Some questions about Prusa machines.
So I bought an Ender 3 as my first printer, and while it's been ok, I'm not entirely happy with this printer.
And I have a few questions about the MK4 and the Mini+:
- How good are Prusa machines when if comes to keeping the different axis square? Part of what I've noticed with the Ender is that the screw holes are too big, have too much play during assembly, and the part quality is a bit sloppy.
- Are there any considerations regarding the X axis drooping on the Mini since it's a cantilever design? Is it easy to make sure that it sits at a right angle with respect to the Z axis?
- I was thinking of asking about heatcreep but assume that this is not a problem.
- I'd also like to hear about sone the experiences that other people have had with installing high flow hotends, different extruders, and similar upgrades.
For now, I'm enjoying the E3 but I'm thinking that my next printer will probably come from another brand. And I've been looking at the Prusa Mini+ as it takes less space and appears to be more accurate and reliable than the chinise printers. And I'll like to read some thoughts on the matter.
Quality can be found in the details
RE: Some questions about Prusa machines.
I don't think I'm the best person to answer all of your questions, but since nobody else has stepped up in 2 days, I'll give you my perspective. I have a Mini & an MK3S (not an M4 & not the Mini+). I also prefer to run my printers stock, which is one reason I went with Prusa rather than something like an Ender, which almost requires upgrading & other tinkering.
I've never measured squareness of either of my Prusa's, but I have measured squareness & dimensional accuracy of parts produced on both. I find the dimensional accuracy & repeatability to be better than 0.1 mm for everything I've measured. Squareness hasn't been an issue unless I am printing a shape prone to warp. That is not because of squareness of the printer - it happens when I try to print wide-flat shapes with a lip (or box walls), with a material prone to shrinkage, without an enclosure (I don't have enclosures for either machine). I've developed some methods to minimize warp, & as long as I can keep it in control I am able to produce parts for assembly that match up perfectly with low dimensional tolerance.
As far as the Mini cantilever drooping, that Z-axis aluminum extrusion is pretty hefty & its connection to the base is solid. And the X-axis rails attachment is also robust. Given the small build volume of the Mini, it is rigid enough (as long as you don't abuse it). For some prints, my Mini performs better than my MK3S.
I've never had heat-creep on either of my Prusa's.
Whatever you find to do with your hands, do with all your might!
RE: Some questions about Prusa machines.
I've never measured squareness of either of my Prusa's, but I have measured squareness & dimensional accuracy of parts produced on both.
Good enough for me.
As far as the Mini cantilever drooping, that Z-axis aluminum extrusion is pretty hefty & its connection to the base is solid. And the X-axis rails attachment is also robust.
Awesome! This is one of the problems that I've had with the Ender 3 due to the sloppy manufacturing of the Z roller plate things. Thankfully, it only droops until the screws bottom out on the holes and I managed to square it and tighten everything. But if you don't notice this, you end up tramming the bed to the sagging axis and then your prints are no longer square. Add to that nozzle clogs, roller wheels getting loose, heat creep, etc... Thankfully, most things have been easy to fix even if some of the fixes have required a couple of prints. But still, I'm thinking of replacing it with something that isn't chinese and doesn't require tinkering.
Thank you for your answer, I'll keep on reading reviews and opinions but I'm already leaning towards selling the Ender 3 and buying a Mini+.
Quality can be found in the details