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1500 questions
6
votes
6 answers

STL to STP CAD Conversion

Does anyone know of a good way to convert a 3D print file, like STL, to STEP - a useable file format for plastic injection molding companies? I have tried to convert the files through a couple of programs without success. The most requested file…
6
votes
2 answers

Proper way to power down a FDM printer

I just got my first 3D printer today, QIDI X-ONE[2], and so far so good with the setup and getting my 1st print. I wanted to power off the printer, but I don't see any instructions on how to properly power off the machine. Does anyone know how long…
1QuickQuestion
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3d printer drip problem

I have a problem with my 3d printer. When I am printing, the printer seems to drip. I am very confused because I never saw this before and I do not know what to do. I attach a picture of it. Why does this happen? Thank you very much for yours…
Jnavero
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6
votes
2 answers

Spiky hotend and bed temps

I recently rebuilt my A8 printer to have a metal frame and replaced the board with a GT2560 reva+. I'm having problems with the temp readings from both my hotend and hotbed. Using marlin 1.1x and Its possible I have something configured incorrectly.…
B.Schoch
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6
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6 answers

My extruder does not reach the set temperature

Anet A8 with Cura. First time use. The extrusion temperature is set at 190 °C for PLA but the temperature never quite gets that hot, e.g. 189.2 °C. So the printer never prints. The bed temperature is fine. Any suggestions on how to fix?
RetiredBill
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6
votes
2 answers

Anet A8 extruder motor moves back and forth

This is what is happening to my motor. Any suggestions would help. 1. I have tried adjusting the trimpot. 2. Rewire the connector to match the one on the motherboard. 3. Anything else I found on the internet.
NSok
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6
votes
2 answers

Combing and Coasting

Here is my understanding of Coasting: Coasting stops extruding early in a move so that the string itself will finish the layer. Here is my understanding of Combing: Combing reduces the need to retract during travel moves by making sure that the…
David Reed
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6
votes
2 answers

Compiling Marlin 2.0

I've just finished building a new printer and I wanted to take advantage of a 32 bits board I ordered some time ago. The board is an MKS SBase 1.3 I've been researching the Smoothiware firmware but somehow I'm not convinced by it yet. One of the…
Felix Hauser
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6
votes
1 answer

If I have a nozzle clog, can I easily get rid of it by simply replacing the nozzle?

I'm getting a Prusa i3 with a replaceable nozzle. If I have a nozzle clog, can I easily get rid of it by simply: replacing the nozzle, or; removing it and submerging it in acetone, or; removing it and cleaning it with a blowtorch, or; removing it…
Max
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6
votes
2 answers

How to switch E0 to E1 for extruder?

I have a K280 3D printer with a MKS V1.5 and Repetier firmware. I’ve damaged the transistor associated with E0 (3rd one on the right) and so that means I need to avoid that. I’ve decided to switch to E1 for the extruder but I have a feeling I need…
Fox Ia
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6
votes
1 answer

What else can I use for a 3D Printer frame?

I am building a 3d Printer here: Build Volume: X:300mm, Y:300mm, Z:400mm Mechanism: 1 motor, 2 leadscrew, 4 rod Z-axis; CoreXY head movement Belt: GT2 6mm Steel Core Pulley & Idler: 20T 6mm, Bore 5mm Extruder: E3D Titan, Pancake NEMA 17 Hotend: E3D…
6
votes
2 answers

SVG to STL conversion to make symbols recognisable for visually impaired users

I work on communication devices for people with disabilities that prevent them from speaking. This can be anything from a board with symbols on, to a relatively sophisticated app. Some potential users also have sight issues and have to…
Joe
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6
votes
2 answers

How to make walls thicker using meshmixer or meshlab

I have been working at converting game files into 3d files that can be printed, but many of the models have very thin or walls. I was wondering if there was a way to increase the thickness of the walls using meshmixer or meshlab.
Brendan Smith
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6
votes
2 answers

What are the safest temperatures to heat different filaments to?

I recently backed a 3D printer on Kickstarter, and I would like to 3D print parts for high-temperature applications. So I have two questions; What's the highest temperature polycarbonate can be safely heated to without warping or releasing…
Rafael
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6
votes
3 answers

FEA in 3d printed solids

I would like to get a pretty accurate method to do finite element analysis (FEA) on my 3d designs considering the infill. I use Autodesk Inventor to design parts but the FEA can only be applied to a solid body (100% infill). Does anyone know…