Configurations and materials
First of all I would like to apologize for my low level of English. But when I retire, in a short time, I will go to English classes (and piano, and guitar, and ...)
Maybe that's why I don't explain the intentions of this message correctly.
When we use a 3D printer we find innumerable problems (obviously some users, more experiments, we will find how to solve them better than others).
3D printing is not as simple for a neophyte as text printing. We have the problem of the printer configurations (correct and well adjusted assembly), different materials each with its specifications and problems, design of more or less correct objects, placement on the bed, etc.
With the use of the printer I learned something basic: the first important thing to keep in mind (after proper assembly) is the height of the first layer. That is essential. A bad adjustment in the height of the first layer will prevent or hinder the correct printing of the object.
Another essential element is to have the object to be printed well designed (angles, overhangs, bridges, etc.) and its placement in the bed. A bad design will prevent a correct impression and an incorrect placement on the base will make it impossible.
Finally, the point I want to reach is the materials.
We all know that there are more complicated materials than others. The PLA is perhaps the filament most used for its ease of printing (it does not need a hot bed, the temperature of the nozzle is not very demanding, its storage and maintenance is simple,...). Others such as ABS or Nylon are much more complicated if we want to get a perfect impression (higher demands on the temperature of the nozzle and the bed, absorb moisture quickly which makes the prints worse, etc).
My idea at the beginning of this post is to collect the user experience with each material. The difficulties that have been encountered and how they have been resolved. Specifically I ask you to share the parameters of the Prusa SLICER.
Sorry for my poor English. I try to do my best.
RE: Configurations and materials
I’m also a relative beginner, but have so far managed to successfully print PLA, PETG, and TPU. Here Is my experience:
PLA - this is pretty much a no brainer. Keep the PEI sheet clean by wiping with IPA (I use 97%) before each print and occasionally wash the sheet with dish soap and hot water. I had some trouble with Sunlu PLA+ Sticking to the bed when printing fine patterns, so I just use it for prints with a relatively solid first layer (and will not be buying it again). Other PLAs I’ve tried are Prusament and Hatchbox, and both of those pretty flawlessly.
PETG - despite advice to the contrary, I found that I had to do an IPA wipe and no Windex before PETG prints. I also wash the PEI with dish soap and hot water if I was previously printing PLA to get the PLA residues off. I’ve had not trouble getting the prints off the PEI if I wait until the bed cools down. I understand that PETGs can vary and some may stick harder to the be and may need a release agent like Windex or glue stick. I’ve so far printed Prusament and Overture PETG.
TPU- This one is more tricky.
First you definitely need to coat the PEI in gluestick, otherwise the print will damage the bed since it sticks so hard.
Second, don’t use the normal auto filament load and unload. They are too fast and get the noodle-like filament tangled. Turn off auto-load and just move the extruded through Settings -> Move Axis to slowly load and unload the filament.
Third, release the tension on the extruded idler way down, to where it has barely any tension. TPU is very soft and will get crushed by the gears otherwise.
Fourth, reduce your print speed waay down. No faster than 25-30mm/sec on all extruding moves. And make sure you turn retraction off. (This is done by default when you choose FLEX in Slicer). I also suggest to check “Avoid crossing perimeters” checkbox as this will reduce stinging.