Stabilizing Z
Just thinking out loud how to minimize Z axis vibration to see if it will help with ringing. Printing another benchy now to test. I have not fastened the base of the printer to the bench yet, though that is the next thing to try. Damping the upper Z is of course now making the base vibrate more on it's rubber feet. I clamped the cheap drill press vice up there just to add some mass to the damping.
Re: Stabilizing Z
Well that did not show any noticeable improvement in the Benchy. The new one looks almost exactly like the old one. So I went ahead and secured the printer to the bench top and removed the clamping of the Z axis. It did make the printer louder as it now has a solid maple sounding board. The latest Benchy off this mod is also not showing any blatant signs of improvement. I do have to say that these Benchys all look good and I have not been disappointed in the performance of the printer; I just want to see if it can get better. I'm assuming that enabling linear advance in the near future will have the biggest impact on part quality.
Re: Stabilizing Z
Nice to read about a test with real heavy support 😀
Too bad that it did not produce any positive results.
But now I know that I don't have to reinforce my MK3 frame. There may be other components to improve.
Bear MK3 with Bondtech extruder
Re: Stabilizing Z
I'd guess fixing the top of the printer like you did would at least show improved quality for prints (almost) maxing out z height. A benchy is too small and therefore just not the right test for that 😉
Re: Stabilizing Z
Hi Mark,
I am really happy that you did this experiment! I was thinking also that the structural stiffness was affecting the positioning accuracy of the head. Based on gutfeel, not analysis by the way.
So I am equally disappointed (and surprised) that your stiffening efforts do not improve print quality.
thanks for sharing!