Changing Temperature Per Part - Colorfabb LW-PLA Testing
Hi everyone!
I'm just beginning to test some LW-PLA material. The Colorfabb website recommends printing individual blocks with different temperatures to gauge the reaction of the material to extrusion temperature. See https://learn.colorfabb.com/print-lw-pla/
The web page appears to show a bed with block outlines. It implies these were printed in one go. Can anyone suggest how to do this? I've tried setting out the parts but I can't see how to change the temperature. I've setup to print each part individually.
Is it easier to just print them one at a time?
Many thanks
J
RE: Changing Temperature Per Part - Colorfabb LW-PLA Testing
Hi J,
in reality it is probably easier to print them one at a time.
because if you succeeded in allocating different temperatures to each block and print them all together, then you ought to wait for the temperature to stabilise for every move to a new block. which would introduce massive delays to the print,
Or you would have to arrange to print each block in completion before moving on to the next block, which is a problem for many users especially if the model height is greater than the height between the nozzle tip, and the X axis smooth rods...
Most folk use temperature towers with their new filaments, to ascertain which temperatures work best. they usually start with the filament on the hot side of the expected ideal temperature and progressively lower the temperature for each section until they are below the expected ideal temperature, then they inspect the elements of the temperature tower in order to divine the actual best temperature, for that exact filament, on the particular printer
it is not unusual for two aparrently identical printers, to perform at different temperatures with the same filament, due to manufacturing tollerances in heaters, thermistors and supporting parts
regards Joan
I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK
RE: Changing Temperature Per Part - Colorfabb LW-PLA Testing
@joantabb
Thanks Joan,
I've started printing them one at a time. I read another post asking about setting up a temperature tower but even that's not an easy thing to do.
Longer term, I think what I will do is have two spools of the LW-PLA attached to the MMU2, set one for low and one for high temperature. My aim is to print parts with high density where needed and low density where not required. The issue is as you say, waiting for the temperature to stabilise.
Thanks
Jason
RE: Changing Temperature Per Part - Colorfabb LW-PLA Testing
[...] The web page appears to show a bed with block outlines. It implies these were printed in one go. Can anyone suggest how to do this? I've tried setting out the parts but I can't see how to change the temperature. I've setup to print each part individually.
You could do this but it may not be worth the effort. I've done something similar when trying to troubleshoot stringing issues. You can create a printer profile with 9 extruders. Set your slicer to print parts sequentially and arrange them spread out as shown in your pic. Then create a filament profile for each "virtual extruder" with the different temp settings.
Is it easier to just print them one at a time?
Probably! But it's an interesting little exercise to try and makes for interesting pics.
and miscellaneous other tech projects
He is intelligent, but not experienced. His pattern indicates two dimensional thinking. -- Spock in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan
RE: Changing Temperature Per Part - Colorfabb LW-PLA Testing
@bobstro
Ah, 'Virtual Extruders'! I like it!
Sounds like a good plan, I'll look into it and give it a try.
Cheers!
Jason