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