Multimaterial printing (PETG+TPU)
Looking for a pointer here - I've got a stand design that I want to print in PETG, but I'd really like to put/print a U shaped TPU "cup" on the bottom of this to act as an anti-table-scratch and anti-slip protection. Is there anything out there (like a n00b guide) on how to define this in the slicer (how to assemble and - particularly - how to hint to the printer that it's getting a different material). And yes, I know (via lots of YouTube videos and Googling) that I'm best to print my stand upside-down, with the PETG going first, and then TPU (to save some kind soul pointing that out).
I'm using Prusa Slicer 2.9.2 with a Core One (if that makes a difference). If I can't figure out how to do it as an integrated print then I guess I'll resort to printing the parts separately and gluing them together - less satisfying.
Thanks all!
RE: Multimaterial printing (PETG+TPU)
Yes you can do this. I'll not post how here as it's been posted about many times on the forum. Do a Google search and if you want the examples on the forum just include Prusa forum in your search.
RE: Multimaterial printing (PETG+TPU)
This would require two (manual) filament swaps per layer, for the every layer in the height region where both components overlap, right? I think you will find it much more satisfying to print the parts separately.
Ideally the parts can be designed in a way that lets you stick them together without glueing -- e.g. with a raised ring on the PETG and matching groove on the TPU part.
RE: Multimaterial printing (PETG+TPU)
This would require two (manual) filament swaps per layer, for the every layer in the height region where both components overlap, right? I think you will find it much more satisfying to print the parts separately.
Ideally the parts can be designed in a way that lets you stick them together without glueing -- e.g. with a raised ring on the PETG and matching groove on the TPU part.
Depending on their design yes, a lot of manual changes. I have found though that the slicer is pretty smart in this regard and it's usually 1 change pretty layer. It usually prints 2 layers of the same material sequentially. Aka it prints everything in the layer for PETG, then switches to TPU and prints 2 layers of TPU before switching back to PETG. Then 2 layers of PETG before switching back to TPU etc. etc.
RE:
Thanks all - I was misled by the "Core One Toolbox" print*, thinking that if it was able to do multicolour then multi-material in the same layer should be achievable.
But yes, I came to the conclusion that a cup/U shaped fitting cannot be interference printed - so I'll resort to the easier way: separate print runs and a hot glue gun.
I did do a small PETG/TPU cubeoid+soft foot (basically two cubeoids butted into each other) and it worked quite well. I used the PETG temps and the only major drawback was patchy layer adhesion on the first/interface layer of the TPU - but the foot is on pretty well.
* https://www.printables.com/model/545197-prusa-tool-box-core-one-mk4s-mk4-xl-mk39-mk35-mk3
As hinted at above, yes, it's possible - but probably not worth the effort as every filament change would require a loooong purge to flush the filament and, depending on the precise filament used, quite possibly a pause as a different printing temperature stabilises.
This is really a job for a multiheaded XL, even an MMU would need huge purges to keep the single nozzle working cleanly.
Muli-colour isn't too hard with manual filament changes but if there are to be changes on more than two or three layers the MMU becomes very attractive.
The background:
https://forum.prusa3d.com/forum/prusaslicer/manual-multicolor/
Cheerio,