Perfect First Layer

This Episodes Questions:

Just finished the latest episode where you guys talked about FreeCAD. I almost snapped when Guy said it was not parametric, or that “just recently changed”. It’s been like that since day one, almost 22 years ago.
What Guy referred to was the Topological Naming Problem, the thing that happens when you remove a feature that another feature depends upon. Something that was mentioned happening to Guy in Fusion as well. Have great news, in the 0.22dev branch it has code that mitigates that issue (can never be solved, because there is an infinite number of possible models to design and an infinite ways of breaking things) and in August or September the 1.0 version is going to be released with that fix and many, many improvements present in the 0.22dev. I encourage you to be on the fence for when 1.0 is released.
And yes, FreeCAD uses the graphics card with OpenGL.
Cheers from Argentina, Gabriel

The Ender 5-S1 is my only machine. Aside from the sonic pad and the acrylic enclosure, are there any mods that you’d consider worth the time and investment? If yes, what would be the cost and how tricky are they to pull off for someone with good DIY skills and equipment, but only moderate 3d printer knowledge? I’m in the UK (I can do the currency conversion, but not all products available to you might be available easily here, though I’m willing to import if it’s worth it).
Thanks again! Simon Troup

What are the major categories or different applications you would classify printers into? I’m thinking along the lines of a voron 0 for small high quality, something with a large print volume, something enclosed and high precision, etc. I ask this as I consider selecting a second printer, what are some considerations to decide on what would most expand my capabilities?
I have an E3V3 KE with some minor mods (structural, silicone spacers, nozzles) and I have it well tuned and printing great. Do I get a second one for continuity and ease of use, or would I be better served getting something to fit a different niche?
Love the podcast and all the different angles you bring to the discussion!Ben

I was curious to know what type of ASA you were trying to print as I have printed E-Sun, Inland and Polymaker. I have never had a problem with keeping it on the bed. I’ve even printed it on an ender 3 pro in the open air and it stuck just fine. I do use Magioo on my print beds, so just curious what you guys were using that was warping. I have a K1, an Ender 3 pro and Ender 3 pro s1 and a sv06 Sovol and printed ASA just fine on all of them. The SV06 and the s1 are in those cheap creality plastic enclosures.
Thank you for the response. Chris

I love the podcast. Guy, I’ve been following you on the fine woodworking side for several years, and gravitated to this podcast when I got my first 3D printer, an AnyCubic Kobra 2 along with Raspberry Pi and Octoprint, in December. I’ve upgraded to Bambu Labs X1 Carbon. The Kobra 2/Raspberry Pi required me to spend my time mastering the technology, rather than just printing cool stuff. I realized I did not need another rabbit hole, so I went with the X1. The analogy I use when asked by other 3Ders is that rather than being the guy who soups up the car, I just want to go for a ride! But, I digress.
I’ve heard mixed reviews on the advantages of a 0.6mm hot end vs. the stock 0.4mm that comes with the printer. Speed and strength are noted as the primary advantages, but at some cost to quality. Many of the prints I make are for use as jigs in the shop or other household hacks, so even though I love the quality of the prints, I could sacrifice that for speed. I’ve read many comments on reddit that say the speed improvement claim is exaggerated. Can you guys set me straight? Paul

This Episodes Questions:

I got into the hobby in the last year or so, and have been looking at lots of different printers for my second machine. I’m fascinated by the design of them. I have an older, second-hand, FlashForge educational model the “Inventor”, and I rarely have to re-level my bed once it’s dialed in.
Why does the larger Voron design use a flying gantry with 4 stepper motors, instead of a fixed gantry and a moving build plate for the z axis? It seems like it would be so wobbly and it requires mesh bed leveling. Also, why are PEI build plates so popular when a Glass plate is so much flatter, more durable, and has better thermal mass?
Tim

What has been your favorite personal project or application of 3d printing? What have you made or fixed with 3d printing that you were most proud of, excited about, or found most useful?
Ben

Hey Guy and guys,
I love my Ender 3 v3 and I’ve printed a ton of PLA with it. However, the stock profile in Creality Print for PETG prints quite slowly in comparison, around 50 mm/sec. How do I go about printing PETG faster? What settings should I look into adjusting so I can bump the speed and still get decent prints? Thanks!
Bruce

Hi Guy(s),

Thanks for the discussion about FreeCAD. Since I asked my original question, there has been some notable development in the FreeCAD project that might entice you or some listeners to check it out. And just to be clear, I’m not involved in the development of FreeCAD or Ondsel, I’m just enthusiastic about its progress and think it could be of use to a lot of people.
In the latest development builds of FreeCAD (available on their GitHub), they have made major improvements in the parametric behavior. Models are more resilient when making changes and references are less likely to break. FreeCAD is still not as usable as something like Onshape, but at the current rate of development, I think it is becoming serious competition.
I guess this is supposed to be a question, so how about this: What are your go to resources for learning a new program/software? Do you have any specific websites or YouTube channels you recommend for learning your CAD program of choice? Thanks,
Austin

Hey guys,
I’ve been developing an adjustable projection jig for the most popular honing guides (Guy can explain), but the parts aren’t coming out square. I have a Bambu P1S, and I’ve tried different orientations for the parts (except diagonally), and different materials and print speeds, but the parts are consistently out of square, which renders the jig useless. I’ve had the issue since the printer was first set up.
How do you recommend I fix the problem? Thanks!
Damon

This Episodes Questions:

Hey I want to get my first printer and can’t decide what to get. I am a cnc machinist and program parts using CAD softwares daily. I’m looking to start a little side hustle and produce practical parts/be creative with prints. I would prefer an enclosed printer but definitely can be persuaded otherwise. What printer is best? What about a second printer. Levi

I have been interested in recent developments in FreeCAD. I’m hoping it can become the Blender of parametric modeling in terms of being fully featured with a clean UI. Do any of you Guy(s) have experience using FreeCAD? Austin

This Episodes Questions:

Hey fellas! I live in stony plain Alberta and the temp like to swing a solid 80 degrees celcius over the year. I’m doing a new stereo build for my car and want to put my lowly ender 3 neo to work! It’s modded to all heck and I can put it in my workshop if I need a heated chamber. Now here’s my question. In the summer it’s not unusual to see North of 35c/95f which means in car temps when parked can reach 50c/125f now will PETG survive this? Or do I need to go with ABS?
I could google it but I’d much rather listen to guy accuse Nathan of making up words while JJ prints a golden toilet in the background.
Cheers fellas! Look forward to the next episode.
P.S. I can’t remember if I said this or not initially. I’ll be making speaker pods that live on the dash next to the A pillar. Normally I’d do wood and fiberglass. Justin

I initially purchased a Prusa printer with the understanding that I could continuously upgrade it through available kits as new versions are released. However, I’m beginning to question whether this approach is truly beneficial. Do you believe it is sensible for Prusa to design the MK5 in a manner that allows full upgrading from the MK4, or could this strategy be inadvertently hindering significant innovation?
Love the podcast!” Jim

What are your thoughts on the best base or location for a printer? Something soft to absorb vibration or hard and heavy to be sturdy, or a layering of different materials? Ben

This Episodes Questions:

I’m really looking forward to hearing about Guy’s experience putting together his latest Voron. If you guys could build your “ultimate Voron”, what would it be and what would be your application for it? James

Are the phrozen machines any good or are they just bambu lab replicas? Tobias Raynor

I am debating between a dual hybrid corexy motion system for idex or a basic cartesian cube setup. I know everyone is obsessed with corexy these days for speed and quality but are there any actual benefits to that over a cube cartesian system like the ender 5 plus? From what I can tell, all the benefits come from limiting bed movement to the z axis and a print head that is potentially lighter due to not carrying the x axis motor. I’m using high temp motors so in theory they don’t need to be moved outside of the chamber, and with idex, the x gantry will never be that light. Am I missing something or do these 2 printer styles essentially share the same benefits?
What do you think I should do – hybrid corexy or cartesian cube?
Should I trust that this can be done safely, follow directions posted online, and maybe just have an electrician friend check my work?
Is the reality that wiring on any moving parts will eventually fail, and therefore I should pursue a custom 48v or 24v heatbed made in the 800+ W range?
Thanks guys and keep up the good work with the podcast Peter Osinski

This Episodes Questions:

Hey guys!
seems like you guys cant stop talking about Bhaam-Booo printers. so this question is about filaments.
I like how manufactures clearly label their filaments what type of filament it is(PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA so on) but what I dont like is how different brands/manufactures filaments differ from one another… NOT ALL PLAs are SAME PLAs even though the TYPE and COLOR are the same. so that makes me question – what the heck these manufactures mix into their filaments? is there any regulating body like FDA for food stuff? how are these random bands(funky named-chinese brands) able to offer filaments from time to time on the market?will be looking forward to the next episode! Thanks, Max

Hi, I really enjoy the pod cast. Keep up the good work.
What the is the correlation between layer adhesion and a matted or shiny finish of a ABS print. Doesn’t a shiny finish mean better layer bonding. I want the strongest parts possible my chamber temps can reach 65-70c on a voron.
What confusing me is when I run a volumetric flow test per Ellis tuning guide It says to pay attention to where it transitions from matted to shiny. So which is better for layer adhesion for abs?
I hope you are understanding what I’m asking.
Leeki Bumb

You had a question previously of someone who had acquired an X1 Carbon for work. They were very happy with it and asked for a recommendation for a second printer, something in the $2500 range. I was waiting for you to recommend the Bambu Lab X1E (Enterprise/Engineering) because that is exactly the price of that machine, but there was no mention of it. The hot end gets hotter and it has a full lan only capabilities. It seems like this machine is the reason we don’t have full lan mode on the X1 Carbon, because they want to charge you an extra $1000 for that capability. To me, that is a bad reason to withhold software features on X1 Carbon. With a $600 Creality K1C able to do full lan mode out of the box, it seems to me it’s direct competitor is really the $2500 Bambu X1E. What do you think?
Keep up the great work. Best 3d printing podcast there is. Adam

This Episodes Questions:

Howdy! I just wanted to comment about the last podcast it was mentioned when you put a Bambu printer in LAN only mode bypassing the cloud it asks you for the 10 digit code. It doesn’t do that anymore, you just have to enter the code once and it remembers it now. Leith

In Canada today, a Prusa MK4 is $1099 CAD, Bambu’s A1 is $719, or Creality is selling the Ender 3 V3 KE for $399. All 3 are bed slingers capable of a sub 20 minute benchy, auto bed-levelling, and input shaping.
In the early days of 3D printing, Prusa demanded a premium because they had arguably the best printer on the market. Today, Prusa still prices their printers like they are a cut above, but the competition has caught up.
Does Prusa need to reassess how they price their machines in today’s market? Or is that orange paint still worth the Prusa premium?
I’ve been playing around with 3D printing on my ender 3 v2 for almost a year now, and I’ve pretty much exclusively used PLA. The other day I got my first spool of PETG and I’m amazed, it prints just like PLA but is tougher, more thermal resistant, UV resistant, and the quality is just as good as PLA and just as easy to print.
Why are we still predominantly using PLA when PETG exists? Cory

Hey Guy, Nathan & JJ,
Thanks for everything you guys do!
the question is about designing models you could monetize. There are many talented folks come up with original ideas but one size does not fit all. so how about designing similar model for same purpose? truly designing; not removing their logos from their STLs, designing and making STEP files.
does it invite copyright issues? just wanted to hear on this from you guys.
Thanks, keep up the good work
EM Extruded Mind

Also, I’m guessing the printer’s motion control components are just as important for print quality if not more so, but is there anything new and innovative happening in the motion control space or has decades of industrial automation given us the best we are going to get and all that’s left to do is find the best components at the cheapest price? James

This Episode’s Questions:

It seems to me that the 3D printer market is going to split into two types; the enclosed ecosystem (Apple) and the open source type (Android). Companies like Bambu want the enclosed ecosystem to build appliances that maximize profit potential. I’m OK with that because there is good value to consumers for products that “just work” and you guys clearly like your P1P’s and P1S’s. My only problem with that is the loss of privacy and control to Bambu’s network. It’s a no-go for me and like Nathan, I work offline and I will never own a machine that requires online access to operate. I got the impression there is a way around that but Bambu makes it difficult. Could you expand on what workarounds there are for people like me who don’t want to drink the Koolaid? James

Hello! New listener, and first time writer. I have an Ender 3, an Ender 3 v2, and a friends CR-10 smart. I was wondering what your recommendations would be to upgrade one of the Enders to print either TPU, or ABS/ASA. I could go either direction really! Love the show! Leo

I heard a guy asking about building. Voron and you guys recommend he go with bambu. But he can go with troodon which is a pre built voron. I provided a link. Brad

And Nathan dispels some 3D Printing superstitions

This Episodes Questions:

Hey guys, so, I wanted some advice. I’ve been looking to get a Bambu Lab printer but I’m wondering if it’s worth the jump from the P1S to the X1C. For me, I run a small print farm for a vendor fair/craft show business. I print primarily PLA, PETG, and TPU but I enjoy enclosed printers so the P1P and A1 are out of the picture for me. I’ve watched review after review and some people love the P1S, some don’t, especially because of the screen and the camera. Is the camera that bad and is the screen that big of a headache? Do I spend the extra money for a better camera, LiDar, hardened steel extruder/nozzle, and touchscreen? Or am I better off buying a P1S and saving myself money? Braden

For the “Pro-sumer” and light industrial users the possibility of using more technical plastic materials, metals and continuous carbon fiber filament is very exciting and I’m looking forward to the inevitable trickle down effect from the more serious users like aerospace and automotive manufacturing. I would love to see more content in that direction but are any of you guys particularly interested in those higher capability machines or do you prefer to stay strictly in the hobby arena? Also, which of the more advanced 3D printing technologies do you think will be most likely to be affordable to the average consumer first? James

Hi guys,
I am currently running an E5S1 and E3v2. I have a potential customer that requires the product to be temp stable in a hot vehicle and am torn between:

• Qidi smart3
• Qidi Xmax3 Plus
• Prusa mini in enclosure
• Bambu P1S
• Ratrig V-Minion
• Crealiy K1
• Voron v0
  I am currently spending 30min or so getting my print chamber to 45c with the E5S1 in the tent enclosure thingy. Any recommendations? Is a small Ratrig or Voron farm a good idea?? Jeremiah