First decent print looking for tips

I picked up a used Robo3d this weekend. After a few issues such as clogged hobbed bolt and couple other minor adjustments(and pitching the old original filament that came with it), I finally got a usable print. Still having some issue with extruder chewing up filament but will work on those.

It is PLA. I extruded at 185 first layer and 190 all others not bed heating. Layer height .4mm. Filament size 1.75mm. 100% infill. Most other params are defaults from Matter Control. Slic3r for slicing. Firmware is Robo3dR1autov1.

Just looking for any additional tips or setting I should adjust. I have read through a large number of posts in the forums but info seems spread out all over.

The print looks like of thread. I have seem others prints that look nice so just looking for setting that might help. The skirt and first layer looked nice but seems to get kind of bumpy as the layers build. Didn't seem to be much smoother than when I had set to 60% infill, either.

Any tips would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Chris

 

I will look into the oiler. Thanks.

I am not sure if it as much clogging or having trouble turning the full spool of filament. From what I noticed the last few prints(after cleaning out the old crud that was there) if I manually keep the spool loose the filament it works fine, but once that is all used up and it tries to pull the spool around it seems to quit feeding. It is a full spool.

 

Make sure the spool turns freely, a spool holder using bearings is ideal. Season the hotend and use an oiler. These couple of things will do wonders for you.

 

Yeah the spool on the stock spool holder itself is loose. It may also be the stock hobbed bolt has met his match. I am ordering a new one.

I like the idea of the spool holder with bearings, I was thinking that way myself. I will see if I can find a good example of one. I saw a couple designs but none had bearings, which like you I think would be better.

Thanks

 

I have a Design that works really well but have to make a few adjustments and do another test print of it before I put it on Thingiverse. I'll try make the adjustments and upload it as a work in progress today.

This is its current iteration and it works well but the bearing end cap is too tight. I have my spool top mounted.

 

oh that looks nice!!!

 

Chris do you have the black spool holder that attaches to the back or the clear acrylic side one?

 

I have the black one that attaches to the back.

 

What's the stock black spool holder look like, pic?

 

Just published the spool holder on Thingiverse. If you decide to use it let me know how it goes, especially if you use the Part2a end cap.
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:550851

 

Good tip I will try that height also.

I think your right on the belts. The X(between the 2 columns of the machine) one is pretty tight, but the Y does seem a little loose. Does anyone know how to adjust the Y belts, they are kind of hidden beneath the bed.

Galaxius - Attached are pics of the new stock spool holder.

 

Great I will definitely try it once I get my prints looking a little better.

Thanks,
Chris

 

Ok an update. I changed the layer height to .3mm as printed solid suggested. Attached are pics of my last print of the cube that comes with the Matter library. Looks much better in my opinion. I have the oiler and the new spool holder on my list once I get things working decent.

Would your more experienced Robo users consider this a good Medium quality print(it is only 60% fill)? I am just trying to see what are realistic expectations. The size is correct from what I can tell. I tightened the screw on the Y axis but belt is still a little loose. Need to figure out how to adjust that one

 

That's looking pretty good. For calibration cubes I print with between 12 and 20% fill and only 2 premiers/top/bottom layers, sometimes 3 for top.

That's also how I print a lot of actual objects too , though sometimes with 3 perimeters depending on how complex it is, but mechanical and load bearing objects are always printed stronger. Anyway, that's something for next week lol.

Sorry I'm not sure how to tighten the belt on the new bed.

 

Good deal!! I will try with the lower fill now. I had tried it earlier on(before changing many settings) it kind of drooped in the middle with 30%.

Anyway thanks to everyone for the help/suggestions. I put together a little document with the settings I am using, seeing as it sounds like many others have issues getting it all figured out also. Feel free to make any suggestions as to changes, just hope it helps someone else down the line. The documentation on this printer is so fragmented around I thought this might help.

Thanks,
Chris

 

Well the drooping was a while back. I will try another one with the new settings now.

I don't think I have parts fan running not sure where that turns on from. The fan settings are kind of confusing all are set by default at 100%, which I don't think can be right, maybe I am overthinking that one though. I do not have the bed heater on for PLA, at least that is what I had read in some other posts and online.