Newbie Looking for Tips

Maidyn · 2016-09-28T02:36:13.000Z

Hello All,

I am new to the game and have been printing for a couple weeks now. but i am now working with abs and could use a few tips on making better finished products. I have completed a few prints with the abs, but they are sloppy. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Matt

Asad3D · 2016-09-28T08:58:05.000Z

Hey @Maidyn, welcome! Since you’re new to 3D printing, you might find our introduction to 3D printing page useful. Check it out here. You’ll find everything you need to know about different technology used as well as materials. Hope it helps!

bartek_lanc · 2016-09-28T10:56:58.000Z

Hello!

Check this URL it’s a comprehensive guide for beginners you should like it - if you want to get more about 3D printing you can also visit http://blog.zmorph3d.com/ hope I helped you a little!

Regards Matt!

wirlybird · 2016-09-28T11:41:24.000Z

What type of printer? What settings are you using for ABS? What slicer? These can help us give some recommendations.

Perry_1 · 2016-09-28T13:53:12.000Z

Post pictures of your prints!

Maidyn · 2016-09-28T14:51:38.000Z

Hey are a couple. They come out spotty or blotchy

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Maidyn · 2016-09-28T14:53:55.000Z

I have printrbot plus. The picture show my settings and I’m not quite sure what the slicer is

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PicoTurbine · 2016-09-28T15:09:19.000Z

Matt,

Welcome to the 3D printing world! ABS can be a finicky material. Remember it likes to print hot, and remain hot! reduce any drafts, and enclose your build area as much as possible. The above links that others posted are great reading material!

Maidyn · 2016-09-28T15:25:42.000Z

I have realized that it can be finicky…should I print at higher temp and how hot is to hot with a hot bed

PicoTurbine · 2016-09-28T15:48:14.000Z

If your printer is enclosed, your extruder should be between 230-250, always start low and up your temps by about 5C. For ABS I usually keep my bed at about 100C.

Maidyn · 2016-09-28T15:55:23.000Z

Thank you for the tips and the warm welcome to 3D printing. I will get it a shot and read up as well and post my results. Thanks again

jfield · 2016-09-28T16:43:20.000Z

Like others have mentioned here, ABS can be hard to print, because of warp and it needing the environment controlled. I started with PLA for a good 6 months (I did try some ABS at first and it warped a lot), then went to PETG, which doesn’t have the warping or environment issues of ABS. PETG has good high temp properties of ABS, and the parts will last longer than PLA. I originally printed all my printer upgrade parts (fan holders, cable chain, filament guides) in PLA. Now I have recently printed most of these parts in ABS, which has gone much easier for me than when I first tried ABS. I think there is something to be said about learning your printer and the software while printing with a easier material like PLA first.

wirlybird · 2016-09-28T17:21:01.000Z

I generally print ABS at 230 and start the bed at 110 then down to 100 after some layers. Not sure if the bed temp change is helping but I read it somewhere. Doesn’t seem to hurt.

Maidyn · 2016-09-28T17:28:48.000Z

Thank you for your tidbits, I have gotten closer to a good start only this. No curling just some catching it looks like

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Maidyn · 2016-09-28T17:52:40.000Z

Thank you I will be sure to take a look at it