best filament for small prints?

[DdeWaard]

i have only been using PLA since i got my rostock max and its awesome stuff, almost got a 60 cm snap-fit Saturn V finished, super strong stuff but for prints with small layers it makes them look very ugly because it bends upwards with every layer made.

now my question is: what is the best material for small prints? how does ABS do? does it not "warp" for smaller prints? i know that it does without a heated bed and on big prints but will the layer quality be better with abs?

thanks in advance,

Demy de Waard

[JohnStack]

Photos really help in this regard.

Lots of variables here. Print speed, temps. Can you add some detail?

[Eaglezsoar]

i have only been using PLA since i got my rostock max and its awesome stuff, almost got a 60 cm snap-fit Saturn V finished, super strong stuff but for prints with small layers it makes them look very ugly because it bends upwards with every layer made.

now my question is: what is the best material for small prints? how does ABS do? does it not "warp" for smaller prints? i know that it does without a heated bed and on big prints but will the layer quality be better with abs?

thanks in advance,

Demy de Waard

The layer quality of PLA and ABS can be the same.
It depends on the temperature of the hotend, the temperature of the bed, what layer height you are using, which slicer you are using and it goes on and on.
There are many variables but if the variables are set correctly virtually any filament can give good results. At this point in time 3D printing is not plug and play
like a lot of think it is. There are so many things you need to learn, so many variables in play. It is frustrating at times and very rewarding at times.
There are many issues at play like which slicer should I use, what settings within that slicer should I use. After printing for a while you will lean toward which
slicer works best for you and what settings within that slicer works best for you. The main slicers in use today is Slic3r which is bundled within Repetier Host,
Cura, Kisslicer and some people swear by Simplify 3D. I also swear buy it meaning that I will never purchase it, there is no trial available and I refuse to pay
$140 for software that I cannot test. Good luck going down the road to excellent 3D printed parts.

[DdeWaard]

Photos really help in this regard.

Lots of variables here. Print speed, temps. Can you add some detail?

well, i use slic3r from repetier host, i took all the print speed standards from the manual Geneb made for the rostock max,

i think 190deg C is good for my white PLA
for small layer prints i put the printer at about 25/40 % speed and still it does this, i think its called oozing, the previous layer is still too hot so those prev. layers curl up, resulting in ugly surface finishes.

if you could share your slic3r settings with me, that would be very much appreciated. perhaps also to prevent stringing when hopping from one part to the other.

thanks,

Demy de Waard

[Eaglezsoar]

DdeWaard, are you using a layer fan for PLA?

[DdeWaard]

DdeWaard, are you using a layer fan for PLA?

yes i am, 3 25mm fans, made my own cases for them.
its either 100% power or nothing so i think i´ll buy some 40mm fans and make a fan ring for under the effector plate with LED light spots.

but still, can you guys please share your slic3r settings, if you still are using them, or maybe cura?

thanks