What to do next, after Mk3 bliss
Mk3 kit build. Fabulous results. Can't speak highly enough about the whole experience and product.
Most recent success was designing a Solidworks floating cube inside a lattice. Terrific print. Custom supports with Slic3r blockers & enforcers.
What should I tackle next?
Have only used PLA. I hear there is some type of crushable filament. It would be neat to do a lattice and collapse it and let it sprint back.
I'd love to get a "faster" printer. Is there such a thing? I bought a .6 nozzle but nervous about swapping nozzles.
Or just buy another Mk3. What type of printer will Prusa come out with next? When. Should i wait?
Have only used Slic3r PE. Should I play with the custom supports in S3D? Meshmixer?
Don't know much about Rpi camera or Octoprint.
Or buy some type of scanning mechanism or software to do miniature sculptures. Tried Meshroom with raw photos (Prusa tutorial?) and found it frustrating.
What might I try next?
Thanks for some suggestions.
Re: What to do next, after Mk3 bliss
start with flex filaments 😀 just print slow. 😀
I have a Prusa,therefore I research.
Re: What to do next, after Mk3 bliss
Dive in with the different nozzle sizes. It's the best thing I've done to enhance my enjoyment of my Mk3 and expand my horizons. It sounds a lot more intimidating than it really is. I've gotten to the point where the entire swap process takes 5-10 minutes, and some of that is spent waiting for temps. I like to be able to print a miniature with a 0.25mm nozzle, then switch quickly to printing a big functional part with a 0.80mm nozzle.
The same goes for different materials. PLA is great for a lot of things, but PETG is nearly as easy to work with and has better characteristics for some uses.
Re: What to do next, after Mk3 bliss
You could try replacing some of the parts on the printer with upgraded parts, some for cosmetics, some for function and some for enhanced printing.
For this you wan't to be printing in PETG so do all the testing and setting up first and learn slic3r.
An upgrade to the Y axis motor mount with integrated Y axis stop as currently the bed stops against one of the bearings which can cause twisting and movement of the bearing https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2809788
Ditch the horrible U bolts for the bearings and fit these, much better and no chance of over tightening the bearing and damaging it, but you will need to print the upgraded Y motor mount first as you don't want to be stopping against the bearing. https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3009203
Y rod holder without cable ties, cosmetic, but works with the above bearing clamps. https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2942265
Y axis adjustable idler. https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2786671
Then if you really want to get modding, how about the skelestruder. https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2845416
And if you don't already use anything for doing your own drawings, then may I recommend Designspark mechanical from RS components.
It's free and fully functional, if you wan't tutorials then look for SpaceClaim tutorials as this is a free cutdown version of this software and is well worth a look.
After this you will be well on your way towards Mk3 Don 😀
Normal people believe that if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Engineers believe that if it ain’t broke, it doesn’t have enough features yet.
Re: What to do next, after Mk3 bliss
Forgot to add the link to designspark mechanical:
https://www.rs-online.com/designspark/mechanical-software
Normal people believe that if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Engineers believe that if it ain’t broke, it doesn’t have enough features yet.
Re: What to do next, after Mk3 bliss
I am in the same boat as the OP - built the kit, been cranking out stuff for my business, and absolutely am STUNNED at how easy and awesome this whole experience has been. True kudos to the Prusa folks.
Now, I am ready for the next step and I've decided it'll be a Raspberry and OctoPrint.
At the moment, I don't care about a camera and I have ZERO interest in soldering...I'd probably short out my board.
Soooo, I bought an external Raspberry B+ kit from Amazon and will try connecting it to the MK3 via the USB jack.
My goal is to be able to copy STL files wirelessly and be able to check on the print's status from my PC.
Bliss is funny to say...but I kinda agree! 🙂
-Dave