Why some 3d printers are louder than others? Printrbot upgrade

[zincury]

Hi

Are they any articles/link on this? I 've come across forums that say that the stepper motor drivers and determine the noise level of printers, also it depends on the current, Lower the current the quieter the printer. Is they a formula, for a stepper motor, stepper motor drivers, current drawn and noise of the printer?

Foam
Some companies/amateurs used foam in the enclosure design to cut down the noise just wonder what type of foam do you use?

Printrbot upgrade
Have anyone replace the custom Printrbot board with the open source RAMP and use different stepper motor drivers to cut down the noise level on a Printrbot?

Makertech 3D

Is anyone using Proforge 1 by Maertech 3D, just wonder any feedback/review on the product?

[MaddieG]

I definitely agree that current to the stepper motors can make a difference. There is probably a formula somewhere but in my experience it’s more trial and error of tuning the drivers as well as seeing what current is needed to maintain enough torque.

I’ve personally also used “Stepper dampers” which are brilliant and have made one of my machines practically silent.

[zincury]

Thank MaddieG

For your reply never heard about stepper dampers. Just wonder why 3D printer companies are not using them?

[keebie81]

Also depends on the motion system used. On my BCN3D SIgma I tried some bearings instead of a metal sleeve for the y axis and could hear a noise difference right away. The bearings were louder. Same with some printers use igus smooth bearings for less noise.

[MaddieG]

@zincury higher cost primarily, many consumer printer companies want to keep costs down. It also allows slight flex between the printer frame and the stepper motor, but I haven’t noticed any quality decrease.

@keebie81 I agree! Igus are so quiet compared to standard circulating bearings, it’s incredible.

[zincury]

Using bearings is another factor when designing and building a quiet printer.