Strategy for printing small/fine items? (can I?)
I'm far from a power user, but have generally had good luck with my Mini+.... until now 🙂
I'm trying to print this small widget to work around a questionable design from Logitech (ie. no swivel): https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4757995
This part is round.. per prusaSlicer, 0.35 in diameter.. 0.28 in tall.
What I'm getting (even on 100% infill and 0.05 ultradetail setting) is "less" round... am I trying to print beyond the capabilities of the machine? or is there something else I should try? I've tried PLA and PETG. I have also re-run all of the calibrations and nothing screams back to say its unhappy.
thanks for any feedback!
RE: Strategy for printing small/fine items? (can I?)
You may be running into the problem of not enough time for the filament to cool down per layer. You may want to try to print 5 or 6 copies at once.
RE: Strategy for printing small/fine items? (can I?)
hmm, almost worse 🙂 I printed 4 copies and they were all leaning as if the XY got a little off each time it hopped.
Just for kicks, I printed Benchy on 0.15Quality .. The most obvious thing there is that the "door" is shifted... ie. not a great arch.
and finally I (re)printed some round pieces for the Othello game, which I've previously printed very round, and they are flawed.
Looks like there is a physical issue.. but all of the calibration tests come back with a green check mark. 🙁
I guess I need to find a maintenance/repair/diagnosis thread if anyone has a suggestion.
RE: Strategy for printing small/fine items? (can I?)
or set fan speed to the max?
See my GitHub and printables.com for some 3d stuff that you may like.
RE: Strategy for printing small/fine items? (can I?)
Looks like there is a physical issue.
Yeah, those models all do look bad so I don't think there's anything specifically wrong with the first one you posted about originally. I'd check the usual suspects first, belt tension and loose grub screws on the motor shafts. I would also make sure there's no physical obstruction along the x and y axes.
RE: Strategy for printing small/fine items? (can I?)
I used the X-belt as a comparison and there was a noticeable difference in tension between the X (still tight) and the Y (lots of play).
I had to do the "large" tightening version on the y-belt per: https://help.prusa3d.com/article/adjusting-belt-tension-mini-mini_157324
Model is looking much better now.
What's curious is that
- all of the calibration tests passed
- I even printed an axis-calibration model ( https://www.stlfinder.com/model/100mm-axis-calibration-test-with-better-readings-lO9iJPTs/5004407/) which looked perfect
It was only the "round" items which seems to reveal the issue.
RE: Strategy for printing small/fine items? (can I?)
Huh I haven't seen the post with benchy when I was replying in the topic ( weird..), so that's no way just fan speed issue.
Yeah looks like loose belts, also check if there are no debris/dust on the belts.
Check if there are no excessive friction when moving x and y axes manually, so cleaning rods and bearings and reapplying lubricant may be needed.
See my GitHub and printables.com for some 3d stuff that you may like.
RE: Strategy for printing small/fine items? (can I?)
If you have some Prusament petg I strongly suggest you print the belt tensioning gauge Prusa offers on Printables https://www.printables.com/model/46639
At least in my hands, it beats any built-in belt tension check or the Prusa app.
RE: Strategy for printing small/fine items? (can I?)
yeah, I looked at that.. but I didn't have any Prusa PETG handy, and it looked like I'd need to spend at least $39... that would be a good market for someone 🙂 ie. get a spool, and print a zillion tension guides and sell for $10 on ebay... I have some generic PETG, I'll try that.