By
mihailduta
on Nov 24 2017
This is a clone of Reprap1.3, search for: Aurora 3D printer.
Initial cost was $300 CAD.(+ 2 kg of PLA) - 2 years ago.
Rugged printer design still working after two years of fun. (acrylic transparent frame - be gentle when assembling)
Pick models that have aluminum minicooler on the motor drivers. I attached mine with thermal paste. still in place and dissipating heat after two years.
Took several days to assemble (especially if you have kids).
Best results for PLA 0.2mm up to 0.5mm layer, 190 C, 30 mm/sec (unstable at 0.1 mm layer, not enough heat above 0.5 mm layer)
Acceptable results ABS 0.2layer, 215 C, 30 mm/sec.
HDPE stinks (smells) - I gave up with it.
higher speeds do not give good results for inner radius.
Experimented with 0.2 mm nozzle up to 0.5 mm nozzle - quality or volume, your choice.
For 0.3 0.4 or 0.5 - layer height must be half up to 2/3 of nozzle diameter.
Feed for 3mm filament at 95%.
I damaged the original head . It was a fixed size 0.3 mm.
I have replaced extruder with a J type. Keep the extruder fan 100% (with J type extruder), to prevent clogging.
Try using the part/print fan off. In works to get better layers addession, but free bridges, not supported are reduced to 10 mm maximum. Overhang works up to 45 degrees without support. (some failures do occur)
I use green painter tape for bed base - great addession, easy to remove parts, low cost. A very little fine sanding before first use of fresh tape.
Program to model 123D Design
Print with Cura or Repetitier Host. Mixed results sometimes one gives better results than the other, for no aparent reason.
Cura is way better for rounded shapes. (sometimes not great slicing)
Repetitier gives more dense models and more flexible settings.