First PC Print
I need to print this https://pointdee.us.to/owncloud/index.php/s/MNFRrjfT3ONAWb5 which is a door handle for an old minibus. I tried it in 100% infill PETG but it broke at the square holes which was not really a surprise as there is a square, metal shaft that fits through here to operate the opening mechanism. This handle is also used to drag the door open and closed and that load gets transferred through these square holes so needs to be strong. There is no possibility of making the surrounding cylinder larger.
Before I order a spool of PC I'm interested in opinions about the possibility of this printing correctly. I don't have an enclosure but could make something temporary with some timber and polythene. I've been printing mainly with PETG for quite a while but as stated this would be my first PC print. If you DO think it will be ok can you foresee any problem areas? Would I need to use 100% infill or is this not possible with PC due to it's thermal properties? Anything else I should know?
Many Thanks
RE: First PC Print
I generally try things out in PLA first, just to figure out supports etc. I think you'll have to experiment with the orientation on the bed. Think the orientation of the stl is pretty good. I don't think you're going to be able to get away with zero supports here. In the orientation it's in there's a good deal of flat overhang that will need to be supported.
With the idea that the places that are touched/visible have the least amount of support material you could try it like this. You might need some glue or something like layerneer on the plate.
RE: First PC Print
Many thanks for taking the time to look into this. With the lack of response to my post I just bit the bullet and ordered some PC. I successfully printed this yesterday although it did warp a little where it touched the bed but only once the print was finished i.e. as it was cooling down. The finished piece is satisfactory, as the warping does not affect functionality, but not perfect
Thanks again - I appreciate the effort
RE: First PC Print
I'm glad it worked for you. you definitely will want to invest in an enclosure, ambient temp around the printer can surely affect things like warping. How did you end up orienting the part?
RE: First PC Print
I made a quick and dirty enclosure from some 2by2 that I had lying around and some polythene sheeting from a nearby store. The 2by2 was screwed together and then the polythene was taped together on the top, back and 2 sides but the front was left hanging so I could gain access. Orientation was left exactly as in the import so a large flat area on the bed and then supports for the flat overhang.
This piece does need to be strong so I printed it with 5 shells and 80% cubic infill.....I guess this was maybe part of the reason it contracted so much on cooling. Interestingly, for me anyway, I saw the warping happen and could hear the piece tearing off the bed even though I used a 10mm brim to try to prevent this. When I saw that happen it occurred to me that a slower cooling rate might be better so I searched online and came across this https://forum.simplify3d.com/viewtopic.php?t=1669 which I think would help, particularly with larger pieces.
Prior to printing this I had experimented with a 25mm cube and had got my settings zeroed in so the cube was perfect but I guess that this didn't allow for the much longer print time or the extra latent heat with a larger print and more infill
Thanks