Advice for a new purchase
Hi everyone,
I am about to enter the world of 3D printing. After some considerable research, I've decided that the i3 Mk2s is the printer that I should get. However, before I take the plunge, I wanted to ask some questions:
Thank you very much.
Re: Advice for a new purchase
IMHO...
Not sure how long the PEI sheets last normally, but like most I damaged mine within two months. I have replaced it and have two in reserve.
PTFE Tubing between spool and the extruder is unnecessary for the single filament MK2S. In fact if you are getting the single filament model, adding PTFE might cause problems. If you are buying the multi-material version, I cannot offer an opinion.
If I ordered my printer again, I would also order a second PINDA Probe and a PEI sheet. To get an exact probe you can only be sure directly from Prusa. Also, you will likely need a replacement PEI Sheet eventually. As for everything else, you can get most parts other place (in the US, including PEI).
Re: Advice for a new purchase
PTFE Tubing between spool and the extruder is unnecessary for the single filament MK2S. In fact if you are getting the single filament model, adding PTFE might cause problems. If you are buying the multi-material version, I cannot offer an opinion.
Thank you. This is good info. Since I am so new, I would prefer keeping things simple at first.
If I ordered my printer again, I would also order a second PINDA Probe and a PEI sheet. To get an exact probe you can only be sure directly from Prusa. Also, you will likely need a replacement PEI Sheet eventually. As for everything else, you can get most parts other place (in the US, including PEI).
Unfortunately, the Prusa website does not offer the PINDA probe as a separate part so I am not sure how to order another one. However, I do see the value in it as I've read of people damaging theirs when doing the calibration incorrectly.
Re: Advice for a new purchase
Unfortunately, the Prusa website does not offer the PINDA probe as a separate part
The P.I.N.D.A. Probe is available and in stock on the Prusa website for $10.41.
To see the spare parts portion of the website, you have to go to online chat with customer support and have them enable it for your account. After that, on the "3D PRINTER PARTS" page go the subcategory "MK2 SPARE PARTS".
-Kevin
Re: Advice for a new purchase
Unfortunately, the Prusa website does not offer the PINDA probe as a separate part
The P.I.N.D.A. Probe is available and in stock on the Prusa website for $10.41.
To see the spare parts portion of the website, you have to go to online chat with customer support and have them enable it for your account. After that, on the "3D PRINTER PARTS" page go the subcategory "MK2 SPARE PARTS".
Thank you for the information. I just got off the chat with Prusa support and, as it turns out, I can't order the probe until after I've purchased the printer. Prusa only unlocks the spare parts portion to printer owners.
So, if I want a replacement, I will have to order it separately. To put the cherry on top, the shipping cost seems to be twice the price of the actual part.
Re: Advice for a new purchase
IMHO, PEI will last longer if you treat it well, don't try to yank prints of the bed while hot, don't user sharp object to pry prints of the bed, and it should last for ever.
as for the P.I.N.D.A. probe, when you get your printer you can print a protection cover, STL files available on the prusa website, but again if you follow the instructions which are very clear you should be ok.
what you will definitely need is lots of filament, but you can get that state side with no issues. Calibers, needle nose pliers, flush cutters and lots of patience. All is available in the states no need for international shipping.
Keep on smiling -
Re: Advice for a new purchase
ask the help-desk if you can order the printer, then immediately order the pinda, so it can be delivered with the printer... they normally give you a code to suppress the delivery on the second order...
I added to my multi material upgrade, three times before it was delivered.... mind you that was when it was first offered on pre order.
I have had my mk2 for ages and still using the original pei sheet... (i'm no angel... it has two tiny dimples and a tiny scab missing, but not enough to persuade me to change it yet...)
my pinda wires went faulty due to constant flexing,
my extruder fan wires broke and my part cooling fan bearings wore out.
my hot end thermistor wires broke when I had a part detatch from the print bed and all the PLA bunched up around the extruder
and the wires to my heat bed failed when the nylon strain relief in the heat bed bundle came adrift...
my X axis endstop failed after much use... so I fitted a new one...
you might consider getting spares in...
Oh and the filament roll fell off the brackets and broke the Y motor bracket, which I glued back together I have printed two new re-enforced brackets but not fitted them yet, one for my mmu printer and the other for my basic Mk2
have you got IPE (Iso-Propanol, Isopropyl alchohol) for cleaning your PEI? get the good stuff 99% if you can
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
Re: Advice for a new purchase
ask the help-desk if you can order the printer, then immediately order the pinda, so it can be delivered with the printer... they normally give you a code to suppress the delivery on the second order...
I added to my multi material upgrade, three times before it was delivered.... mind you that was when it was first offered on pre order.
I have had my mk2 for ages and still using the original pei sheet... (i'm no angel... it has two tiny dimples and a tiny scab missing, but not enough to persuade me to change it yet...)
This is good to know. It would be very nice to be able to save on the expensive shipping.
my pinda wires went faulty due to constant flexing,
my extruder fan wires broke and my part cooling fan bearings wore out.
my hot end thermistor wires broke when I had a part detatch from the print bed and all the PLA bunched up around the extruder
and the wires to my heat bed failed when the nylon strain relief in the heat bed bundle came adrift...
my X axis endstop failed after much use... so I fitted a new one...
you might consider getting spares in...
Oh and the filament roll fell off the brackets and broke the Y motor bracket, which I glued back together I have printed two new re-enforced brackets but not fitted them yet, one for my mmu printer and the other for my basic Mk2
Umm... WOW. 😀
I kind of sounds like the first thing that needs to be printed is all the replacement parts (before anything breaks).
have you got IPE (Iso-Propanol, Isopropyl alchohol) for cleaning your PEI? get the good stuff 99% if you can
regards Joan
I plan on getting a bottle. It's pretty easy to get the 91% here and with a little searching, I am able to find the 99% too.
Re: Advice for a new purchase
as for the P.I.N.D.A. probe, when you get your printer you can print a protection cover, STL files available on the prusa website, but again if you follow the instructions which are very clear you should be ok.
I saw that and it seems like a good upgrade to add along with the E3D hotend guard.
what you will definitely need is lots of filament, but you can get that state side with no issues. Calibers, needle nose pliers, flush cutters and lots of patience. All is available in the states no need for international shipping.
I have most of that already. I sometimes become out-of-stock on the patience but I usually can resupply quickly enough.