A few basic questions
Hi,
I've a few basic questions that I'd appreciate some help with.
Is the MMU only good for models you either design yourself or find ready for multi-extruders? There's no way, for example, to "colour" an existing stl file you downloaded from somewhere like Thingiverse?
If you do use a design 'ready' for multi colour (let's use this Penguin as an example https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2418547 ), I assume it needs to change the filament on every single layer where there's two colours ... so basically most of the model in my example.
I'd assume this is 1) insanely slow and 2) wastes unbelievable amounts of filament?
Thanks for the help.
Re: A few basic questions
I have heard of people working on being able to "paint" a .stl file for multi-color printing but I don't know of anyone who has actually done it yet. That said there are programs like Meshmixer in which you can break a model apart and then set it up for color printing.
And all of that said there will always, unless something changes, be waste when using one head to print multiple colors. Ever color change requires a purge of the previous color before the next color gets lain down.
And, yes, it does use more filament. Whatever the weight of a single item is it will usually equal, there abouts, the weight of the purge tower. However, if you print multiple items with the same color pattern the purge tower will stay the same.
As far as waste? That is up to the user. Is it worth the extra filament to get a colorful print? Some say yes and others say no. Folks are trying to get the use down. Purging for infill and a sacrificial item being made out of it. For instance if you print a model in color then the purge would be used to print a second model but it would randomly colored.
And finally it does take a bit more time. Stop print...move to purge tower...purge...move back to print.
Hope I helped a bit and wish I could have been more help,
Neal
Re: A few basic questions
I do a lot of personalisation. I have the choice, print as used orientation, or print upside down.
with some prints,
if printed as used...
the purge tower is 25mm tall, and the personalised info has a texture, due to the Print process.
if printed upside down,
the purge tower is 0.5mm tall and the visible surface is as good as my PEI sheet...(assuming I have a good Live Z setting...)
YES, the 25mm purge tower is mostly Sparse fill... but the 0.5mm tower is still much less waste, and the print result, is more pleasing!
regards Joan
I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK