Need advice on filament to use

fcwilt

Hi,

I finished the initial assembly of my RatRig V-Core 4 (300x300) (6HC + 3HC + RR Toolboard) and did a couple of test prints.

The problem is the printhead is a proof-of-concept lash-up made of PLA parts.

Now I need to print those parts in something suitable for an enclosed printer - which it may be someday.

Is there a filament that I can print on this "open" printer that will be suitable for enclosed use?

Or am I going to have to ship the STL files to a 3rd party?

Thanks much!

Frederick

infiniteloop

@fcwilt

Is there a filament that I can print on this "open" printer that will be suitable for enclosed use?

PETG starts softening at 80°C, so it will work in an enclosed printer. With a heated chamber, though, you might encounter problems. Additionally, you’ll need to keep an eye on the temperatures near your hotend. Whether PETG (or other filaments) will work depends heavily on the specific design.

To look up the (thermal) properties, use your browser. For PETG, I found (among others) this website: theplasticpeople

fcwilt

@infiniteloop

Thanks.

One thing you don't see on the spec sheets is: Will work in a enclosed 3D printer.

Frederick

infiniteloop

@fcwilt

One thing you don't see on the spec sheets is: Will work in a enclosed 3D printer.

Without additional heating, my well-insulated chamber never exceeds 50-60°C (measured at the top of the enclosure). So that’s fine for PETG with a reasonable safety margin. However, my printhead is mostly made of aluminium, as the hotend can dissipate up to 60W.

jay_s_uk

@fcwilt i've had great success printing formfutura reform rtitan (which is ABS) without an enclosure

infiniteloop

@jay_s_uk That sounds great, and at a viscat softening temp. of 97°C, it’s much better than PETG. Thanks for the hint, I’ll have to try that with my printer, too.

Phaedrux

I've used polycarbonate for a fan duct that has held up really well.

fcwilt

@Phaedrux said in Need advice on filament to use:

I've used polycarbonate for a fan duct that has held up really well.

Not heard of that type, will investigate.

Thanks.

Phaedrux

This is what I used.

https://us.polymaker.com/products/polymax-pc?srsltid=AfmBOorlSU2Je1oGVOFgp8gEaBqFMPNMEvTrnCluu5C10NprcUdSgmZq

fcwilt

@Mark-Markus

Thanks for the reply.

Frederick

stuartofmt

@fcwilt

I've had good results printing with Formfutura ApolloX ASA in a draft free (but not heated) enclosure (Ender 5 with BIU H2). Some prefer ASA over ABS. I used it because its UV stable. Here's the spec sheet.

formfutura-tds-apollox.pdf

fcwilt

@stuartofmt

Looks promising - thanks.

Frederick