MMU2 for MK3: is it worth it?
I'm very happy with my mk3, but I can't say the same with post production: I've tried to paint my PLA prints, but I need to use a primer, then acrylic paints, water, brushes... and it's a mess. If I could just only print, it would be a lot better. Maybe I will, and I will settle for monochrome prints, but if I could do it in multiple colors, my issues would be solved: no post-production any more! I don't care about smoothing or sanding: the visible layers are just the mark stating my objects are 3d printed, and I'm fine with it.
And now the questions: is MMU2 worth it? How much is it reliable?
A classic thingiverse example, the head of "robot woman robotica by Shira":
With my mk3, standard 0,4 mm nozzle, 0,1 mm layer height, standard PLA settings and 100% scale, it takes about 5 hours to print and it's ok to add just a brim to have it printed with success.
Now let's imagine the same object sliced for MMU2, same layer height. I can hypothesize to use a pink PLA for most of the object, red PLA for the lips, white and blue PLA for the eyes and black PLA for eyebrows and some other detail. All in all 5 colors.
Would it be doable? How long it would take to print, considering 5 hours in single color? Is it something the MMU2 can manage without errors? Is this a result that I can expect?
Before buying I'd like to understand better what MMU2 is capable of and what to expect from it. Thanks.
Re: MMU2 for MK3: is it worth it?
very rough estimate .
90 seconds per color per layer. added.
don't worry it will change colors 4 times a layer not 5.
after a week of messing with it my MMU2 is 100% trusted. I have hit print then walked away for the last 3 days now. no issues.
100% stock parts and stock settings
ok not stock spool holders, because lets face it... they are dumb.
I have a Prusa,therefore I research.
Re: MMU2 for MK3: is it worth it?
The MMU2 can print it, the real problem is actually going to be dissecting the model so each piece can be printed with a different color. This is not easy to do and takes patience and practice to achieve.
Re: MMU2 for MK3: is it worth it?
time is a big factor if you enjoy painting and finishing models and to you it doesn't take much time then it is not worth it.
for example.(while not perfect)
this MMU2 printed blue truck body with 5 different colors. took about 60 hours of printing. printed in one color this takes about half that amount of time. To hand paint the same details takes maybe 4-5 hours additional time between taking breaks and letting the paint dry.
hand painted on the left, MMU2 printed on the right
so time wise it is much slower and if i was mass producing a product it would be better to hand paint and keep the extra time to start 3d printing another model. finish wise the color printed version is going to be more precises in color placement.
from a stand point of coolness factor the MMU wins.
extra prep has to go into the STLS you have to split them unless it was designed for MMU right off the start.
that can cause addition time.
when i modified the truck body the meshes were heavily damaged and it took me like 4 days to crack it apart into something that could be sliced.
if you stepped out a lot of small models with color changes then at a certain quantity the extra tool change time is negligible and the waste of the wipe tower per model makes more sense.
the saying i heard was tall and narrow bad, wide and short good for MMUs.
“One does not simply use a picture as signature on Prusa forumsâ€
Re: MMU2 for MK3: is it worth it?
Yes
Re: MMU2 for MK3: is it worth it?
No. It is problematic.
Re: MMU2 for MK3: is it worth it?
Yes, but you need to be willing to trobleshoot from time to time.
It is not yet a click and print solution
Re: MMU2 for MK3: is it worth it?
I print as a hobbyst so more time needed for MM2 is not an issue.
I've seen videos of painted prints in YouTube with a huge amount of colors and fine details, and you can choose whatever color you want. But a primer Is needed, and an airbrush Is often used.
Ideally, painted prints are better than multiple colors prints, but you need to know how to paint and skills to do It are needed. And my biggest problem Is that I do not have those skills and my painted parts are a lot worst than the ones I see on the web.