New User Looking for Tip to print Miniatures
Hi! I just got a new Prusa I3 MK2 printer and have been trying to print various things using in gaming, such as miniatures, and terrain pieces. I'm able to print some larger pieces ok but am having trouble with small pieces, especially miniatures.
This miniature in particular
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2121172/#files
I can't get her feet to stick to the print bed for long, she comes free after a few passes (the initial few stick). I'm using the default gcode made by prusa control. I've tried adding supports, and was able to get her printed out, but she was so covered in supports I could barely see the model. Looking for any tips on how to tweak the printer or prusa control to print smaller models.
Thanks!
-Scott
Re: New User Looking for Tip to print Miniatures
A brim will help.
Often linked posts:
Going small with MMU2
Real Multi Material
My prints on Instagram
Re: New User Looking for Tip to print Miniatures
Are you open to cutting her in a few pieces and then flying her back together? That’s what I did recently for a difficult print and it came out great. I even added the aligning pin and it fit snugly when I sized to down just a tad.
These are drone pen holders but the whole 1 piece print relied on supporting the drone from a tip of the front 2 propellers. I cut the piece right where the drone base meets the rest of the holder. It still had a lot of support, but it was flat and pretty easy to remove (except around the drone antenna). I used the Prusa guide in meshmixer from the prusa printers article. I may do this in the future for hard prints I get hired for.
Re: New User Looking for Tip to print Miniatures
This is a difficult print. Besides the brim (I assume you'll need Slic3r PE for this) you could print it together with the base so it has a larger stand.
Of course you'll have to switch on support - even then the cloak and lamp are difficult as they start in mid-air. You might try different orientations, like leaning back 30°. That way supports only connect on the back and the front surface stays clean.
You can increase bed adhesion if you clean it with acetone. For everyday use, I use alcohol (IPA), but once in a while I need to use acetone; after that, prints stick like hell.
What size are you aming for? I have printed 23 mm figurines in 0.05 mm layer height, which is quite tricky.
- Martin
- Martin
Re: New User Looking for Tip to print Miniatures
Try meshmixer for supports.
Regards Joan
I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK
Re: New User Looking for Tip to print Miniatures
It can be done with a decent brim and supports. This was done standing vertically at .15mm layer height, 80mm/sec default, and supports. It could be a lot better with .1mm or .05mm, but I don't have the right nozzle for that. I also attached the gcode so you can look at how I printed it.
Re: New User Looking for Tip to print Miniatures
Thanks everyone, some good tips! I was only using the prusa control to start, I see there is alot more customization with the prusa slicer!
-S