Original Enclosure Compatible?
I ordered the enclosure with my MK4 and would like to know if the MMU3 kit is compatible? I'm not worried about customizing the enclosure, but in general will it fit in the enclosure or will it need some modifications to work?
RE: Original Enclosure Compatible?
The MMU3 will fit in the enclosure. No real dimensional changes from the previous MMUs. The Buffer and spools, by default do not. There are many mods for spool storage, buffers, mounts and enclosure access. There most likely will be more mods. It can be confusing. Each setup has different choices. Prusa kept costs down, but could not provide a fix for every setup. What they provide will work, but you may want something different eventually.
Study and plan what you want to do. Consider filament types to be used, easy access, reach, storage, easy maintenance and your budget. Study the various mods and the complete setup.
What I recommend.
Add the lid to the enclosure. Better access to everything if needed. In my case I drilled some extra holes in the enclosure and lid so the hinges would mount on the side. Lifting the lid up to the back did not work in my situation. If you run the PTFE tubes through the slot in the top, the lid wont be usable without disconnecting tubes. I don't want to connect/disconnect tubes all the time.
The MMU3 buffer with the spools is similar to many other buffer designs. I would try using it first. It could be mounted inside or outside the Enclosure. Mounting mods will be needed.
Keep friction down. From the buffer all the way to the MMU3, there should be no joints in the PTFE tubes. From the spool holder or cabinet to the buffer there should be no joints in the PTFE tube. Look for pass-thru options for the enclosure that don't require cutting the PTFE tubes.
It may take more than 1 attempt to get the setup comfortable for you.
RE:
That's why the hinged lid parts include a piece for routing the tubes out the back of the enclosure. Halfway up, on the back PETG sheet, there are notches on both sides. Pick a side, cut out the notches, and insert the guide piece from the printable parts. Then route the MMU filament tubes out the back, and they won't get in the way of the lid, regardless of which way you want the lid to hinge.
Add the lid to the enclosure. Better access to everything if needed. In my case I drilled some extra holes in the enclosure and lid so the hinges would mount on the side. Lifting the lid up to the back did not work in my situation. If you run the PTFE tubes through the slot in the top, the lid wont be usable without disconnecting tubes. I don't want to connect/disconnect tubes all the time.
RE: Original Enclosure Compatible?
I wish Prusa would make a video of how they would recommend to use the mmu3 with the MK4 in the original enclosure to give us an ideal what they thought when they designed the enclosure.
RE: Original Enclosure Compatible?
Still working on tweaking.. but here's my setup.
393221-extra-spool-holder-for-prusa-enclosure
676280-complete-modified-hinged-lid-for-original-prusa-en
RE:
https://www.printables.com/model/462269-magnetic-catch-prusa-enclosure-hinge
953671-loading-aid-for-the-mmu3-buffer-segment-r4
953614-mmu3-cassette-compatible-buffer-for-prusa-mk4-r4-c
903986-mmu3-filament-feed-through-for-original-enclosure
The modified buffer is very space-saving... and the loading aid works amazingly well to get the filament to the MMU3. I'm still having issues once it gets there and to do successful 'load to mmu' functions - I will likely print one of the modded mmu4 parts kits to fix my loading problem. Once everything was loaded into the mmu3, I did not have any issues printing.
I do use those SunLu dehydrators to positive results -- and recommend them.
RE: Original Enclosure Compatible?
Loving this setup. 1000+ filament changes on Thinker_MC model at 50%... it's a filament hog, but with all of the filament in dehydration often less than 18% humidity, it prints well, doesn't string in the filament changes... very reliable... for an MMU
