jayceekeys
Resolved by Jason !
Hi Guys,
Just a quick question ..... How many of you have been printing the existing files for JD - and how have you been getting on ? I would love to know what machines you have been printing on and any top tips too!
I have tried a few of the parts (I know they are to be updated soon but figured that it will give me some practice and an idea of what they will fit like). I am having difficulties with some of the parts - particularly where there are overhangs. Things like the EZ connectors on most parts are giving me difficulties as the male connector doesn't sit on the print bed, it starts mid-air an overhang a few mil off the bed. It is also a part that needs to be really crisp or else it won't fit the female connector. If I try printing without support, it just gives me a heap of mess for the first few layers of the connector. If I print with support, then it adds support to other parts (the bridges etc) that were printing without the support fine. It gives a bad finish overall to the parts because of the support being added.
I'm seriously considering re-working to the STL files in Solidworks to create alternatives that don't have so much overhang etc. A lot of the bridges an overhangs look great, but are there for aesthetic reasons and aren't actually critical to the function of the part. I understand te the files are about to be reissued and that the files will have things that make the parts look awesome, but I fear it will only add more complication to the printing of them (logos etc).
I just thought I would check to see if other people are geeting on ok in case it's just me needing to work harder with the printer!
By the way, my printer is a RepRapPro Mono Mendel. I have tried printing in PLA and just bought a KG of white ABS that I tried last night.
I'm just not sure whether the shiny Replicator 2 that EZ are using allows them to print the parts, but that more commonly used printer might struggle.
Any help or tips would be REALLY gratefully received!
Cheers,
Jay 
Sorry I can't contribute to this yet but I will be watching this thread.
I tried printing out some of the servo brackets with some ABS that I bought. all the over hangs caused problems for me. I have a printrbot jr v2. I never got to try my PLA because I hade hot end problems with the 1.75mm hot end. thats also the size of my PLA. I had a 3mm hot end and some 3mm abs. I have had nothing but problems with the ABS. I tried using supports and tried different speeds and heat settings. I get a lot of curling up at edges from the hot end being really hot and passing by a warm layer just laid down. If I put a delay between layers the print will curl off the heated bed from hot ABS cooling and contracting on already cooled and contracted ABS, I found that hairspray works great for keeping most of my prints attached to the bed .I changed one of the STL files to make the easy clip extend to the heated print bed. That did help. I think though my biggest problem is the ABS is not of good quality, it is a gold color that I bought at a discount. I think if i was using the PLA and a better slicing program it would work better. On a side note I did see one guy had a tutorial on splicing gcode to get awesome prints of a tardis. I wish i could remember where I saw that as that was a good tutorial. Sorry now I am Just rambling on.
Hey Shamon!
It's kind of nice to know I'm not the only one - although sorry to hear you're struggling too.
The extending the clip to the print bed was my next step. In fairness if my experience is anything to go by the PLA has similar issues with the clip overhang.i have always used PLA before so bought the ABS in the hope it may be better ! I'm seriously considering remodelling the parts to make them more printer friendly !
J
Generally we suggest to use auto supports on parts with overhangs but if you are not getting the results you want try creating custom supports in your CAD software. Like you said the slicer will generate supports in areas that do not require any creating a significantly longer print. So I usually will create my own supports allowing me to control how the part is printed and minimizing print times.
Keep in mind that holes and openings in the designs not only keep parts light but bring print times and filament usage down.
Don't worry about working hard its more important to work smart, stay with it and have fun
Hey Corey!
Thanks for your reply and top tip about the custom supports! I think that's a great idea so I can as you say control exactly where they do and don't go
which slicing software do you use? Is it Makerware?
I use solidworks a bit for CAD as I have a student licence. I don't suppose the files are available as solidworks native files rather than just STL's?
I have been dying to start work on the files but have been waiting for the latest versions so I know I don't end up spending hours working on them and find that important bits have changed lol.
Thanks again buddy
Jay
Yes we use Makerware for a slicer.
We don't have Solidworks files on the cloud but I could see if i can get .sldprt files added onto the accepted list for attachments. If you open up the STL as a solid body you will be able to build sketches and features on top of the STL allowing you to create your supports.
I have been very busy getting the designs perfect for manufacturing and doing so I have touched every design file. Some wont have any noticeable design changes however I'm proud say thay have been improved significantly
I had the same problems. Can't wait for Feb 28th to get here.
Hey Corey,
I have been mainly using slic3r and also tried cura, but the Makerware only works (I think) with makerbot printers so not used that.
Is there any chance of getting even a few of the STLs that are finished either uploaded or maybe attached on here? It's just it would be great to get a little progress printing !
I have sent a Contact Us to the team today about upgrading my order to also include a full Roli package and JD eyes too
at least that way I have a full kit to play with as I work on JD !
I did see the change to things like the front of JD's body - looks great ..... But by having the raised clip on the front, it now means that it can't be printed with the front on the print bed .... It will have to be printed the other way up I guess so the whole print will need support !
Cheers
J