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SoliForum - 3D Printing Community → Filament → Checking Filament Diameter before use.
am I checking to much? When I get a new roll of filament I take 25 readings at 3" intervals and then average it. using that in the software for filament diameter. I put a label on the roll with the diameter for future reference.
how much and how far into the roll does everyone else check.
I checked the diameter of the first roll or two after that kind of forgot about it.
Probably not a bad idea to check new rolls and take a couple measurements.
tin
i do about 9 measurements randomly over a couple of yards. I have tried doing more, but found it wasn't really necessary.
and I do it with every new roll, then save a profile for that roll
i then do the single wall cube calibration to dial in the extrusion multiplier.
once the profile is complete, I can swap colors/materials as quickly as selecting the correct profile.
Depends a bit on the supplier. I never check the diameter anymore for Colorfabb filament, they have proven to be consistent enough that it isn't necessary.
that's all well and good if you are printing with what Colorfabb offers, but they don't offer ABS, which is what better than 90% of my printing is done with.
Octave is quite good, but I still check diameter.
I measure every roll give each roll a number and put the sheet in a binder.
I have had trouble with prints half way through a roll rechecked the diameter and found it had changed.
I set up a spreadsheet for doing my filament calibrations. Takes maybe 15 mins to do the whole routine.
Keeps everything in one spot, easy access, and does the math for you. 
The attached copy was set up for "newbies" with a little extra info included. I have had several 'new to 3d printing' people ask me how to do these calibrations, which prompted me to make this spreadsheet available to them.
dubbsd - measuring every 3 inches seems a little bit of overkill, but hey, if it works for you...
My routine is per roll regardless of brand or material as I have found that batches change, dies wearout and a few batches make it out before the manufacturer notices so to combat this I do the following.
Open new roll, unroll two feet and measure at 4 points or about every 6 inches then average that.
I put that value in the slicer then load the roll and print a custom cal cube that is 50mm by 50mm by 50mm with a 30mm bore through the X and Y axis and a 20mm bore on the Z. This allows me to check shrinkage ratio and make dimension adjustments to compensate, and allows me to check if temp needs to be changed to help overhang performance.
I do this with every roll and make time to do so. For me time is not an issue as I do not have a schedule to keep. If you find you are needing to cut corners and take shortcuts to make your schedules, I would suggest some LEAN analysis or buying more machines.
worse roll I ever had was Octave from couple years ago maybe they improved but not in my book at their prices. it averaged 2.0mm thats way off from 1.75mm and it was sealed with desiccant pack so not humid at all just terrible quality control for such an expensive brand. no more for me, it got thicker as I went deeper into roll til it would not feed at all jamming. the cheap stuff at Microcenter is way better than that.
did you contact them and tell them about it? I would have.
I got a spool from Monoprice once that was still sealed with desiccant and it was terrible! I contacted them, they sent me an RMA with return postage and replaced it.
I can honestly say I have not had any problems with Octave stuff, but yeah, they are a bit on the pricey side. I have also ordered from Microcenter, and while most of it has been good, i did have trouble with their red ABS
as you know I have a Makerbot replicator 2x which is a Dual Head Printer
Attached is the json file and from what I see when you enter the filament diameter for each nozzle
it makes the adjustments in all the multiplier locations (I have them highlighted in Yellow).
when Printing dual the biggest problem i have with this printer is keeping the nozzles the same height.
it is a big PITA.
as you know I have a Makerbot replicator 2x which is a Dual Head Printer
Attached is the json file and from what I see when you enter the filament diameter for each nozzle
it makes the adjustments in all the multiplier locations (I have them highlighted in Yellow).
when Printing dual the biggest problem i have with this printer is keeping the nozzles the same height.
it is a big PITA.
I have the CTC version of your printer and the nozzles should not be the same height. The primary the one you use most is set to the correct Z for your desired layer height. The secondary is then set at .01 or .02 higher. If noth are set at the same height, the secondary tends to drag on the print and will knock it loose.
did you contact them and tell them about it? I would have.
I got a spool from Monoprice once that was still sealed with desiccant and it was terrible! I contacted them, they sent me an RMA with return postage and replaced it.
I can honestly say I have not had any problems with Octave stuff, but yeah, they are a bit on the pricey side. I have also ordered from Microcenter, and while most of it has been good, i did have trouble with their red ABS
I would have but when I bought it 2 years ago they only had a part number sticker on rolls and not the larger half moon sticker with logo etc so... but all my paper work was from them and they used to just stick a big postcard add in with orders. sure wish I could get something for a 3/4 roll of $45 scrap thtough. its gonna just be bad publisity for them and I for one wont buy from them ever again. just hope the other rolls from them are not same way. they have same small stickers and some are the 4 color rolls, one is glow in the dark. I wont pay more than $20 for any roll from now on.
its not worth it for fair quality manufactured weed eater line IMHO
n2ri
I have started using GIZMODORKS I have Not had any problems with it
http://gizmodorks.com/abs-3d-printer-filament/
thanks Dub thats a lot of selections. wish they would add 'OD green' nobody offers it. decent price too.
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