I think I have gotten past my printer calibration challenges, and I am quite happy with my fan shroud. My next print was the first one I sliced from stl rather than downloaded gcode, and it is very weak and stringy. I would appreciate suggestions. Should I be playing with the extrusion multiplier, or is it likely something else?
#3dprinting
Sorry, I should add that I am using Repetier/Slic3r, loaded with Printrbot’s recommended config, and printing on a new Printrbot Metal Simple.
I would check temperatures. Pla seems to do good at about 105c. The extrusion multiplier is for parts that are consistently slightly over or undersized.
Thanks, although wouldn’t the temp be affecting the parts I am printing from gcode files too?
And I am also wondering if I should switch to Cura before spending too much time working out the settings in Slic3r?
205C
I have been using cura from the start, super easy and good!
Maybe my next step will be the switch to Cura then. Thx.
play with the temp a little bit, but also consider your support settings. Domes are inherently not easy near the top, because without support and/or multiple shells there isn’t a lot of overlap between layers, and thus not a whole lot to hold the filament in place as it cools and wants to shrink away from the previous layer. I spent weeks last year trying to get single-layer eggs to print on a JrV2, and the tops were always a problem.
On this little part, speed is also a factor. Try printing 4 or two. Slow it down too. With more infill (40%?), you should be good to go. I do 2 or 3 perimeter walls and on domes, 5 top layers… Usually 2 bottom layers.
This part could have been designed to be easier to print now that I think of it!
Brook
Stay with the stack you got @Jerry_Ellsworth that looks decent… Actually looks great considering you posted a pic of you opening your printer…, yesterday. :-).
Slic3r. Don’t be on the easy mode.
Slow your top infill:
Config
Printer settings
Speed
Top solid infill.
Bump your retraction up, if your an through the cal blocks and passed your golden. Ignore.
In fact, in less your in a hurry slow all of down.
I can print at 110mm/s but will run in the 30-60 range… Because… Well I like watching my printer…:-).
Great advice. I appreciate it. Seems like there a ton of variables to work with, so your experience helps a lot!
Just a follow up. Playing with some of the settings, but primarily the infill, and the latest came out great. Still using Slic3r, and getting the hang of it. I think I am up and running!
Have you tried Cura, if not, you should?
I have it installed and have played with it, but haven’t had a chance to print from it yet. I definitely plan to try it out right away. I have also installed KISSlicer and the stand-alone slic3r, which is quite a bit newer than the one bundled with Repetier. So far Cura seems to have the friendliest interface. Not to go overboard, but I think finding the right toolset for me will go a long way.
I’m just going to recommend you explore and just settle on Cura. you may get lots of bells and whistles and at times may need them but you will happiest with prints from Cura. Overy printer we reviewed for Make suffered from Reptier Host and Slic3r quirkieness.
Cool, I appreciate the advice and take it seriously.
From my perspective with barely any experience, it seems like a big variable with slicer programs is how well they support easily removable skirt and support material (I had a bad experience with a part I paid to have printed). I have seen and read materials from KISSlicer and Simplify3d that they excel in this area. I have not found much on Cura - good or bad- on this. How do you you think Cura does regarding support material?
Support is definitely a tunable feature. Certainly depends on the complexity of the part and model. Print tons and you will discover what works for you.
Initial attempts with Cura and the latest Slic3r (configured into Repetier 0.56 on mac) were a train wreck. While I think getting Cura working will be the better choice long term, since it will be coming soon to Repetier for mac and I will probably be moving to Octoprint, but frustrating to spend time on it now, since I am getting pretty good prints now with the built-in Slic3r.