Print complete parts in different sections of the bed?
I'm pretty amazed at how precise the MK3 can print small parts. For example one of my parts is an M5 x 0.8 thumb screw and the threading comes out perfect....when I print a single thumb screw. If I try to print multiple thumb screws it doesn't work so well (stringing and little blobs on the threads as the print head moves to each screw).
I'm wondering if it would be possible to print a complete screw on one section of the bed before moving on to another section to print another complete screw? As long as they are spaced far enough apart, and the bed moves from front to back I could see this working. I can envision 3 in a row on the X axis and then moving back on the Y axis. Is something like this possible?
RE: Print complete parts in different sections of the bed?
Its an option under Print Settings>Output options>Sequential Printing. Tickbox for Complete individual objects. Need to be in advanced/expert mode to see them all though.
It does have limitations as you would imaging, pretty much do what you described. I think there a max height restriction too. As the rods for the X axis would be above all the parts you print in a row on the X axis the height of the parts cant be higher than those when the nozzle is on layer 1.
You can adjust the extruder clearance values in the same section though to get round some of the software restrictions but you have to be careful and check the gcode in a visualiser to double check there wont be collisions if you do so.
You can use the E shortcut on the plater to show labels of all your parts on the plater and they will be printed in the order that they are listed in the tree list on the right.
The function could do with a bit of work as it still has some quirks and its not automated at all (the auto arrange could do with an option for sequential printing) but I've used it in the past for several items and if you are careful it can be quite useful.
RE: Print complete parts in different sections of the bed?
OK thanks @neophyl. That gives me a place to start. I will no doubt have more questions when I can look at this later today.