MMU applications
Hi,
I'm considering getting the MMU for my MK4S.
I want to ask, how much and what for do you actually use it.
I know it is relatively silly question 😁 I think I print quite a lot, mixture of functional parts and models. Though, for models I quite like the manual touch of brush. Do you use the soluble supports?
Appreciate your input.
RE:
Most of my prints are single color but I keep my 4 most common PETG filaments preloaded in slots 1-4; it’s easy to select which one I want just before printing.
For functional parts with overhangs, I use soluble support settings with PLA as the interface material in slot 5.
MK4S/MMU3
RE: MMU applications
As cheap attention-grabber to keep the kids interested 🙂
full disclosure: maybe not as "cheap" wrt. working hours as originally intended.
RE: MMU applications
I make a lot of "enclosures" - boxes for electronics I build, tool boxes (tools typically come in blister packs so I make a hinged box for them), etc. I use the MMU primarily to embed text in the covers of those boxes. Maybe only 20% of my builds, but I also use it for single colour prints because it seems easier somehow...
Prusa MK4 since Jan 2024, Printables: @MikeB_1505898
RE: MMU applications
I found that after getting the MMU I have used it a lot more than I thought, labels on various things that previously would have gotten sticker labels, designs to make enclosures and things more attractive or fun, etc. YMMV but I use it more than I thought I would
RE: MMU applications
I bit the bullet, looks like some more printing for printer projects 😀
As a follow-up question, what are your experience with different nozzles? Currently, I swap them quite frequently: 0.4HF and 0.25 for PLA, 0.4 and 0.6 for non-PLA. I'm looking at 0.6HF for PLA.
I know that HF is not desired for many-swap prints. But how is MMU loading reliability for cases like single colour or few-swap prints? I noticed few profiles in PrusaSlicer. How will tuned are the other than 0.4 nonHF?
RE: MMU applications
If you need 0.25 mm, you can find the preset I use here:
https://www.printables.com/model/1491057-prusa-core-one-mmu-preset-with-025-mm-nozzle-for-a
It has a tendency to melt into the wipe tower during filament change. If so, add some custom tool change G-code (e.g. G1 X10 Y100 F5400) to park the head in free space while changing.
I'm using thermal grease on the nozzle after a few heat creep issues (filament getting stuck and failing to unload).
I'd say, yes, it's reliable, otherwise I couldn't complete a print. If you run into issues, check the first 50 cm of the filament as they may have been damaged (pulley carves out a section, causing failure in the next print when the filament stops moving as it's too thin for the extruder wheel to grab).
RE: MMU applications
... and if you start with MMU, double-check that the umbilical doesn't jam between head and X axis motor as the omitted 90-degree bend on the print head provides some support. I did a write-up here: