Hi all,
I’m trying to get acquainted with the Shop part of Patreon, and I just uploaded new models.
Feel free to have a look at them here: https://www.patreon.com/c/makerviking/shop
They are Free for all Patreon levels from Warrior and up. 🙂
Thank you for the support, it’s highly appreciated.
Thomas the MakerViking.
Hey everyone!
I’m excited to share my latest 3D model with you—the Halloween Ghost with Pumpkin Basket! This cute little ghost is perfect for adding some spooky fun to your Halloween decorations, and it’s ready for you to download and print right now. Whether you’re a fan of the playful side of Halloween or just love festive decorations, this model is sure to bring some charm to your collection.
💡 What’s even better? I’m running a contest this week where one lucky winner will take home $100! It’s still time to enter, but the end is getting close! It’s super simple to enter—just download the model from Thangs and sign up to the contest. Follow the details in the description. With only a few entries so far, your chances of winning are pretty high!
Download the Halloween Ghost with Pumpkin Basket model from Thangs.
Sign up with the form linked in the model description
Check the additional steps you can do to increase your chances. 🙂
As always, thank you for your support! I can’t wait to see your printed ghosts, and I’m sure they’ll turn out amazing! 🎃👻
Hello, 3D printing enthusiasts! 🎉 Are you eager to unlock the secrets of 3D printing and elevate your creations to the next level? Here’s how to do so with our 3d printing tips and tricks.
Whether you’re a seasoned expert or a newbie, we have some fantastic 3d printing tips and tricks that will help you achieve stunning prints consistently.
From choosing the ideal filament to mastering complex calibrations, we’ve got it all covered. Additionally, we’ll explore common pitfalls like warping and stringing and offer quick solutions to keep your projects on track.
So, grab your favorite beverage, and let’s dive into the world of 3D printing! 🚀
Explore my latest 3D models on Thangs, including the spooky Evil Pumpkin, detailed Lizard Man Mask, fierce Howling Wolf, and the adorable Happy Piglet! There’s something for every 3D printing fan.
Check them out now at makerviking.com/NewModels and start printing today!
Selecting the appropriate filament is crucial for the success of your 3D printing projects. With a wide range of materials available, each offering unique properties, it’s essential to choose one that aligns with your project’s requirements.
PLA is an excellent starting point for beginners due to its ease of use and minimal warping. Conversely, ABS is more durable and heat-resistant but necessitates a heated bed to prevent warping.
For flexible prints, TPU is your ideal choice, while PETG combines the best attributes of both PLA and ABS, offering enhanced strength and flexibility.
Consider your project’s specific needs, such as strength, flexibility, and temperature resistance, before making a choice.
By selecting the right material, you’ll lay the foundation for stunning, high-quality prints every time.
Understanding the properties of different filaments can significantly enhance your 3D printing outcomes.
Each filament type has unique characteristics that influence the final output. For example, PLA is biodegradable and easy to print, making it ideal for prototyping and decorative items. ABS is known for its strength and heat resistance, suitable for long 3D prints and functional parts.
PETG offers a balance of flexibility and strength, while TPU provides elasticity, ideal for applications requiring flexibility.
Additionally, consider properties like melting temperature, tensile strength, and UV resistance.
Understanding these aspects will help you choose the right filament for specific 3D printing projects for students or engineers.
By taking the time to learn about filament properties, you ensure your prints not only look good but also perform as intended, bringing your creative visions to life with precision.
Proper filament storage is vital to maintaining the quality and longevity of your 3D printing materials. Filaments are susceptible to moisture, which can cause issues like poor layer adhesion and inconsistent extrusion.
To prevent this, store your filaments in airtight containers with desiccant packs to absorb moisture. In humid environments, consider using vacuum-sealed bags for additional protection.
Also, keeping filaments away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures will help preserve their integrity.
Regularly check stored filaments for signs of brittleness or moisture absorption, and dry them if necessary using a filament dryer or a low-temperature oven.
By storing your filament correctly, you’ll ensure your prints remain high-quality, avoiding common pitfalls associated with compromised materials.
Do you like our 3d printing tips and tricks, so far?
Leveling your print bed is a fundamental step in achieving flawless 3D prints. An uneven bed can lead to poor adhesion, warping, and failed prints.
Begin by ensuring your printer is on a stable surface. Manually level the bed using a piece of paper or a feeler gauge to adjust the distance between the nozzle and the bed.
This distance should be uniform across all corners and the center, typically exhibiting slight resistance on the paper.
Many modern printers feature auto-bed leveling, which simplifies this process, but it’s still essential to periodically check and recalibrate.
Consistent leveling ensures the first layer adheres properly, setting a solid foundation for the rest of the print.
By mastering bed leveling, you’ll enhance the reliability and quality of your 3D printer, making it perfect for long prints and intricate designs.
Fine-tuning your extruder settings is crucial for achieving high-quality prints.
Start by calibrating the extruder’s steps per millimeter to ensure it feeds the exact amount of filament required.
Incorrect step settings can lead to over-extrusion or under-extrusion, resulting in blobs or gaps in your print.
Additionally, adjust the extrusion temperature according to the filament type.
For instance, PLA generally requires lower temperatures than ABS or PETG.
Setting the correct temperature helps achieve smooth layers and strong interlayer bonds.
It’s also important to adjust the retraction settings to prevent stringing, especially for intricate 3D printing projects for engineers or students.
Experimenting with different speeds and distances helps optimize retraction for your specific setup.
By carefully adjusting these extruder settings, you’ll improve the quality of your prints, ensuring each project reflects your design vision accurately.
Adjusting your print speed can significantly impact the quality and success of your 3D printing projects.
A faster print speed reduces print time but may compromise detail and accuracy, leading to issues like poor layer adhesion and rough surfaces.
Conversely, a slower speed enhances detail and precision, making it ideal for complex prints and long projects.
Begin by testing different speeds on small models to find a balanced setting that suits your printer and filament type.
Keep in mind that different sections of a print, such as infills and outer layers, may benefit from distinct speeds.
For instance, slower speeds on the outer shell can improve surface quality, while faster infill speeds help save time.
By fine-tuning print speed according to these factors, you ensure a perfect balance between efficiency and quality, enhancing the overall success of your 3D printing endeavors.
We’re about halfway through our 3d printing tips and tricks. Keep on reading!
Correct temperature settings are critical for successful 3D prints.
The nozzle and bed temperature must be adjusted to suit the specific filament you are using.
For instance, PLA typically requires a nozzle temperature between 190-210°C, while ABS needs higher temperatures, usually around 220-250°C.
The bed temperature also plays a crucial role in preventing issues like warping and enhancing adhesion.
A heated bed of around 60°C works well for PLA, while ABS may require temperatures closer to 100°C.
Consult your filament manufacturer’s guidelines for optimal temperature settings, but slight adjustments may be necessary based on environmental factors like room temperature and airflow.
By carefully managing these temperature settings, your 3D printer can produce consistent, high-quality prints, ensuring your designs come out as intended, whether for intricate engineering projects or creative home endeavors.
Layer height and resolution are key factors in determining the quality and detail of your 3D prints.
The layer height refers to the thickness of each layer, with smaller heights providing finer detail but increasing print time.
Typically, a layer height of 0.1 to 0.2 mm offers a good balance between speed and detail for most projects.
However, high-resolution prints, especially those with intricate details, may benefit from a smaller layer height of 0.05 mm, albeit at the cost of longer printing times.
Conversely, for prototypes or large models with less critical fine detail, you can opt for a larger layer height to speed up the process.
Adjusting the resolution according to the needs of your project helps ensure that your prints meet your expectations, whether you’re working on detailed educational projects or functional household items.
Choosing the right infill pattern and density is crucial for balancing strength, weight, and material usage in 3D prints.
Infill patterns like honeycomb or gyroid provide excellent strength-to-weight ratios, making them ideal for functional prints that require durability without excess weight.
For decorative items or prototypes, simpler patterns like lines or grids can reduce print time and material use.
The infill density, typically measured as a percentage, determines how solid the interior of your print will be.
A higher density, such as 50% or more, increases strength but also adds weight and extends print time.
Conversely, a lower density, around 10-20%, is often sufficient for non-structural items.
Adjusting these parameters based on the specific requirements of your project ensures your 3D prints are both efficient and effective, whether you’re creating complex engineering models or simple everyday items for home use.
Warping is a common challenge in 3D printing, where prints lift from the bed during cooling, leading to distorted results.
To tackle this, start by ensuring your print bed is level and clean. A heated bed can help maintain consistent temperatures, reducing warping, especially with materials like ABS
. Applying adhesives such as glue stick or painter’s tape can improve bed adhesion. Additionally, controlling the printer’s environment is crucial; a draft-free, stable temperature setting minimizes fluctuations that contribute to warping.
Enclosures can also help maintain a stable environment, particularly for materials prone to warping. Lowering the print speed and adjusting the cooling settings can also alleviate the issue, providing uniform cooling throughout the print.
By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce warping, ensuring that your 3D prints remain true to their intended design, whether they are decorative or functional objects.
Enhancing layer adhesion is essential for achieving strong, durable 3D prints. Poor layer adhesion can lead to weak points and failed prints. Start by ensuring your print bed is properly leveled and clean.
A heated bed can greatly improve adhesion for materials like ABS and PETG, helping the first layer to bond well.
Applying a thin layer of adhesive, such as a glue stick or hair spray, can also boost bed adhesion.
Adjusting the print temperature is another effective strategy; a slightly higher nozzle temperature can improve layer bonding, but be cautious to avoid overheating.
Reducing print speed for the initial layers allows the filament to settle and bond more effectively.
Additionally, using a brim or raft can provide a larger surface area for the print to adhere to, minimizing the risk of lifting. By implementing these tips, you’ll enhance layer adhesion, ensuring your prints come out strong and reliable.
Stringing and blobs are common issues that can detract from the quality of your 3D prints.
To minimize these problems, start by adjusting the retraction settings in your slicer software. Increasing the retraction distance and speed can help pull back the filament, reducing oozing during travel moves.
Additionally, lowering the print temperature can reduce the filament’s viscosity, helping prevent excess material from dripping and forming strings or blobs.
However, ensure the temperature isn’t too low, as it might affect layer adhesion. Calibrating your extruder is also crucial; ensure it’s not over-extruding, which can contribute to blobbing.
Regularly clean your nozzle to remove any build-up, which can exacerbate these issues. Finally, enable the “Combing” feature in your slicer, which keeps travel paths within printed areas, further reducing stringing.
By fine-tuning these settings, you’ll achieve cleaner prints, perfecting projects from Thingiverse or your own designs for various 3D printer uses at home.
3d printing tips and tricks makes 3d printing easier!
Long 3D prints provide the opportunity to create intricate and large-scale projects that showcase the capabilities of your 3D printer.
Consider tackling a multi-part model, like a detailed cosplay prop or a functional piece of furniture.
These projects allow for creativity and customization, and they can be printed in sections that are later assembled.
Architectural models are another great idea, providing detailed structures that can be used for educational purposes or personal enjoyment. Functional items like large planters or unique shelving units can also make rewarding long print projects.
Additionally, life-sized sculptures or intricate art pieces push the boundaries of what can be achieved with 3D printing.
When embarking on long prints, ensure your printer is calibrated correctly, and check for a stable filament supply to avoid interruptions.
These ambitious projects not only enhance your skills but also result in impressive creations that highlight the versatility of 3D printing.
3D printing projects for students are fantastic for sparking creativity and enhancing learning across various subjects.
Educational models, such as anatomical structures, molecules, or historical artifacts, provide hands-on learning tools that make complex concepts more tangible.
Students can also design and print their own prototypes, encouraging problem-solving and engineering skills.
Simple projects like custom keychains, bookmarks, or phone stands are perfect for beginners and help them grasp the basics of 3D design and printing.
Collaborative projects, like designing parts for a larger assembly, teach teamwork and project management. Additionally, STEM-related projects, such as building simple machines or robotics components, can integrate science, technology, engineering, and math practically.
These activities not only make learning more engaging but also equip students with valuable skills in technology and design, preparing them for future innovation and creativity in their academic and professional careers.
3D printing offers engineers a powerful tool for prototyping and innovation.
Engineers can leverage 3D printing to create functional prototypes, allowing them to test and refine designs before full-scale production.
Projects such as custom brackets, gears, and enclosures provide opportunities to explore material properties and mechanical functionality.
Engineers can also work on projects involving fluid dynamics or aerodynamics by printing complex shapes, such as turbine blades or aerodynamic models, that are difficult to manufacture traditionally.
Additionally, 3D printing facilitates the creation of intricate components for robotics and automation systems, offering engineers a way to iterate and improve designs quickly.
Engineers might also explore the integration of electronics with 3D printed parts, developing smart devices or IoT products.
These projects enable engineers to push the boundaries of design and functionality, utilizing 3D printing as a versatile tool to enhance innovation and efficiency in their work.
That was the end of the 3d printing tips and tricks for this round.
Hi everyone!
I’ve redesigned the Mjolnir hotend quite a bit. It now has CPAP, and closer placement of the probe (I’ll make a BTT Eddy Version too soon). Other updates: Redesigned the X and Y axis stabilizers, Updated the Flex bed alignment helpers, designed more of the panels, etc.
I’ll upload the files as I get them finalized and tested.
More upgrades are coming too. 🙂
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