PVA works on one PLA but not another
Hi All,
Been trying to print with PolyDissolve PVA and have had some struggles. It just will not stick to a PolyMaker PLA Pro (same brand for those unfamiliar), but sticks PERFECTLY to the included roll of Prusament Galaxy Black PLA. I included a picture of a test I did using the Prusament as proof that it does actually work.
My question is where do I go from here in testing? The PolyMaker PLA Pro is 100% necessary for the products I am printing due to its properties, and I want to give the PVA the best shot I can. Contacting Polymaker Support (like a person, not support material) have printed this exact combo successfully (he was unaffiliated with Polymaker when he did these tests), and all that I get is the PVA rolling over the wipe tower and the support grid with 0 sticking, but its perfect on the Prusament.
Before throwing in the towel, I would love to hear what is possible and other options I can do, knowing this seems to be a material issue. Temps, speeds, anything that I can do to get these to come together would be great. Not sure if anyone has experience with these exact materials either, but would love to hear, since buying many brands of PVA to find none might stick to Polymaker PLA Pro could be a really bad time.
Relevant Slicer Settings are also included, but more can be provided upon request.
RE: PVA works on one PLA but not another
I use BASF Ultrafuse BVOH with PLA Pro versions of PLA. It is an excellent filament and matches well to all PLAs. It also dissolves easier than some other water soluble filaments.
I print the BVOH at 60 C bed, 210 C nozzle, and the PLA Pro at same bed of course, 230 C nozzle for structural parts.
RE: PVA works on one PLA but not another
I'm having the exact same issue with my prusa XL.. Looking for a solution.
RE: PVA works on one PLA but not another
At this stage I have somewhat abandoned using PVA, but likely will return to it. I wanted to use it to eliminate post processing entirely, but I am at a middle ground. Right now I am using Polymaker's Polysupport, which I am happy to share settings with if you would like to try. It gives a perfect interface and if you can still remove a non-dissolvable support, it is cheaper and cuts the post processing in half with no scars.
I would love to toss it in a bucket and have the support interface dissolve away but right now that is more trouble than its worth. I will continue to test though once I have a 2nd XL to try this on
This is a filament compatibility issue rather than a printer problem.
You have already discovered that changing the body filament is one track - changing the soluble filament (BVOH or a different brand of PVA) is another.
In some cases a third option is to add a second interface layer, a Prusament surface just where the PVA is to be used would preserve the body filament properties with minimal impact - of course this is an engineering solution not a cosmetic one, use if appropriate.
Cheerio,
RE: PVA works on one PLA but not another
Me myself have tested with all kinds of settings, temps, flow, pattern, you name it.. The only small change that helped just a bit was increasing the temp to 230 and multiplier of 1.25 with PolyDissolve. But other than that, the material is curling around the nozzle and drag it everywhere so still trying to figure out to solve this
RE: PVA works on one PLA but not another
Yes agreed this is a compatibility issue and nothing is wrong with the printer. QQ though, how do you add a second interface layer that's a different material? I need to use a grid pattern right now for the Polysupport to stay on 100% of the time, but if I could use 1 PLA interface layer and another 2-3 of the Polysupport or PVA that could save about an hour per part I am printing.
Just as you would with any other change of filament; you design a thin layer 'pad' part where you need it - not too difficult with horizontal overhangs, a daunting task with complex shapes.
If you would like us to do some of the head-scratching post pictures or part files.
Cheerio,
RE: PVA works on one PLA but not another
Ah I thought it was a setting! For most of my parts it is organic so not worth the effort for that. Good to know though and yes on horizontal ones that's a no brainer!