I tried printing a Marvin, and it did not come out well at all. I tried using CTC’s suggested settings but that was even worse.
Machine: CTC Bizer II (basically a makerbot dual clone with a metal body)
Electronics: Stock
Upgrades: Y- pillow blocks, Spring loaded drive block
Software: Makerbot Desktop 3.4.1.48
Material: PLA that came with the machine
Settings:
Infill: 15
Shells: 2
Layer height: 0.1mm
Extruder temp: 220C
Bed: not heated
Extruding speed: 90
Traveling speed: 150
I have a desk fan at the front of the printer blowing on low and rotating. I know PLA is supposed to have a lower temperature but when I try lower temps, I get worse results. I think the thermocouples might be reading back a false temperature?
Main areas of failure are around the bottom part of the ears, back area, top loop, and V-lip under Marvin’s left eye (its folded in and pressed against his face).
You need a cooling fan if you get a 40mm case fan 12v and out it on 24 volts and hold it in front of Marvin watch the difference and yeah don’t print at 90 and 150 it’s waaaay to fast for the ctc style machine try more like 40 mms and 80 travel at 200°c
Like others just said, your speed is way too high. Decrease it by 1/2 at least. Pla I usually print around 60mm/s. Also, the fan on low take it off it does not work. Your cooling the extruder which will make it print bad. If you really want active cooling then do it properly. If not don’t do it all together.
Hey, I had the same problem for a while too. With the CTC it’s all about settings, the 90 & 150 mm/s are actually the “maximum” suggested values, a realistic one is 40-50 mm/s. What I did for my Marvin was I printed 3 at once, this gives time for layers to cool and harden. Print 3 of them, about two inches away from one another, and slow both speeds down to 30 mm/s. It made a huge difference for me!
Are you using RepG for software? The slicer it uses isn’t that great, I also would recommend MakerWare (it’s free) and super user friendly and easy to use. You could also add in another shell to make it 3, it’s another inner layer of support.
Makerware for what it is, is terrible there’s no brim and only recently the addition of some access at custom profiles if you want a nice print I can send you a Marvin print sliced through simplify 3d and I never have managed to get a perfect Marvin around the back as it just is a steep overhang
Try some different filament. I’ve seen drastic differences between brands. Ultimachine, maker gear and hatch box I’ve heard good things about. Also print 4 at a time, this will allow for more cooling time regardless of a fan.
