3D Printing

This page holds information I've gathered while using a 3d printer.

Printers

Monoprice Maker Select V2

Product page: https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=13860

I believe that this printer delivers great quality for the price - so far it has consistently exceeded my expectations. Assembly and setup were painless, calibration was straightforward, and before I knew it I was up and running.

Specs

Build volume: 200mm x 200mm x 180mm
Resolution (layer height): 100 microns (0.1 mm)
Materials: ABS, PLA, XT Copolyester, PET, TPU, TPC, FPE, PVA, HIPS, Jelly, Foam, Felty
Filament diameter: 1.75mm
Max extruder temp: 500°F (260°C)
Data transfer: USB and microSD card

Print Settings

I primarily use Cura for slicing. I added the Maker Select V2 using the Prusa i3 printer profile, making sure to reduce the maximum Z height from 200mm to 180mm. Most of my printing is done in draft quality at 0.2mm layer height. I found that with the default settings, not only was I slightly annoyed with some quality issues, but I would also suffer plate adhesion problems. Changing from brim to raft type plate adhesion solved the latter problem entirely. For the quality issues, I found that reducing the print speed allowed me to get consistent, high-quality results. I've added the custom settings below.

Custom print settings:

• Print speed: 50mm/s
• Outer wall speed: 15mm/s
• Inner wall speed: 30mm/s
• Top/bottom speed: 20mm/s
• Travel speed: 80mm/s

Mods / Customization

The Maker Select V2 is a solid printer stock from the factory. But it's not without room for improvement.

• Z-Axis Braces
  • Braces that stiffen the Z-axis tower to prevent wobbling.
• Z-Axis Extensions
  • Though the Maker Select V2 is said to have 180mm clearance in the Z-axis, the truth is it's about 143mm. These extension blocks make up for that difference.
• Upgraded Fan Ducting
  • This design allows for better airflow. The end result is higher-quality prints.

Gallery

Here's some of the prints I've made.

• 

  A failed Yoda print. You can see the infill grid in the space left open at the top, and the brim around the bottom edge. (PLA, 0.2mm layer height, 10% infill)

• 

  A cup made to look like Bender's head is in the middle of printing. You can see the infill grid in the space left open. (PLA, 0.2mm layer height, 10% infill)