Suggested Buffer Alternatives/ MMU Feed equipment Changes???
The Mk4s + MMU3 works beautifully and prints wonderfully. But, there are usually some kind of exceptions:
1. Loading the filament into and out of the original buffer is quite a headache, although doable with patience.
2. Getting the filament loaded into the MMU3 is often a matter of fidgeting with the filament taper, sometimes with multiple attempts.
RE: Suggested Buffer Alternatives/ MMU Feed equipment Changes???
Stock buffer works really well but the secret is, you need one of these to assist with loading.
https://www.printables.com/model/829946-mmu-loading-fork?lang=de
This is a game changer......it works perfectly and makes loading a breeze.
Also make sure the end of your filament has been straightened and use a tip sharpener to round the filament end for loading. (Something like this https://www.printables.com/model/154090-filament-sharpener-175mm).
RE:
One of the above links was incorrect and I am not able to edit the post.
Try this one for the sharpener:
https://www.printables.com/model/154090-filament-sharpener-175mm
RE: Suggested Buffer Alternatives/ MMU Feed equipment Changes???
MCS - Multi Color System for Prusa MMU3 by Real 3D Prints | Download free STL model | Printables.com
https://www.printables.com/model/555238-mcs-multi-color-system-for-prusa-mmu3
Works like a champ. 2000+ hours on mine, loads every time. Easy to build and use. Feeding filaments is quite easy.
RE: Suggested Buffer Alternatives/ MMU Feed equipment Changes???
I finally settled on this combination all kept within the Prusa enclosure
https://www.printables.com/model/461663-spool-holder-1kg-or-2kg-for-original-prusa-enclosu
https://www.printables.com/model/845863-mmu3-mounting-kit-for-original-prusa-enclosure
The loading fork makes reloading filament very easy:
https://www.printables.com/model/829946-mmu-loading-fork
Works absolutely perfectly and is the most compact solution I have found to date.
RE: Suggested Buffer Alternatives/ MMU Feed equipment Changes???
https://www.printables.com/model/1120406-the-shark-filament-buffer-and-drybox-system-v6
RE:
I've tried a few alternative buffers, plus spent an insane amount of filament and time on trying to get a few "auto-rewinders" to work. Auto-reloaders plainly just didn't work in my hands reliably, they all ended up binding at some point. And I spent hours upon hours cleaning parts etc. Some of the alternative buffers looked interesting, especially the Shark linked to by LarGriff, but the way I load filament from a RepRack above one of my MK4S would have required some weird routing of the PTFE tubes.
I ended up not using any buffer at all. Or I call it, the "open air" buffer. You can see pictures here: https://www.printables.com/model/1130321
Sure, it ain't pretty, but so far it has worked fine, and I don't really see how the filament could possible get tangled given the closed topology and the amount of filament retracted.
Formerly known on this forum as @fuchsr -- until all hell broke loose with the forum software...
RE: Suggested Buffer Alternatives/ MMU Feed equipment Changes???
I abandoned the shark and went back to the original MMU3 buffer, fed from Sunlu S4 and S2 dryers.
The Prusa buffer may not be sexy, but it works. Use of the loading tool mentioned above makes it fairly painless to load.