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Suggestions for Mk3  

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david.z
(@david-z)
Eminent Member
Suggestions for Mk3

I was a fairly early-adopter of the Mk2, and have been using mine for about 9 months now. It's a great printer, firmware updates have made it even better since release, and the MK2S looks like it has some nice changes, but there are a some bigger changes I think would keep the i3 at the top of the pack and probably get me to buy another one.

Anyone have other major changes you'd really like to see in a new version?

Better build plate contact detection
Better handling of cases when the nozzle hits the build plate is sorely needed. I've run into many cases where something got screwed up, and the nozzle hit the build plate, to the point where I had to replace the PEI sheet (not a fun process). Recent firmware has mitigated this, but it still happens sometimes. I think two things would really help:

  • In software: Add a one-click top-level menu item to raise the z-axis a few centimeters. Currently, if the printer is trying to jam the nozzle into the build plate, you need to go several steps into the menu to raise it back up while it grinds away at the print surface, which is frustrating. If it's possible to do actual build-plate-crash detection in software by looking for a current draw spike on the z-axis motors, that would be amazing.
  • In hardware: If looking at current draw on the z-axis motors isn't possible, a physical limit switch to detect pressure on the nozzle or build plate would be great. This would give a lot of additional piece of mind, and avoid gouges on the build surface when things go wrong. This is the main thing I worry about when printing unattended.
  • Larger, higher-resolution touch-screen LCD
    The UI on the MK2 is not great. It works, but movement through the menus with the encoder is slow and not very accurate. A touchscreen with increased vertical resolution would be a vast improvement and shouldn't add that much cost.

    Z-Axis Brace
    Maybe I'm wrong and this is unnecessary, but it's puzzled me why there is no bracing on the Z-axis. It seems like adding a 45-degree brace between the Y and Z axes would be an easy way to improve print quality through higher rigidity, maybe going from the top of the aluminum frame to the back of the Y-axis on each side, so it's out of the way. The Z-axis to Y-axis connection is clearly the least rigid part of the printer.

    Easier Maintenance
    Several parts of the printer could be made easier to disassemble for maintenance, especially the hot-end. Currently this is rather difficult to remove if it jams. Removing the build plate is even harder. I'm envious of the printers with hot-swappable hot-ends.

    More Clever Software Tricks
    The mesh bed leveling and X-Y-Z calibration is great, but I think the software can be even smarter. Can you monitor extruder motor current to detect if the printer is printing into nothing (detached print)? Can you add another calibration section to recommend slicer settings? Can you have the printer allow you to start another print before removing the previous from the bed by dividing the bed into zones?

    Other, self-explanatory items:

  • Out-of-the-box multi-material configuration. (when ready for prime time)

  • Higher-quality linear bearings

  • Built-in mounting points for an optional acrylic full enclosure

  • Better included filament roll holder (yes, easy to print a better one, but why should you have to?)

  • A little robot arm to remove items from the build plate when finished (kidding... or am I?)
  • With a few of these improvements put together, I think the printer would be truly amazing.

    Opublikowany : 18/03/2017 5:56 pm
    gabriele.s2
    (@gabriele-s2)
    Estimable Member
    Re: Suggestions for Mk3


    In hardware: If looking at current draw on the z-axis motors isn't possible, a physical limit switch to detect pressure on the nozzle or build plate would be great. This would give a lot of additional piece of mind, and avoid gouges on the build surface when things go wrong. This is the main thing I worry about when printing unattended.

    Perhaps a switch under the bed? It might be tricky so not sure if it's a good idea, but it could trigger if too much force is applied to the bed. The PEI would still be damaged at that point though, so not sure how much it's worth the effort.


    Higher-quality linear bearings

    Aren't they part of the MK2S?

    - Gab

    Opublikowany : 19/03/2017 1:20 am
    Knickohr
    (@knickohr)
    Member Moderator
    Re: Suggestions for Mk3

    Larger, higher-resolution touch-screen LCD
    The UI on the MK2 is not great. It works, but movement through the menus with the encoder is slow and not very accurate. A touchscreen with increased vertical resolution would be a vast improvement and shouldn't add that much cost.

    I'm not a friend of this touchscreens. Bigger graphical display is OK, but, by hell, no touchscreen. It's getting dirt of fingertips 🙁

    Thomas

    Opublikowany : 19/03/2017 12:20 pm
    PCSFAB
    (@pcsfab)
    Eminent Member
    Re: Suggestions for Mk3

    Upgraded electronics to duet wifi with the paneldue 7in. Touch screen. I am currently running this setup in my Folgertech FT-5 and and am absolutely in love with this setup. It has a big emergency stop button that works perfectly. No menus to look through. It is visible right on main display. Easy to set up firmware that is also easily edited.

    Opublikowany : 19/03/2017 4:17 pm
    Thierry
    (@thierry-4)
    Active Member
    Re: Suggestions for Mk3

    Although it can be considered as a regression, I would suggest to include a tempered glass for the bed, with software changes.

    PEI is magic and I never experienced the glass surface as MK2 is my first printer. But some materials are sticking too much (PET, PLATEC,...). One user has managed to use a glass by modifying gcode files to include a pause after bed levelling and obviously take the thickness into account.

    I think it will cost almost nothing, not obliging us to find a glass with optimal dimensions.
    Also, the maintenance and the lifetime will be far better.

    Perhaps some plastic parts for helping the user to:
    - adjust Y axis mount (spacers)
    - something for blocking the bed when removing the parts. I'm always afraid about flexion of the bed and the Y rods.

    Opublikowany : 19/03/2017 5:07 pm
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