First PLA Print

I think it was makergeeks. com Item# orange-yellow-PLA - the reason why I am not entirely sure is because I actually purchased the $20 surprise pack from them and this is what I got. I've emailed them to confirm, but it looked mighty generic - no brand name on the package or spool. I completed a larger print last night and other than a slight layer shift (likely related to the XYZ software, used it because the demo was so successful and I figured the speed settings are the same) it came out really nice as well. Oh and printed directly onto clean glass, no problem and easy removal.

Honestly, I am really liking the PLA, it seems quite a bit easier to work with so far. And I did read all the horror stories before trying this, but I am still in my Amazon exchange window so I was willing to have Amazon take the risk . The key seems to be the active cooling of the build and extruder - from what I have read the extruder will otherwise get so warm that the PLA softens and doesn't feed properly, but all I did was set a fan next to the printer and take the side off.

I also wonder if people don't do the 200C "middle step" when switching from ABS to PLA as I am suspecting at 185 I would not have been able to clear the extruder of the old ABS. Here's the part I printed this morning (spool holder).

Edit: Emailed Josh from Makergeeks and this is the correct part number. And tonight gonna go to 190C as suggested elsewhere for even better quality. We'll see.

Edit2: Didn't try the 190C yet, but removal of the fan blowing into the case results into the clicking. Turned the unit off, put the fan back and resumed PLA printing without a hitch. Also did not have the A/C on, so it seems that environmental temps are important too.

I have been printing with PLA for awhile now. I am using the stock G firmware, Slic3r, and modded 1.1.29.42 ver of XYZware. I started with simple mods using kapton tape to create a better air duct/shroud to basically close off the gaps around the extruder fan forcing more air around the filament barrel. This still required the top to be open and usually required an external fan blowing in to help cool. I have since created a replacement fan mount/shroud for the extruder fan and added heat sinks to the extruder. I can now print in PLA with the door and top closed without any issues.

Here are some pictures of my mods that allow me to print with PLA including my initial tape shroud that has been replaced with the printed fan mount/shroud. I have tested several colors of "Gizmo Dorks" PLA from Amazon and some Shaxon translucent yellow PLA that I picked up at Fry's. Gizmo Dorks filament is affortable and both ABS and PLA print great in my printer. The Shaxon prints ok but the print quality doesn't compare to Gizmo's. I also included a few quick test prints pictures. Both were printed at higher than normal speeds.

I am currently working on mods that replace the stock nozzle/block with a generic heater block with interchangeable nozzles. I have a .2mm nozzle on my printer at the moment. (not pictured or in the video). I will try to post pictures of my latest mods when I have it apart again. My next challenge is to be able to print NinjaFlex!

All of my printable DaVinci parts are on Thingiverse dot com /sedzen/designs
I also have a Youtube video showing my Modded XYZprinting Da Vinci 1.0 printing PLA (search youtube for "sedzen da vinci")