Which axis should be preferred? X or Y?
When printing an item that is mostly along one axis (e.g. a pencil-shaped object), is it better to orient the object so that most of the motion is in the X-axis? the Y-axis? 45-degrees along both? P.S.: I'm not sure what I mean by "better". Thanks.
RE: Which axis should be preferred? X or Y?
A lot depends upon how long your pencil is
for a short object like a pencil on it's side it doesn't make a lot of difference, if it's less than 210mm long, it can go along the Y axis,
If it's more than 210mm but less than 250mm long it can go along the X axis, however if it's say 300mm long, then Diagonal is your friend
however, if you print diagonally, you may want to change the angle of your infill, so that it prints diagonally on your pencil, instead of across the pencil and along the pencil on alternate layers,
If your model is tall and thin, (like a Lithophane, and you are printing on a Bed Slinger (Mk1, Mk2, Mk3, Mk4 and Mini) then it's best to align the length of the model along the Y axis, to reduce the wobble, which may be induced as the model moves. I usually put a brim on the back side of a lithophane to give extra adhesion, and make it easier to get a good front face, because you only need to remove the brim from the back side after printing.
Joan
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: Which axis should be preferred? X or Y?
Thanks for the considerations. I am using a bedslinger (MK4). I now tried my box ( not actually a pencil, but still long and thin) both ways.
One difference seems to be that the bed heating is more even along the center y-axis, so orienting it on the y-axis (more bed motion/less printhead motion) means the bed heating results in less warping (due to cold edges, I assume)
RE: Which axis should be preferred? X or Y?
As I observe the print progress, I have one more suggestion (for myself): Align to the Y axis (i.e. prefer bed motion) due to wear on the umbilical cord/cable that goes to the printhead.
From my experience with the MK3, there are many wires in the cord from the control box to the print head. These wear out, and I've had to replace the heat sensor wires more than once. So the lesson there is: If you have a choice, reduce the motion of the printhead.