Received my Prusa i3 today - how to print a flat plate?
 
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Received my Prusa i3 today - how to print a flat plate?  

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Mat
 Mat
(@mat-5)
Active Member
Received my Prusa i3 today - how to print a flat plate?

I haven't even assembled my printer (which arrived today) yet, but I have a few questions!.

Has anyone experience in getting the surface of flat plates (e.g. box lids or wall plates) looking really nice and smooth? Something that can rival the finish of a metal faceplate (but of course in plastic)? I really like the smooth finish I saw last weekend at Rome Maker Faire, of this little statue behind the blue vase, you may have to zoom in. But you can see it's a really smooth finish.

Is that possible when making a flat plate?

Also, any tips on minimum thickness of a flat plate, and how to avoid flex / warp / other issues? I will of course design rounded edges and corners, but I'm wondering exactly what filament (and settings) to use for best results?

Finally I'd like my wall plate to have folded edges, that return back towards the wall. Like a normal blanking plate.

What kind of minimum thickness should I use for this return? (e.g. so it doesn't snap off)?

As you can see, I have zero experience but would love to hit the ground running. Hope I'm asking the right questions.

Cheers

Mat

Posted : 24/10/2019 2:32 pm
JoanTabb
(@joantabb)
Veteran Member Moderator
RE: Received my Prusa i3 today - how to print a flat plate?

If you use a smooth build plate and adjust your live Z well you will get a smooth bottom on your models.

The thinnest reliable thickness is 0.2mm   

0.15mm is possible but needs more  effort

Regards Joan

I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK

Posted : 24/10/2019 5:16 pm
K7ZPJ
(@k7zpj)
Reputable Member
RE: Received my Prusa i3 today - how to print a flat plate?
Posted by: @hazymat

I haven't even assembled my printer (which arrived today) yet, but I have a few questions!.

Has anyone experience in getting the surface of flat plates (e.g. box lids or wall plates) looking really nice and smooth? Something that can rival the finish of a metal faceplate (but of course in plastic)? I really like the smooth finish I saw last weekend at Rome Maker Faire, of this little statue behind the blue vase, you may have to zoom in. But you can see it's a really smooth finish.

Is that possible when making a flat plate?

 

Also, any tips on minimum thickness of a flat plate, and how to avoid flex / warp / other issues? I will of course design rounded edges and corners, but I'm wondering exactly what filament (and settings) to use for best results?

Finally I'd like my wall plate to have folded edges, that return back towards the wall. Like a normal blanking plate.

What kind of minimum thickness should I use for this return? (e.g. so it doesn't snap off)?

As you can see, I have zero experience but would love to hit the ground running. Hope I'm asking the right questions.

Cheers

Mat

 

The use of epoxy or poly urethane can smooth out the print and make the layer lines nearly impossible to see.

Here is a link to an article on how to post process 3D prints to get a smooth surface: https://pinshape.com/blog/3d-printing-post-processing-tricks-make-your-prints-shine/

Posted : 24/10/2019 5:45 pm
Texy
 Texy
(@texy)
Reputable Member
RE: Received my Prusa i3 today - how to print a flat plate?

This is the Mini subforum 🤔 

Posted : 25/10/2019 9:45 am
Bendermk6
(@bendermk6)
Active Member
RE: Received my Prusa i3 today - how to print a flat plate?

Hi,

if you want nice a bottom surface you can use this method to get them.

https://forum.prusa3d.com/forum/original-prusa-i3-mk3s-mk3-general-discussion-announcements-and-releases/is-there-possibility-to-minimize-shadows-on-flat-surfaces/#post-166864

Also you should view this video on fillets and chamfers:

Posted : 26/10/2019 10:35 am
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