While a vast improvement over previous extruders, the MK7 can still prove challenging for those wanting to get started with PLA. However, while PLA is more picky in the settings surrounding how it is printed, its benefits over other printing materials make getting over the calibration hurdle well worth it. It has little to no smell when extruded, can be used without a heated bed, undergoes less warping and cracking and can produce highly detailed features and surfaces when used in conjunction with a cooling fan. So read on and with any luck you'll be happily printing with it too. While following applies directly to those using an MK7 on a Thing-O-Matic using skeinforge 35, those using other machines and configurations should find some of this information useful. It is also likely that the following instructions will apply to those who own a Replicator as the MK8 appears to be very similar to the MK7. Be sure to have a look at the 'Tips & Troubleshooting' at the end. Continue reading
Thing-O-Matic
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Comparing Entry Level 3D Printers
Dec 5, 2012 : Please note that this post contains out of date information and is in need of revision. May we suggest these other fine links?
The Differences Between ABS and PLA
3D Printer Filament Buyers Guide
These days there are a number of personal 3D Printers to choose from. Personal, hobby, open-source, accessible, desktop, or whatever else you want to call them; they are a new breed of 3D Printers. A 3D Printer you can own and operate in your own home, producing before your eyes anything you can imagine with materials an order of magnitude cheaper than previous commercial 3D Printers.
Below are some statistics and descriptions of currently available or soon to be released personal 3D printers.
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Printing with Support - Extreme Overhangs
Printing with support is required when plastic must be deposited on a layer where there is no or insufficient plastic on the previous layer. This includes steep overhanging surfaces, straight overhangs, and fully suspended islands. Learning to print objects on a 3D Printer that require support structures will dramatically expand the potential of your printer and give you the confidence to undertake printing tasks that perhaps you had previously avoided. It would seem though that nature doesn't like to follow design guidelines like the "45 Rule," the idea that overhanging surfaces should not exceed 45 degrees thus avoiding the need to use support (a guideline Makerbot seems to live by); and many of the most compelling objects to print require the use of support.
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Printing Polycarbonate
Well, it's finally time to share what we've learned about printing with Polycarbonate. As we recently announced, pre-orders for Polycarbonate in both 3mm and 1.75mm diameters are available. It took us awhile to get the details sorted out, but we're all set for a ship date of January 30, 2012. There's a whole world of materials out there for that hungry printer on your desk, and we plan to dish up a feast.
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Carol of the Bells on a Makerbot Thing-O-Matic
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
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Printing PLA on Thing-O-Matic MK7
THIS IS NOW A LEGACY POST:
For more in-depth, up-to-date content, please see this post: Thing-O-Matic MK7 PLA Set-Up and Troubleshooting (Likely MK8).
Printing PLA on a makerbot is a question that OFTEN comes up among Cupcake and Thing-O-Matic owners. I mean, it sounds like a great material, nice smell, natural glossy finish and the potential for VERY fast printing. When I started printing with Makerbots new MK7 I gave PLA a try to see if makerbot had managed to work some kinks out of their extruders. I'm happy to say that yes, you too can be printing with PLA in no time.
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Makerbot Thing-O-Matic Power Consumption
In Brief
Makerbot Thing-O-Matic with MK7, Gen 4 Electronics, 1/8" Aluminum Heated Print Bed (Polyimide Covered)
- Printing ABS: ~108 Watts
- Printing PLA: ~76 Watts
- Idle: ~10 Watts
- 8 Hr. Print in ABS @ 7cents per kwh: ~$0.06
- Forgetting to disable stepper motors over the weekend: ~$0.23
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