Shopping for 3D Printers that print at 0.1mm in ABS,
Hi,
I am looking for a printer that prints at 0.1mm / 100 um in ABS. (I need to print in ABS for my project)
Is the Original Prusa i3 MK2 consistent at printing at this resolution, or should I look for something else? I really don't want to drop $700 building one from a kit to find out it doesn't do what I need it to.
Thank you!
Shannon
Re: Shopping for 3D Printers that print at 0.1mm in ABS,
From my research, open frame printers don't typically handle large ABS prints very well. With that said, I haven't printed ABS on my MK2 yet. I've done most of my research via Youtube and found 3 really good channels there. Search for 3D printer reviews and you should find them. One of my favorites has a "Warpinator". 😉
I have recently printed ColorFabb HT on my 3D printer and found that the heatbed didn't really want to reach 110 degrees Celsius very quickly. Recommended settings for ColorFabb HT is 110 bed and 260 nozzle.
and an 8 inch (200mm) or greater caliper is recommended.
Re: Shopping for 3D Printers that print at 0.1mm in ABS,
100um resolution on MK2 is OK with ABS, but (as ayourk said) depends on overall dimensions of printed object. How large objects are you going to print?
Re: Shopping for 3D Printers that print at 0.1mm in ABS,
I have had good results printing with ABS on the MK2. The bed adhesion is definitely better than on other printers I've tried although I had to use either glue or abs slurry to get the larger parts to stick 100%. I've tried printing down to 0.05mm (50um) layers and the results are stunning!
The printer must be placed in an environment that suites the material - no cool breezes etc. which would cause rapid contraction of the cooling plastic.
Re: Shopping for 3D Printers that print at 0.1mm in ABS,
If you're gonna print large objects in ABS, I think you'll want to consider putting the printer in some sort of enclosure. An enclosure helps to keep the hot air contained in that small area, allowing the ABS can cool down at a slower rate (prevents warping). When printing is done, just keep the enclosure closed and allow the inner temperature to gradually drop to room temperature.
There are various ways you can approach getting an enclosure, some (like me) assemble a closet, others take a large plastic box to put over the whole printer, you just need to choose which approach best suits your needs.
Do note, printing large objects at 0.10mm tests a man's patience, but the end result is very nice indeed 😀