Printer parts from PETG in heated enclosure
Dear all!
I am in the market for my first 3D printer and I am planning to print technical parts mainly like PC,ABS,Nylon.
Sure I need a heated insulated enclosure for this endeavor which I plan to build myself (as the PRUSA enclosure looks nice but is poorly insulated)
I am wondering if the MK4 is the right choice as I have learned that the printed parts are mainly from PETG which I expect to soften at T arround 50°C
which I think would be a reasonable target temperature for the enclosure heating when printing PC/ABS etc.
I must admit I am a complete beginner in 3D printing with almost no experience.
Are my thoughts above correct?
Do I need to reprint the printed parts in case I buy a Mk4S when I want to place it in the heated enclosure?
Maybe the printer is not the correct choice when I have to modify it at day 1.
Your comments are highly appreciated,
Thank you!
RE: Printer parts from PETG in heated enclosure
PETG won't soften until 70C or so. It's unlikely that you approach such temperatures in a non actively heated enclosure, even printing PC at 290C.
That said, some plastic parts near the hotend or the bed are exposed to higher temperatures and you’d be safer printing them in ASA/ABS/PC.
As a general rule, those filaments are always preferable to PETG, with a few exceptions. For instance, some parts need to retain a certain degree of flexibility to perform correctly. A very rigid filament as PC might crack if exposed to strong lateral or torsion forces while, in the same circumstances, PETG or ASA would bend a little and resist.
RE: Printer parts from PETG in heated enclosure
Oops, I missed the part where you said "heated insulated enclosure ". More reason then to print everyhting in a filament with higher temp. endurance than PETG.
On the other part, no need to reach very high temperatures inside the enclosure. 45C is enough to keep warping under control. You can get that solely with the heat generated by the bed at 100-110,
RE: Printer parts from PETG in heated enclosure
Thanks a lot! So a non heated enclosure is fine for ABS/Nylon?
Will the standard PRUSA enclosure be suitable, or shall I better build something more insulated ?
RE: Printer parts from PETG in heated enclosure
non-heated enclosure (properly sealed/gaps filled) will easily get over 45C with a big nylon print. No issues at all. No need for insulation, unless you are chasing tighter tolerances, and have active temperature control (venting when it gets above set point)
RE: Printer parts from PETG in heated enclosure
I have never been able to successfully print with ASA or PETG without warping, excessive stringing, or lifting off the bed, but I do print a lot with PC with the only issue being the excessive adhesion to the print bed. I pre-heat the enclosure to 32C before I start a print with PC. I have not bothered plugging up the holes or insualting it and after I start the print the temperature will rise a few more degrees.