For frequently asked questions or questions that discuss the basics of 3D printing.
The tag is used for grouping the FAQ-like topics, most commonly asked about 3D printing.
Questions tagged [knowledgebase]
37 questions
23
votes
4 answers
What glues for bonding printed PLA to injection-molded plastic?
I will be creating a small tube styled piece to use as a junction between two pieces of plastic. The idea is to reattach the two pieces and provide strength so they don't break apart again. I plan on using PLA.
My question is, will superglue…
Pᴀᴜʟsᴛᴇʀ2
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22
votes
5 answers
Should I enclose my 3D Printer?
I have a home built RepRap with all sides open..
Would there be any advantage to enclosing the print area in acrylic?
Matt Clark
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17
votes
2 answers
What is Thermal Runaway Protection?
What is Thermal Runaway Protection (TRP) and why should I enable it?
How does one do so in Marlin?
Trish
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17
votes
1 answer
How to set Z-probe boundary limits in firmware when using automatic bed leveling?
In setting up a probe for automatic bed leveling, the limits of the probing area must be entered in the firmware of a 3D printer.
When using a sensor, how do you define the bed limits for the sensor in Marlin firmware?
E.g. the Marlin (1.1.x)…
0scar
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16
votes
2 answers
How may I identify the firmware in use on my 3D printer?
I have a generic printer with no support documentation.
How do I determine what firmware is in use so that I can research how to make the print run?
Gord
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15
votes
4 answers
Why is it conventional to set line width > nozzle diameter?
I recently became curious about the Line Width setting in Cura and why one might change it if they aren't using different size nozzle.
Since I've gotten my Ender 3, I've always kept the line width equal to my nozzle size (0.4 mm). I've looked around…
ifconfig
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15
votes
2 answers
Why is a 3D Benchy considered a good test print for FDM printers?
the 3D Benchy is everywhere. It is one of the top test prints if you look away from a simple cube.
But what makes the Benchy a good test print at all? It does have almost no critical dimensions that would be measurable to see if the printer is…
Trish
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12
votes
2 answers
What is a printer console/terminal?
I read that G-code commands can be sent through a console/terminal over USB. What is a console/terminal and how do you use that?
0scar
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11
votes
2 answers
How to center my prints on the build platform? (Re-calibrate homing offset)
When I print large prints close to (but not exceeding) the maximum dimensions of the heated build platform on my Anet A8, the brim or skirt or the print itself is printed outside the heated bed, while there is some space left at the opposite sites.…
0scar
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11
votes
2 answers
How to choose an extrusion temperature?
From what I've been able to find out, online sources recommend around 205ºC for PLA and around 240ºC for ABS. But these are only guidelines, of course. Optimal printing temperature can be different depending on the printer, the filament, the model…
mhelvens
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10
votes
3 answers
What's the advantage of two z motors?
Some RepRap models use only a single motor for the Z axis, others use two.
For example, there is the 3drag that has only one motor and a smooth rod on the other side. There are modifications that add a threaded rod on the other side that is…
nnscr
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10
votes
1 answer
Slicer line width vs. extrusion multiplier for layer adhesion?
My question would like to address what would be better for adhesion and general quality and possibly strength: either increase the slicer line width option or increase the slicer extrusion multiplier for layer to layer adhesion?
This question has a…
0scar
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9
votes
1 answer
Using auto-bed leveling, do I need to initiate G29 before every print?
Various methods to scan the top surface exist to improve the bed adhesion to prevent prints to come loose from the bed during printing: e.g. BLTouch and clones or inductive and capacitive sensors/probes.
In order, for the print head, to use this…
0scar
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8
votes
2 answers
3D printing references for beginners
I have just received a 3D printer for Christmas (Robo R2). I am confused by the sheer amount of settings that I can tweak and I'm hesitant to do so until I know more about them. I was wondering if anybody has any recommendations for literature…
David Reed
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8
votes
3 answers
Are there any "best" or at least "common" practices to handle allowances in OpenSCAD code?
I'm designing a few mechanisms with OpenSCAD, and one of the parameters that need adjustment between printers/filaments is allowances between pieces that need to be assembled together (for example, if I want a "5 mm diameter pin" to fasten two…
mac
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