Soluble Interface Support Setting Splits Part In Two
I've attached files of a PETG part that I'm trying to print with HIPS soluble interface supports. I've printed numerous times without soluble support. The print is strong, though support material removal is a hassel. When printed with soluble interface support the part break into two pieces on the same layer as the soluble support material. I've printed this a dozen times and ways with the same result. Both materials are printed at the same temp (230 c). What should be so simple has been become a headache. Any suggestions to resolve this issue are welcome.
Soluble interfaces for practical prints are tricky. Whilst smooth surfaces for decorative trinkets are usually OK anything that requires structural strength has to be printed with extra long purges to prevent soluble residue being incorporated into the print body and weakening it. You may have to go to four or five times the default purge length which soon gets expensive as you waste filament.
There are a few tricks to minimise waste - try to make all soluble interfaces horizontal if possible to reduce the number of purges. Re-use the washing water in place of PVA glue.
Cheerio,
RE:
Hey Diem -
Thank you for the suggestion regarding increasing the amount purging. This makes sense because when I look at the color of the filament that hasn't properly fused near the fracture, it looks off because it contains elements of both materials. I will definitely try longer purges.
Perhaps I was naive to believe the MMU is actually capable of producing the type of prints I want. The part I'm attempting to print has both internal and external threads. If the print does not have structural integrity it breaks into pieces when attempting to use the threads.
I really wish PRUSA would produce a core XY dual extruder, not a tool changer, that was similar in size to the MK4. A machine that industrial designers could utilize to the fullest. For myself, and I believe many others; strong complex parts with good tolerances is very alluring. If the machine was an extra $1000, and delivered excellent industrial prints, it would be totally worth every penny, and then some. This is the machine that is currently missing on the market for less than $3000, and I believe 2024 is the year for it.
Once again, thank you so much for your suggestion.
The MMU *can*, just, handle multimaterial printing but it should really be considered a multicolour printer with the ability to handle occcasional multimaterial jobs. It was the limitations of my MMU that tipped me into buying my XL.
Prusa's are just high-end hobbyist machines even though some use them as production machines. Printers of the sort you desire are available - visit any industry exhibition, but the prices tend to be about ten times higher. Prusa's nearest offering is the two head XL which would handle your job with ease and quite quickly. It is not far off your price range 'though as you say, only one head can be used at a time.
Cheerio,