Assignment

group assignment:

Test printers

To characterize our 3D printers, we picked test model from Thingivers.

Test data : All In One 3D Printer test by majda107

The set of filament material and printer we tested :

In our lab setting, we usually use Replicator for printing big stuff (larger than approx. 100mm square), and Afinia for small stuff that requires accuracy.
Although ABS has high degree of flexibility and accuracy, it often curves as it cools down (we tackle this problem by adding raft or pre-heating the platform), and this curve gets worse if the model size gets bigger. That is the reason why using ABS for only small things, and Afinia Studio and the slicer setting on Afinia is optimized to the use of ABS. Its build volume is smaller than Replicator too.
In contrast, Replicator has big build volume (24.6 L X 15.2 W X 15.5 H cm) so we are using it for printing large things with PLA. PLA filament has less deformation after printing (it is also less flexible and difficult to do after processing)

Results

Makerbot Replicator 2X

Filament : PLA (bonsailab/white/1.75mm)

Attempt #1

Parameter Value
extruder temp 210
build plate temp 60
infill 20%
raft yes
support no
layer height 0.3mm
print speed 10m/s(raft), 30m/s(model)
cooling fan speed 50%(raft),50%(model)
filament diameter 1.77mm

Resulted in failure

Attempt #2

Parameter Value
extruder temp 220
build plate temp 60
infill 20%
raft no
support no
layer height 0.3mm
print speed 10m/s(raft), 30m/s(model)
cooling fan speed 50%(raft),50%(model)
filament diameter 1.75mm

Success!!!

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findings

Afinia H480

Filament : ABS (Afinia genuine)

Parameter Value
extruder temp 270
build plate temp 90
infill 20%
raft no
support no
layer height 0.3mm
print speed n/a
cooling fan speed n/a
filament diameter n/a

Failed due to the distortion. I also tired printing out with raft, and with higher build plate temperature, but could not fixed the problem.

enter image description here
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Filament material characteristic

PLA ABS
Printing temp 200-210˚C 210-240˚C
Print bed temp 20-60˚C (optional) 80-110˚C (mandatory)
Strength Decent Strength Above Average Strength
Flexibility Brittle Moderately Flexible
Heat Resistant no yes
Biodegradable yes no
Acetone Treatment Not Possible Possible