Max. length of build time?
Printer: MK3S
Software Version: 2.3.0 - win x64
Is there a general guideline for how many hours a print should last so that components aren't damaged from excessive heat?
Some of my prototype models are in the +12 hours range; just trying to prevent any unnecessary damage to my printer.
Thanks in advance for any advice!
Best Answer by --:
I've done 36+ hour prints ... maybe early on even a few 48+ hour prints. Time of print isn't an issue; total time is about wear and tear on bearings and rods and wire flex, and temp is really most important when printing hot, above 250c nozzle. The thermistor in the E3D-V6 hot end is encased in glass, and made of of a material that apparently doesn't like to be above 280C and will fail if kept that hot for even a short period of time.
RE: Max. length of build time?
As long as your printer isn't in an enclosure you should be fine. Prusa has different sensors on the board and the rest of the printer to control or spot an error or defect.
Mine has run many 12+ hour prints and many around here do prints over 24 hours.
I have a days that the printer is running almost all day and start a long print and let it run through the night all without problems.
Before you start your first longer prints make sure you printer is printing without problems.
When you put the printer in an enclosure you have to make sure the temps are not to high inside and maybe move the PSU outside the enclosure.
RE: Max. length of build time?
@tgh56 unless the ambient temperature changes drastically heat issues tend to manifest quite quickly, within a couple of hours.
When the printer is running well and you have tuned everything to suit multi-day prints are reasonable. I've not gone much over four days yet...
Cheerio,
RE: Max. length of build time?
Thank you very much @Baklin and @Diem for your inputs. Answered my question.
RE: Max. length of build time?
No, there is not.
The Filament Whisperer
RE: Max. length of build time?
The only other thing to consider on longer prints is the environment.
If you are running over night watch out for drafts and temperature drops, a severe drop in room temp can cause your model to warp off the bed, an open window causing a draft will mess up your next morning when you find the heat blob of death 😳🥺
Tank you very much!
RE: Max. length of build time?
I've done 36+ hour prints ... maybe early on even a few 48+ hour prints. Time of print isn't an issue; total time is about wear and tear on bearings and rods and wire flex, and temp is really most important when printing hot, above 250c nozzle. The thermistor in the E3D-V6 hot end is encased in glass, and made of of a material that apparently doesn't like to be above 280C and will fail if kept that hot for even a short period of time.
RE: Max. length of build time?
@Tim
Follow up question: You mentioned wire flex; what is it you mean by that?
RE: Max. length of build time?
@tgh56
Copper wire will break when flexed over and over again. Work hardening. A failure caused by broken wires to the extruder is a common issue after years of heavy use. It is why that 3mm nylon reinforcement is important be installed correctly: it reduces the bending by spreading the load over the entire bundle length.
By the way - I just looked back at one of my longer prints. It was 72 hours. Three days. It was also a print that kept failing 20 mm up, 22 hours into the print. No wonder I wanted to forget about it. lol. Finally finished it though. Reims and Notredam models off Thingyverse.
and the failures
