Another PETG newb
Trying to print the iconic clamp in Prusament PETG as my Mini's first "functional" product. The two smaller parts (the foot and screw) went pretty smoothly, but the frame has some issues. I'm using the default Prusament PETG profile. First layer looks good, and I don't think there are adhesion issues (at least not massive ones). Textured print sheet.
First thing I noticed was the stringing, though it wasn't awful and was pretty easy to clean off. Wondering if I should expect that with PETG in general, or if there's a way to avoid it?
Second thing I noticed was that the top of the threads (as the frame was printed on its side) have what appears to be bridging issues that have boogered up the threads to the point that they bind up the screw. Should I have used supports in the hole?
Third thing, as I looked closer, one side of the frame (the side that was on the bottom as printed) has a noticeably curved profile compared to the other side, which is neatly angled. Again, should I have used supports to prevent this?
I've printed a fair amount in PLA, but this is my first foray into PETG. Any suggestions from those of you with more experience would be greatly appreciated.
RE: Another PETG newb
Novice chiming in..
First item, maybe try the setting, Avoid Crossing Perimeters. Second item, if possible, try orienting the object so the threaded hole is vertical, otherwise try supports. For the third item, the curved flaw may indicate a draft hitting the print from that side. While an instant jump to, "enclosure!" seems to be the common answer, I got away with a simple foam board barrier barrier placed on the side of my printer that faces the source of the draft, my front door.
It would be helpful to myself, and likely others, if you could confirm whether any of these suggestions help to resolve your issues. If they dont work, perhaps you could share what does ultimately address the flaws.
Cheers, and best wishes to you.
RE: Another PETG newb
First, dry the filament. Even if it is roll freshly taken from packaging, it still may be wet (manufacturing process puts it through water for cooling, and even if it is dried afterwards, the room it is in is hot and humid, they put dessicant with spool for a reason). Dry filament will be difference between stringy-blobby and nice print.
Aligning the seam position and turning on "Retract on layer change" helped me when printing some objects, like boxes and cases. As suggested, "Do not cross perimeters" will help a bit too.
Other thing is, PETG is just being PETG, and it's sometimes hard to get rid of blobs from material. PETG likes to cling to things when melted - ideally it will be layer below it, but likes to stick to nozzle too. From my experience, this is noticeable when you print higher density infill (40%+) where infill line crosses previously laid filament on the same layer, like grid; filament can accumulate on nozzle and then gets deposited at worst possible place in form of a burnt blob.