3D printing isn't going the way I would like

Started by ColRay
1 reply 4 likes 0 followers Last activity: 21 minutes ago
#2 5
That's tough - PETG isn't stronger than PLA - it just doesn't creep as much under pressure and won't sag in direct sunlight.

The issue you have is likely weak layer bonding - which, sadly, is normal. 3D prints are notorious for being extremely brittle and easy to break between layers. You can increase the bonding a little by printing with as high a nozzle temp as you can without having it affect your prints - but it won't make a huge difference.

It's really important to orient your parts so the stress is along the layers and not between them. A 45 degree angle also works well. Also, giving yourself plenty of meat in any 3D printed part that is going to be stressed is a good idea. The stuff gets quite strong - even along the layer lines - if there's enough of it.

Also, you have to pay attention to the number of walls you have, and your infill. The slicer will normally produce a print that is OK only for light usage unless you increase the number of walls, or even print it solid. Note that increased wall thickness backed up by moderate infill is stronger than thinner walls and more infill.

I don't know what those specific parts were or how much stress they were under, but swelling wood can generate a LOT of force, so you might also want to build some room into your parts. Personally, if I'm doing something functional that has to take strain, I want at least 2-3mm of wall thickness (depending on how much strain) or even solid.
Liked by jostro65 and JockScott
#1 7

3D printing isn't going the way I would like

Before I start.
A big thank you to Ronald ( via PMs) for all his help with my two masted sailing ship.

Yesterday I ran a test using the first sail , this was conducted in a very light breeze , from the very start it didn't go well , a small amount of water splashed on the mast timber causing some swelling, looks like I hadn't water-proofed them enough, the down side was this small amount of change in the timber caused failure in the 3D printed fittings under light pressure they were snaping like matchsticks.

At this point in time, I'm not that sure if I really like 3D printing saying that my old Ender was give some nice results.
After spending over 800 $AU on the latest wiz-kid printer and the new PLA filament from Crealety I'm a tad pissed-off.

A new day its time for 'Don't throw in the towel' and test a roll of PET G
Col
Liked by JockScott and Fishercat

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