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Topic: switching from ABS to PLA

Whats the biggest things i need to change to switch over to PLA besides material haha. So far never ran any PLA through my system, only ABS. Thanks for the tips.

2 (edited by mdrVB6 2014-10-03 13:04:19)

Re: switching from ABS to PLA

Change your extruder temp to the filament manufacturer's recommendation.  Heat your bed to about 60 C or so.  Personally, I don't like printing in PLA so I avoid it whenever possible.

SD4 w/ RUMBA, E3D Volcano, all bearings, glass bed

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Re: switching from ABS to PLA

mdrVB6 wrote:

Personally, I don't like printing in PLA so I avoid it whenever possible.

+1

Also, PLA tends to clog more on a stock SD hot end...and you will likely need a cooling fan for the nozzle as PLA cools more slowly.

SD2 - Stock - Enclosure - Heated Bed - Glass Plate - Auto Fire Extinguisher
Ord Bot Hadron - RAMPS 1.4 - Bulldog XL - E3D v6 - 10" x 10" PCB Heated Build w/SSR - Glass Plate
Thanks for All of Your Help!

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Re: switching from ABS to PLA

I print PLA at 220c (190c if you are still using the stock hotend) and 60c for the bed.
You will need a fan to actively cool the layers as IronMan mentioned. You could either print a fan mount, which is easy since designs are abundant on Thingiverse, or just use a desk fan if you remove your enclosure.
+1 on the clogs.

Printit Mason and Printit Horizon printers
Multiple SD2s- Bulldog XL, E3D v5/v6/Lite6, Volcano, Hobb Goblin, Titan, .9 motor, Lawsy carriages, direct Y drive, fishing line...the list goes on
Filawinder and Filastruder #1870.....worth every penny!

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Re: switching from ABS to PLA

be careful using pla with the stock hotend.  Azerate can attest to my issues.   2nd time i used it it clogged my head and i killed it trying to gently take it apart.   plinting in pla right now with a e3d.  no heat on the bead and other than the damn spool binding up and coming off the reel, its printing fine

Overkill is underrated!!!

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Re: switching from ABS to PLA

I have the old SD2 and PLA extruder temp was set at 180-185c and bed at 60c but I too likely wont use PLA again at least on my old SD2. I like ABS finished results and durability way better for my printing needs.

Solidoodle 2 with Deluxe kit cover & glass bed with heater. and 2nd board SD2 used not 3rd and alum platform not installed yet still wood. also need cooling fan installed to board. use Repetier Host couple vers. Slic3r also have all free ware STL programs