The more successful prints.
The latest problem I have encountered is the streaks of burned plastic sometimes found on my finished prints. I believe this is due to an aluminum heating block and a brass nozzle and pipe. The aluminum expands more than the brass when heating up, and the melted plastic runs down on the top of the aluminum block. This is not only annoying to clean every print, but the print can also contain some of this unwanted plastic if the print takes long enough for more melted plastic to form. A possible solution is getting a brass heating block.
A lot of new things have been printed, and even more prints have failed. Some key points I have learned so far:
- Always double check the orientation before printing (oops!)
- Use supports when overhangs are present
- If the print is stringy, increase retraction and decrease acceleration
- Use a thin layer of glue on the heated bed if the print comes off during printing
Some of the more successful prints include a Superb Owl, a sheep, and some buildings in Paris(left).
An example of melted plastic appearing on a print of a Model T.