Notifications
Clear all

MK3 louder than expected  

  RSS
Eric Mathison
(@eric-mathison)
Active Member
MK3 louder than expected

So, after assembling my MK3, it's louder than I expected it to be.

Being my first 3D printer, I'm not too sure if this is normal or not. But, I can hear it in my bedroom while sleeping at night. I have it mounted on a solid wood countertop in another room.

I've uploaded a video as an example.

I'm wondering is this sound level normal, or is there something that could be causing this issue that I can check/fix?

[youtube] [/youtube]

https://ericmathison.com/blog
Posted : 03/08/2018 3:13 pm
RufusClupea
(@rufusclupea)
Reputable Member
Re: MK3 louder than expected

That's pretty much how mine sounds, except that you seem to have some noise from one of the extruder fans that I don't have.

Other printers (I understand) produce considerably more noise, however keep in mind that quietER quiet.

I have it mounted on a solid wood countertop in another room.

How? Are the rubber feet involved? Mounting to wood (including table & cabinet tops, depending on how it's done) can create/increase vibration (noise) much like the sound board on a musical instrument. Harmonics are also possible. I can't tell from the video if either of those are factors.

Bearings can also be a source of noise (e.g. the Y carriage bearings if the U-bolts are too tight.)

That's "MISTER Old Fart" to you!

Posted : 03/08/2018 4:33 pm
bobstro
(@bobstro)
Illustrious Member
Re: MK3 louder than expected


I have it mounted on a solid wood countertop in another room.

How? Are the rubber feet involved? Mounting to wood (including table & cabinet tops, depending on how it's done) can create/increase vibration (noise) much like the sound board on a musical instrument. Harmonics are also possible. I can't tell from the video if either of those are factors.The printer does make mechanical noises, but I agree that the table-top seems to be resonating, essentially creating a table-sized speaker.

For the OP: Try a more stable surface, or perhaps the floor temporarily to verify this is the issue. You might also try stealth mode at night since you'll be sleeping and a bit longer print won't matter so much. I've got my Mk3 in my office, and can have phone conversations without issue. My headset picks up ambient noise, and nobody has mentioned the printer noises. (They hate my keyboard however.)

My notes and disclaimers on 3D printing

and miscellaneous other tech projects
He is intelligent, but not experienced. His pattern indicates two dimensional thinking. -- Spock in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan

Posted : 03/08/2018 5:19 pm
RufusClupea
(@rufusclupea)
Reputable Member
Re: MK3 louder than expected


(They hate my keyboard however.)

Cherry Blues? 😀

That's "MISTER Old Fart" to you!

Posted : 03/08/2018 8:02 pm
bobstro
(@bobstro)
Illustrious Member
Re: MK3 louder than expected


Cherry Blues? 😀
Yep - Das Keyboard with MX Blues. Nice to type on, but my headset mic seems to pick it up better than my voice.

My notes and disclaimers on 3D printing

and miscellaneous other tech projects
He is intelligent, but not experienced. His pattern indicates two dimensional thinking. -- Spock in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan

Posted : 03/08/2018 8:13 pm
Haku3D
(@haku3d)
Eminent Member
Re: MK3 louder than expected

eric, is it still as noisy when in stealth mode?

The front cooling fan noise does bug me a bit on my Mk3 when it's running slower than 100% because they chose a PWM hz that's within our normal hearing frequencies. I was hoping the new firmware fixed this but no.

Posted : 04/08/2018 1:14 am
Eric Mathison
(@eric-mathison)
Active Member
Topic starter answered:
Re: MK3 louder than expected

I made sure that the U-bolts on the Y carriage bearings weren't too tight. They were fine.

Then I added the rubber feet to it and did some test prints. Bingo! It cut the noise in half.

You guys were absolutely right with the table top resonating / amplifying the sound.

Thanks a lot for the help everyone.

https://ericmathison.com/blog
Posted : 04/08/2018 7:18 pm
RSandven
(@rsandven)
Active Member
Re: MK3 louder than expected

Very good. But have you tried to put it in Stealth Mode?

Posted : 05/08/2018 8:19 pm
Share: