Print with Ultem  

Re: Print with Ultem

Ultem Filament exists, but it's extrusion temperature is 330-350 C

The MK2 has a max extrusion temperature of 300C

So no, you cannot use PEI filament on this printer, also, it would more than likely mess up the PEI bed coating.

Re: Print with Ultem

Errr.... Ultem is PEI. If you print PEI filament on to a PEI sheet, it would probably stick rather well...

Peter

Re: Print with Ultem

The E3D website lists upgrades that would enable the printer to go up to 400 degrees celcius. You'll probably need to change some constant in the firmware to allow higher temperatures. No idea if the cooling is enough to not melt the ABS-parts.

Then you would need to do something about the printbed. Perhaps a very thin layer of glass to not mess up the auto-calibration too much?

Re: Print with Ultem

The E3D website lists upgrades that would enable the printer to go up to 400 degrees celcius. You'll probably need to change some constant in the firmware to allow higher temperatures

Yes, that is possible; a thermocouple and amplifier. Then 2 changes to the firmware would be required - one to change the thermistor to thermocouple and one to increase the max temp.

Then you would need to do something about the printbed. Perhaps a very thin layer of glass to not mess up the auto-calibration too much?

Any glass sheet would need to be less than 0.5mm which is hardly feasible. A 3mm Aluminium sheet may work but you would probably be better off with a Mk1.

Peter

Re: Print with Ultem

A 3mm Aluminium sheet may work ...
Interesting idea. Did anyone test it?

Re: Print with Ultem

Yes, that is possible; a thermocouple and amplifier. Then 2 changes to the firmware would be required - one to change the thermistor to thermocouple and one to increase the max temp.

Do you have specific information of the thermocouple device and firmware changes required? I assume the amplifier is required to interface the thermocouple to the controller board...

Thanks,

Re: Print with Ultem

Sort of related question. Max temp on a MK2 is 300c? Is this in the unmodified form as it comes in the kit? I want to try nylon and some others that call for high temps in the upper 200's. Is the PTFE tube an issue? Forgive my ignorance a bit since I am just learning this machine and extruder setup.
So basically can I print filaments requiring temp under 300c without modification? With in reason of course!!

Re: Print with Ultem

Max temp is limited in firmware to 305 degrees. Personally I think that's pushing the hardware a little too much.

290 should be fine.

Peter

Re: Print with Ultem

Ok, so 290 as an actual in use limit. Sounds good. I have not looked at the internal makeup of the extruder but I did see the PTFE tube. Is this more guide tube than insulator such as in my hot end on my Flasforge creator pro?

Is this extruder basically an "all metal" one? Like I intend to put on another machine to be able to do higher temps.

Thanks for the up front info. I will go do my research!!

Re: Print with Ultem

Yeah, unlike the Lite6 the PTFE in the V6 is far enough away from the heat for it to be considered "full metal".

The tube goes into the heat sink down to the heat break, which is screwed into the heat sink about 15mm.

Peter

Re: Print with Ultem

Excellent! I have been needing to use Nylon and some other high temp filaments but haven't installed my all metal hot ends yet. If I can get it to work well on the MK2 then this will be great.

Thanks for the info.

Re: Print with Ultem

Further to this topic, apparently the 40w E3D heater cartridge can reach the required temperature, and the firmware can be adjusted to use it.

Regarding the print bed, I found a reference indicating that Ultem can be printed on Kapton, so what if I cover the PEI print bed on the Mk2 with Kapton tape? Workable? Will the tape come off afterward?

I have parts on order to try this, but all input and advice on how to proceed will be appreciated.

I think it would be awesome to print Ultem parts on the i3!

Re: Print with Ultem

Hello Bob,
Please keep us informed about your progress, veri interesting topic.
In order to reach very high temperatures reliably I think you may have to replace the hotend plastic parts with some material that will not deform at higher temperatures than ABS, maybe Policarbonate or some High Temperature Nylon?

Re: Print with Ultem

@wirlybird

I printed 'Bridge Nylon from Taulman' with 240-250C without any issues. Perfect results. Was on another printer without full-metal hotend, so no problems expected on your machine.

Excellent! I have been needing to use Nylon and some other high temp filaments but haven't installed my all metal hot ends yet. If I can get it to work well on the MK2 then this will be great.

Thanks for the info.

Re: Print with Ultem

FWIW, here's a quote from Dan @ E3D:

Both the 25w and 30w heater cartridges that we supply have no problems in maintaining any temperature you want to throw at it. The 40w heater cartridge will mean that the HotEnd will get to temperature much quicker but it will not effect the way that the cartridge maintains the temperature. 40w heater cartridges' also need a lot more supervision compared to 25w or 30w cartridges.

Also note that with a 40W heater cartridge, you will be approaching the limits of the fuse.

Peter