Considering the XL as a first printer but have questions
Can I have a Prussian XL in a small studio space (400 sq ft) by an open window?
Does it need an enclosure (re fumes) if I’m just printing with PLA?
Does it get hot?
Does it need to sit on steel?
Or can it sit on a laminate wood floor?
Thank you!
RE: Considering the XL as a first printer but have questions
Considering that nobody has seen an actual XL yet, my best guess is that the answer to your questions is "no". With the exception of the first (and last) one. Putting a printer next to an open window is a bad idea as you'd expose the printer to unpredictable variations in temperature and drafts.
But the more important point is, why on God's green earth would you consider the XL as your first printer? This is going to be a radical new design (for Prusa), and it will undoubtedly have some serious teething issues. To get started in this immensely rewarding hobby, I suggest you go with a tried and true workhorse such as the Mk3S+. You're going to experience plenty of issues for certain on your new journey, but with a Mk3S you know the platform is robust and there's s great community of people who can help you. With the XL, you'd be on the bleeding edge, and I'm afraid your assessment of the 3D printing field will be less than positive as you'll inevitably run into the unavoidable hiccups of a first generation model.
RE: Considering the XL as a first printer but have questions
Thank you!! Omg thank you. I need help. Ive been printing for years with a shop. But I never owned one. I’m scared but I need my own printer the cost is just too high for big prints from vendors. I think I can handle the XL and Prusa has great customer service right? But I might take your advice and get the smaller mk3s+. Just means more parts to get a big print. Thank you thank you thank you.
Even if the XL turns out to be the one for you, ordering now is unlikely to result in a printer this year; the pre-order queue seems to be huge. With an Mk3 you could be printing next month, making your early mistakes, making your first successes, just generally learning the practical aspects so that when, eventually you do get your XL you will be ready...
Cheerio,
RE: Considering the XL as a first printer but have questions
@Andrea IMO customer service is one of the principle reasons for buying a Prusa.
RE:
FWIW, I never smell anything from my PLA prints, so I don't that is an issue. If it is for you. however, you may want to consider a fume extractor, such as the ones sold by Bofa for 3D printing:
RE: Considering the XL as a first printer but have questions
thanks!
RE: Considering the XL as a first printer but have questions
When printing PLA you do not only not need an enclosure but an enclosure is probably even quite problematic and can easily lead to extruder jams during retraction. You want the surrounding to be not too warm when printing PLA for good overhang quality and for preventing blockades.
There are fumes but they are not nearly as obonxious than most other materials. I would recommend to not print in the room your are most of the time nonetheless. If you have no other option, make sure the room is always well ventilated during the print.
Fume exractors can help but for properly removing VOCs you need some proper activated carbon filter (those with AC pellets that can be easily refilled with serious amounts of active carbon) with high air flow. Most people don't use them for 3D printers at home. They are also quite loud.
Mk3s MMU2s, Voron 0.1, Voron 2.4
RE: Considering the XL as a first printer but have questions
FWIW, I never smell anything from my PLA prints, so I don't that is an issue. If it is for you. however, you may want to consider a fume extractor, such as the ones sold by Bofa for 3D printing:
It would be much simpler to put an enclosure over the printer and attach a dryer hose with a 120mm fan to push the air out a window. It's what I do with my MK3 right now. There are enough air gaps in the enclosure to prevent high enough temps to cause heat creep for PLA. The enclosure maintains negative pressure, so I don't smell anything at all when printing any materials.
RE:
I would highly recommend getting a mini first, the mostly assembled version. You probably have plenty of ideas that will put you to work on converting ideas into prints, you will be forced to consider and deal with multi-piece issues. You shouldn't have to fight the printer at all. You'll get slicing and "design for 3d printing" experience. For $400 plus shipping you won't be out much, but your self-education curve will take off. I've gone from Benchy to multi-part R&D setups for other projects (my printer is a tool, not an end in itself). Then you will also have a better idea of what your dream machine will need to do, so your $2-3k printer purchase decision will be much better thought out.