Printer Settings
Hi - I am continuing my efforts to print the box (3mf file attached) without warping at the edges. I am using an Elegoo 2s printer with PLA+ filament. The preferred print orientation is for the opening to be uppermost which will save on material for support structure and print time. The face on the bedplate needs to be of good finish, flat and square as it is used as a presentation plinth. A raft wouldn't be suitable here as a good surface finish is needed. Things I have tried so far:-
1. Printed with CAD generated 'Mouse Ears' on the corner, 25mm diameter. They are one layer thick and easily removed.
2. Added a 10mm wide brim around the box including the mouse ears.
3. Tried printing up the other way (opening on bed plate) with 'Mouse Ears' , inner and outer brims.
4. Changed the design of the box so that all sections are equal dimension ie walls and ceiling are 5mm thick. Small fillets have been added at the junction of the walls and ceiling.
Frustratingly, after all this, the print is warping therefore it's scrap. From an engineering point of view, I have eliminated irregular section changes which would reduce any stresses at the section change.
I would appreciate any help with this before the nation's stock of PLA+ is exhausted - lol
Many thanks
Simon
RE: Printer Settings
Did you try glue on your print bed?
RE: Printer Settings
Hi - Thanks for replying and no I haven't tried any glues etc. Is there a recommended product and would it spoil the surface finish of the bedplate layers?
Many thanks
Simon
RE: Printer Settings
You can try this: glue-stick mixed with IPA to make a thin coating, have seen this method mentioned often in YouTube videos. This does not damage the surface on the bed, glue-stick alone is probably too uneven but if you manage to get a really thin coating it is probably not visible on the print.
I myself use 3dlac if I need glue. I prefer the spray bottles with the pump that have no propellant (they also sell spray with propellant). 3dlac is quick to apply, gives a uniform coating with good adhesion and also acts as a release agent for PETG on a smooth sheet. Also helps for filaments that tend to warp like ABS/ASA. Coating of the print sheets should always happen with the sheet removed from the printer or you will get a big mess in/on your printer. And 3dlac like glue-stick residue washes off with warm water.
RE: Printer Settings
I might suggest that you try a commercial adhesion booster, such as Layerneer or Magigoo or something similar.
I don't know what kind of build plate you are using, but I use Layerneer regularly on the PEI, the powder-coated, and glass build plates.
It is particularly helpful for PLA prints with small footprints or with support fittings that have difficulty sticking to the plate.
I'm also assuming that you are an adult and that you know what 'clean' is, so no admonition to 'clean your plate and clean it my way', etc. Adhesion boosters are not a substitute for keeping your build plate clean.
RE: Printer Settings
I've tried raising the infill, lowering the temperature, using a brim, and increasing the wall thickness.
Now I'm thinking about getting a warm bed and changing the speed of the fan.
RE: Printer Settings
Kind of surprised that you're getting warping issues with this model and PETG. But you've tried the obvious things (mouse ears and brim). From here, I would do what others have suggested, use an adhesion agent such as Layerneer or Magigoo.
Formerly known on this forum as @fuchsr -- until all hell broke loose with the forum software...
RE: Printer Settings
Hi all - As usual a fine array of valuable answers, so thanks for that, much appreciated. It looks like adhesive is the way ahead. Rather than go for a complete print, I'll CAD up a representitive section of around 15mm deep with the same surface area on the bedplate and same wall thickness of 5mm. So with glue, brim, mouse ears etc, perhaps it will eliminate the warping.
Many thanks
Simon