1 Topic by MLA

  • MLA
  • Member
  • Offline
  • Registered: 2013-10-01
  • Posts: 64

Topic: Filament material question

Hi All!
I am new to the hobby and am currently shopping for printers and the price tag of the solidoodle 3 is really tempting.... I was hoping that you guys would be able to help me out with a few questions? As far as printing material choices with the SD3, what can I use right out of the box without any modifications to the printer? It seems like most printers out there only use ABS or PLA, but I would also want to print with Taulman Nylon and T-glase materials. l think I also ran across a polycarbonate material also?

If you could, please post up what materials you have printed with your SD3, how well it printed, and any necessary modifications, it would be much appreciated!

2 Reply by michael.t.albers

  • michael.t.albers
  • Member
  • Offline
  • Registered: 2013-06-07
  • Posts: 164

Re: Filament material question

The solidoodle handles ABS really well.  PLA will often need a fan.  Nylon is printable with stock hot end, but needs to run hot (I set mine at 205).  Haven't tried out the flexible filaments yet.  Don't forget that Solidoodle hot end settings are roughly 30 degrees lower than typical (i.e.  if the website says 240 degrees, you need to set your hot end at 210ish).  I have been fortunate in that others have burned out their hot ends.  Be aware, 3d printers, no matter what the media says, is still in the 'will this work?' stage and can be frustrating as well as rewarding.

3 Reply by MLA

  • MLA
  • Member
  • Offline
  • Registered: 2013-10-01
  • Posts: 64

Re: Filament material question

Thanks for the info, but that brings up another question. Since I want to run different materials, after I get all of the settings dialed in to run a specific material, say ABS. Can those same settings be stored in the software so that if I change settings to run a different material, I can easily just recall my ABS settings when I want to run ABS again? Or would it be a fresh set-up every time I switch?

4 Reply by cozierad

  • cozierad
  • Member
  • Offline
  • Registered: 2013-07-21
  • Posts: 33

Re: Filament material question

MLA,

The Program Repetier-Host and Slic3r (the most popular programs on these forums/ for use with the SD3) will very easily store data for different filaments, extruders and, general printer settings. It is quite convenient. They are free-ware so feel free to download and mess around with them.