models from multiple sources. NASA is a predominant source for myself. I also have access to 3d CAD and CAM.

I'm not happy with the current cycle times, so I'm currently designing a custom build. I'm hoping to get away from the traditional styles (Cartesian, h-bot, etc) and do a vmc style platform.

 

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There are a few

 

Yes, I see a lot of requests for ppl to make stuff for them, but I'd like to see more conversation about the hobby itself.

 

I have an Ender 3 on my desk that rarely gets used I use Cura and Solidworks.

 

I have thought about getting one, but my computer skills don't extend much beyond typing. I even have trouble with that at times.
I am not sure what to even look at for entry level requirements. My main reason for thinking about them is to make payload shells for my 37mm launcher. How hard is it to get files to make things?

 

Getting the files is easy. There are dozens and dozens of websites (some free some paid) that have several million files available. The only down side is- depending on the site- the files are from random ppl. For example, I downloaded a file to make a stand for my smart watch. It wasn't the right size. I downloaded another file. It also didn't fit my watch like the designer said it would. Most of it is random trinkets and desk gadgets, but you can find some pretty useful stuff as well.

 

I have a solidoodle printer. Bought it used from a retired engineer acquaintance when he decided to upgrade.

The brand was short lived. Idea was that users could 3d print replacement parts for their network of buds. Result was low quality. But has been good enough for what I've done. Power supply was known as terrible, easy replacement when I got it.

Use freecad. Works well if have previous CAD experience (Ive worked both Autocad and solidworks).

For downloading models, I mostly goto https://www.thingiverse.com/

I use pla for most, abs for some. Bought several reels different colors when got into it.

Have mostly tinkered.

 

Have a prusa mini that I use regularly for random stuff but mostly things for my son. Hope to get something bigger eventually.

 

I have an Ender 3 Pro from the microcenter $99 sale. Dumped about another $100 into it (silent board, stiffer springs, glass print surface, noctua fans all around). I went back and forth between pla+ and petg. Was fun and exciting for about 6 weeks. Then I got done printing everything I wanted + random toys for the kids.

Still cheaper than buying the stuff off Etsy vs printing myself. I'll check thingiverse and printables here and there to see if there's anything new that pops up but the rush is gone.

 

If you want any 37mm files made let me know since I just got a 37mm launcher (we may have talked about this in the gun pictures thread).

 

My i3 came with a glass bed. I tried tape, glue sticks, settings. I actually found that a sheet of PETG (maybe RPET, it's been a few years since i switched it out.) To work best for adhesion. It sticks and it's flexible enough to pop the print off instead of prying.

 

Ender 3, ive printed a few things. i've made a couple things all my own for my own use. nothing special. brackets / mounting blocks, simple stuff.

Ive put time into the machine and tweaking the drivers, upgraded the extruder, added some stuff. printed a bunch of mods for it.

working on a lakk enclosure for it now.

 

Prusa for me.

 

Thanks. Will do, if I get one and remember. Threads all kinda merge together in my mind and I forget a lot.

 

What kind of extruder did you get?

I upgraded my i3 with better x bushings, z support brace, y belt brace, 60mm filament fan shroud.

 

I'm actually thinking about buying my first one. I've had numerous times over the last ear where I've thought it would be helpful. I presently have a list of 10 niche things, some of which I cannot find online, that is someomwhat driving things for me.

Looking at a Creality CR-10. Seems to be a decent entry level printer that could do AB's and PLA

 

I have an Ender 3 v2 that I converted to 400x400, all metal hot end, direct drive extruder and BLTouch bed leveling. Wasn't completely sold on the quality, the larger heavier bed would vibrate to much (regardless of the stiff springs that were installed) so I reverted back to the stock print bed and left everything else as I had it. Because it isn't enclosed I only print PLA for test items and PETG for functional parts.

I use Autodesk Inventor for my modeling because I'm used to it and have access to it, otherwise I'd use Fusion360 since it is very similar and you can use it for free. I use Cura for my slicing needs, so far that has suited me fine.

I enjoy designing and making functional parts. For example I just finished an adapter that will convert a Nils auger head onto a K-Drill shaft, for those into ice fishing this will make more sense. I am also making some accessories for the shuttle that holds my ice fishing electronics.

I will be taking the larger heat bed and longer lead screws that I removed and using them in a custom build that I almost have the design completed. When it's done it'll be framed from aluminum extrusion, have a 400x400 heated bed, about 550mm or so of print height and fully enclosed. I plan to use a SKR Pro board with Marlin firmware and TFT35-E5 screen with a 24v Mean Well power supply. I also plan to use dual E3D Titan Aero extruders with volcano hot ends. It will be a CoreXY style printer. This printer will be capable of printing the more advanced materials as well.

 

you're probably thinking of PEI. I have flexible PEI beds in both smooth and textured. The textured works great and I use that the most, not because it works better but I like the finish more.

 

No, it's PETG or RPET. Likely RPET. (I work for a company that works with many different plastics.) It's only 1.5mm thick so it flexs enough to pop the prints.

I do like your custom bed. I'm still in the beginning stages of mine. I looked at the volcano hot end. I'm leaning towards the bigtreetech octopus for my board.

 

Also bought my first printer with the $99 Microcenter sale for the Ender 3 Pro. Also did printer upgrades and have been looking into the 400x400 bed. I'm definitely a novice, as in all things I do for a hobby. I've only messed around with PLA, PLA+, ASA, and just bought some TPU. Found out I need to have a direct drive for that, so that'll be something I mess around with later. Also bought some GitD PLA and just realized the material will really mess up a brass nozzle.

Been using this YouTuber as my basis for upgrades. Love his editing style too. He's got 4 videos where he shows what he upgraded and what changes he's made through his use of his Ender 3 Pro:

 

interesting, I've obviously heard of those being used as filament but not as a bed material so that's cool

 

You can print TPU with a Bowden setup. Just takes more effort to dial in.

 

Be careful when printing ASA... it's best to use an all metal hot end, especially if you are printing above 250°C as that it the point the PTFE lined stock hot end will start to degrade and give off fumes. Also, you'll want a enclosure to hold the heat and prevent warping and to also protect against fumes.

 

Good to know! In my research, most, if not all, were talking about using direct drive. Although, I admit they were using the really flexible TPUs. I don't think I have that. I don't know the number off the top of my head.

I did just install Capricorn tubing and I have noticed better prints with it, so far.

 

Yeah, I've been experimenting with this and just realized the all metal hot end bit. I've been printing my truck parts with the material. Debating on which to get as I see Micro Swiss seems to be the biggest name brand with the most reliable construction. If you got another you can suggest, that would be very helpful!

 

I'm using the Micro Swiss all metal hot end and direct drive setup and like it.

 

I prefer to keep weight off the hotend and avoided direct drive. Haven't bought one yet, but when I build my cabinet/enclosure and swap to an RPi control system to get ASA going, will be putting in a Slice Engineering hotend over the Micro Swiss.

 

I agree with the weight, I don't like that part. But other than slowing my print speeds slightly I haven't noticed any issues.

 

The bed itself is aluminum. I just binder clipped a thin sheet on top of it.

 

right, I should have said build plate. Similar to using PEI, Glass, Garolite, etc as a build plate, just never heard of that material being using as like that is all.