Can the i3 MK2 print Poly-carbonate?
My printer kit doesn't arrive until tomorrow, its my first 3d printer. While waiting for it to ship I found some poly-carbonate on sale at my local microcenter for very cheap, $2.99 per spool, i think they are only .5kg spools but still. Now I am starting read more about filaments types and I am seeing that PC may need a hotter temperature than the MK2 can handle. I've heard it can print at 300C, but that it doesn't adhere well and need 300+ to be solid.
I saw a post on reddit asking this very question and it had different answers, so I figured I'd come to the source. https://www.reddit.com/r/3Dprinting/comments/4ksioz/would_a_prusa_i3_mk_2_be_good_for_me/
Tom seems to indicate it can't 🙁
Re: Can the i3 MK2 print Poly-carbonate?
Sure it can. I've used this poly from filaments.ca a number of times on my MK2.
But I guess it all depends on your brand. Mine printed fine @ 270C
And Tom's video is quite old (2014?). The old MK1 has a EV6 lite hotend which didn't really allow anything above 250C. MK2 uses a full EV6. You'll have no issues with temps.
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Build to perform. Architect to evolve.
Re: Can the i3 MK2 print Poly-carbonate?
I've also got a reel of PC that I was wanting to use, but the last time I used it (on an i3 with an all metal hot end) I needed to tweak the Marlin firmware to allow higher temps as I needed a good 290C+ to get it to bond properly.
I don't believe the MK2 firmware allows that high a temperature - am I wrong?
Re: Can the i3 MK2 print Poly-carbonate?
I don't believe the MK2 firmware allows that high a temperature - am I wrong?
Yes:
#define HEATER_0_MAXTEMP 305
Peter
Please note: I do not have any affiliation with Prusa Research. Any advices given are offered in good faith. It is your responsibility to ensure that by following my advice you do not suffer or cause injury, damage…
Re: Can the i3 MK2 print Poly-carbonate?
And this is why I asked. Thanks for the info. The brand I got is Inland from Microcenter. I've heard its the same as esun
Re: Can the i3 MK2 print Poly-carbonate?
I don't believe the MK2 firmware allows that high a temperature - am I wrong?
Yes:
#define HEATER_0_MAXTEMP 305
Peter
Is the HEATER_0_MAXTEMP define not the point at which the MAXTEMP error is experienced? It's been a while since I last looked at the code, so genuine question.
I presume that setting the temperature to 300 in the slicer should work unless there is any temperature PID overshoot on initial temperature set.
Re: Can the i3 MK2 print Poly-carbonate?
VortyZA
That is correct; Exceed 305 and MAXTEMP error generated.
Personally I would not exceed 295 degrees; any more and it is possible to damage the thermistor (thermocouple would be required for higher temps).
Peter
Please note: I do not have any affiliation with Prusa Research. Any advices given are offered in good faith. It is your responsibility to ensure that by following my advice you do not suffer or cause injury, damage…
Re: Can the i3 MK2 print Poly-carbonate?
VortyZA
That is correct; Exceed 305 and MAXTEMP error generated.
Personally I would not exceed 295 degrees; any more and it is possible to damage the thermistor (thermocouple would be required for higher temps).
Peter
That's useful to know, thanks Peter.
Re: Can the i3 MK2 print Poly-carbonate?
I have had success with PC filament with a hot end temp of 270 and a heated bed temp of 100. I used the E3D PC-ABS settings on Prusa Control and use and enclosure during the print. No warping occurred at all. IMPORTANT that you let the print cool down in the enclosure for about 30 minutes AFTER the print is complete to ensure a flat print. I have only used glue stick for small prints. I will be picking up some Wolf Bite to see if that helps with bigger prints of PC.
