I built a heated chamber for my MK4 and the layer shift is awful
Hi everyone,
I recently started to print RC planes with my MK4. I was using some Inland ASA and the default Prusa ASA setting. The result was okay when I printed the small components.
Then I start to print the wings with single wall and 3% gyroid infill. The warping is really bad it bent the PEI build plate(I used glue so the first layer sticks really well). After doing some research I decided to add a heater to my enclosure, see below:
I set various chamber temperatures, from 40C to 55C and the results were awful with a alot of random layer shifting.
I was not satisfied and did more research, found a couple potential causes and tried to resolve them:
1. Loosen or misaligned belt: I checked the X and Y belt tension with Prusa tuner and the tension is okay. Belts are staight.
2. Linear bearings and lead screws: I cleaned and re-lubricated them. They looked clean and straight.
3. Overheated stepper driver: I received an overheat warning when I set the chamber to 55C, later I lowered it to 40C. Additionally, I opened the XBuddy lid and put a cooling fan to blow air directly to the motherboard.
4. Poor ambient temperature control: The temp controller I bought is ON-OFF switch type, so I thought maybe the temperature fluctuation is huge, therefore I add another external powered fan to circulate the hot air in the chamber. The temperature stays pretty consistant.
After all the adjustment I did, it still gives me awful prints with a lot of layer shifting. So I came here looking for help. If anyone have suggestions please feel free to let me know.
Thanks!
ZM
RE: I built a heated chamber for my MK4 and the layer shift is awful
If you got the chamber to 55C it's very well possible you have deformed parts on your printer. All of the plastic parts on your printer are PETG and at those temperatures will deform under load. I'd reprint all of the plastic parts with PCCF, at a minimum the idler door, latch, y axis belt tensioners and the print fan duct.
It's possible that the gantry parts for the z and x axis could have deformed as well, so if it were me I'd replace those too.
Good luck
RE: I built a heated chamber for my MK4 and the layer shift is awful
Hi Brian,
Thanks for the reply. I just printed the same part with PETG(lower temperature) and deactivated the chamber heater while printing. The part looks noticibly better. So I'm guessing the heater somwhow caused the inconsistancies. I have not inspect the XYZ axis plastic parts for deformation yet but upgrading them to PCCF is a good idea.
Thanks