Is this a normal amount of stringing?
Hi! I have an Inland PLA+ filament that seems to string no matter the temperature.
I’ve attached the OrcaSlicer default temp tower:
It’s hard to tell in the picture, but it looks like 195*C has the least? I’m struggling to interpret the information, especially because the results are so similar. The manufacturer settings say between 205*C and 225*C, so I'm hesitant to go so low even for testing.
Here’s a picture of a miniature (from @VirtuallyJason https://www.printables.com/model/165196-gloomhaven-monster-inox-archer) printed at 210 degrees using a .25nozzle and .07mm layers with the left from before I dried it for 8 hours at 100*F (37*C) and the right is after. As you can see, there's very little difference, if any.
I can attach the 3mf if that’ll help. I left all speed settings on default. These particular prints were done with IS, but the results are very similar without IS.
I really just am trying to figure out if this is considered a "normal" amount of stringing, or if I should be doing more to tune my settings and reduce it. If I should tune the speeds, what should I be looking at?
Thanks in advance for any input/advice!
RE: Is this a normal amount of stringing?
I haven't printed much with a .25 mm nozzle, or at all with inland filament, but that does not look like a normal amount of stringing to me (on the miniature that is, not the temp tower. the tower looks a bit stringy but okay).
Someone else might know more about how to fix the problem, but have you tried the 'generic pla' preset in prusa slicer to get a baseline?
RE: Is this a normal amount of stringing?
The bridges on your tower look quite bad at all temperatures - perhaps there's an issue with part cooling, i.e. you need more of it? Have you tried setting the part cooling fan to be always on at 100%? Is the fan clean and working properly?
RE: Is this a normal amount of stringing?
I forgot to mention that I only used OrcaSlicer for the temp tower. I’ve been using the generic PLA setting but with modified print temps with PrusaSlicer 2.7.1. I haven’t touched the fan settings at all. My home is generally pretty cold and the room with the printer is no exception, but I’ve got it in a Lack enclosure. I print in PLA with the doors and top open, though.
I assume that the fan is running correctly. I got the printer in late October, so it’s not age. I’ve run the factory calibration tests and it always passes.
RE: Is this a normal amount of stringing?
This is not normal for me. I've printed plenty with the 0.25 nozzle, and this is several times as much stringing even compared to when I print with PETG. I'm sorry I can't help with any possible solutions or sources of the issue though, other than perhaps the filament (I've used add:north and Prusament to great success).
RE: Is this a normal amount of stringing?
Hi, I have the same issues (lots and lots of stringing) on my MK4, tried a lot of things suggested on the net, because I am very new to 3D printing (basically messing with various slicer settings, like retraction). Recently I found a long support thread on MK4 and stringing.
People suggested that there may be an issue with accurate heat measuring on some MK4s and that they are dealing with this with Prusa support. So I started experimenting and seems that significantly lowering the temperature actually fixes the stringing (suggesting that the temperature may be measured incorrectly on my MK4). When using original PLA Prusament, 0.25 nozzle, 0.07 layer, and otherwise default Prusaslicer settings, thermal tower printed fine up to 180C. But even 185C was too low for actual printing (some test prints were falling apart from low layer adhesion), but setting 190C seems ok to me on first test prints. I will do some more testing and possibly try 195C or 200C. I was also afraid to lower the temperature by more than 10-15 degrees, just as you, and it was not enough to help with the stringing. So you may try going even lower with temperature and see if it helps.
And to be honest, I have no idea, how will this translate to 0.4 nozzle or different layer thickness... But I am happy that I managed to get a clean miniature print after days of tinkering with the settings. I hope this helps.
RE: Is this a normal amount of stringing?
I've since been experimenting with different retraction settings and I'm seeing basically no improvement. Here are my most recent attempts: 
I kept the temperature at 210*C for all of these, but I did vary the retraction length or speed (not both at once in these prints). I found that the wiping on retraction was set to "false" by default, so the very first print I turned it on and it did appear to make a difference, so I left it on for the other prints.
I can try playing more with the temperatures. Maybe the temperature is mis-calibrated.
RE: Is this a normal amount of stringing?
I had one roll of filament that was stringy down to 170C. but at that temperature, the low temperature extrusion threshold got in the way, so i reset the low temperature threshold to 140C
At or below the low temperature extrusion threshold the printer carries on moving but doesn't extrude any filament...
you can see the strands here even though I used a flame to burn them off...
the Black layer is TPU, to act as a hinge
beware of long retractions, it can lead to heat creep... I suggest that you return the extrusion length to default and try temperature reduction...
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: Is this a normal amount of stringing?
Hi @fergalin
After some tinkering I managed to dramatically reduce stringing by using the silicone sock. I have read very mixed opinions on the sock but it seems to work for me. So I am back to printing with stock settings (PLA at 225C) and I do not need to mess with retraction or other settings. This applies to the 0.4mm nozzle, I will try 0.25mm eventually (i have enough painting backlog already...). Of course, YMMV.
I am using the original sock from Prusa, others might work and might be significantly cheaper to get, depending where you live. When you fit it, remember to tell it to the printer in the settings.
Another slicer setting which seemed to help me, was Complete individual objects - each model is printed separatelly, reducing the head travel and thus stringing. You just need to position the models carefully (front to back) to avoid collision. For some models, I also had to adjust the clearance value in the slicer to exceed size of the model (looks like a safety feature, so make sure you have enough space between the models).
RE: Is this a normal amount of stringing?
How to tell that the MK4 is indeed measuring temp in the wrong way? What was the suggested fix? Can you point out to that thread?
Thanks
People suggested that there may be an issue with accurate heat measuring on some MK4s and that they are dealing with this with Prusa support. So I started experimenting and seems that significantly lowering the temperature actually fixes the stringing (suggesting that the temperature may be measured incorrectly on my MK4).
RE: Is this a normal amount of stringing?
Hi, it has been some time. I believe it was this thread:
How to tell that the MK4 is indeed measuring temp in the wrong way? What was the suggested fix? Can you point out to that thread?
Thanks
People suggested that there may be an issue with accurate heat measuring on some MK4s and that they are dealing with this with Prusa support. So I started experimenting and seems that significantly lowering the temperature actually fixes the stringing (suggesting that the temperature may be measured incorrectly on my MK4).