Nozzle Size Comparing - LONGER
3D Printer Nozzle Size Comparing: Speed, Detail & Layer Height Explained

In 3D printing, the nozzle diameter plays a key role in determining the maximum layer height you can use. As a general rule, the maximum layer height is about 80% of the nozzle’s diameter. For example:

  • With a 0.4 mm nozzle, the layer height can go up to 0.32 mm.

  • With a 0.8 mm nozzle, it can reach 0.64 mm.

  • With a 0.2 mm nozzle, the maximum is 0.16 mm.

What’s important to note is that the nozzle size only limits the maximum layer height — not the minimum. This means that even with a large 0.8 mm nozzle, you can still print with fine resolutions like 0.05 mm, just as you would with smaller nozzles.

In simple terms, larger nozzles allow faster printing while still being capable of high detail, and smaller nozzles focus on fine detail but print more slowly.

By Academy | June 16, 2022
Tolerance Test for Joints - LONGER
Tolerance Test for Joints

Very often interlocking objects are encountered, that is, an object fits perfectly with another object, providing a unique object; however, in order for two objects to fit together, it is necessary that they comply with precise measures relating to the interlocking zones.

Assuming you have a cylinder with a diameter of 1mm and a circular hole of 1mm, in theory the interlocking can take place, but in practice the interlocking will not take place as there is always a need for a certain "tolerance". Therefore, a cylinder with a diameter of 1mm can fit into a circular hole if it has a diameter of 1.1~1.4mm, that is, if there is a tolerance of 0.1~0.4 mm between the two objects. On the other hand, the tolerance cannot be applied at will but must be calculated accurately, as a tolerance that is too small will be insufficient to make the interlocking, while a tolerance that is too large will make the interlocking unstable, with the two objects passing through each other.

 

In 3D Printing the interlocking tolerance strongly depends on your 3D printer used, as usually a tolerance of 0.2mm is sufficient but depending on the printer used (and how it is configured) the tolerance may vary. If the flow calibration tests, the calibration of the first layer and the temperature test have been carried out (as illustrated in the previous lessons of the Longer 3D Academy), then it is now possible to perform the "Tolerance Test", which allows you to determine the exact tolerance value when you intend to fit two objects together. In this way, once the tolerance value has been established, when interlocking objects are drawn, it is possible to draw them with a measurement difference equal to the tolerance, so as not to have problems during the interlocking procedure.

In order to proceed with the Tolerance Test, proceed as follows:

 

 

Once the printing is complete, a visual evaluation of the tolerance can be made. In particular, the cylinder must be able to remove itself from its base, but must not slide through the hole; instead, the cylinder must be able to fit into the hole, and this will be the tolerance value sought.

Once you have the tolerance value, use it every time you draw interlocking objects.

https://www.longer3d.com/collections/3d-printers-1

By Academy | June 16, 2022
Blobs in 3D Printing - LONGER
Blobs in 3D Printing

Many users of 3D printing, regardless of their experience, often find themselves facing an annoying problem that is really difficult to eliminate: blobs on the outer surface of the prints. This phenomenon often appears suddenly, only on particular prints, even when you think you have found the perfect Slicer settings for optimal print quality. So we proceed with varying the temperature, the speed, the accelerations, etc., but despite this the problem is not solved, but only a little attenuated.

Blobs are deposits of molten material along the outer surface of a print, take on the appearance of "little balls" and are difficult to remove even by handworking the print in post-production. These occur when the nozzle abnormally releases molten material, and often this is independent of slicer settings such as retraction and flow.

 

 

 

When math is indispensable for 3D printing

In geometry, a polygon takes on a different name and appearance based on its number of sides (segments). In particular, a polygon composed of 3 segments will be called a triangle, composed of 5 segments will be called pentagon, 6 hexagon segments, 10 decagon segments, ..........., from 1.000.000.000 segments will be something very similar to a circumference, from 1.000.000.000.000 segments will look almost a circumference, from 1.000.000.000.000.000.000 segments will be practically a circumference.

Thus, a polygon of n-sides, with very large n and each segment very small, can be approximated with a circle, with greater precision as nincreases. This technique is used by 3D printers to print a circumference, transforming it into a series of XY coordinates of n segments, with n more or less large depending on the number of meshes of the original stl model.  Thus, a circumference is a series of countless segments, each of very small amplitude, made one after another on the hotbed of the 3D printer.

However, what to the eye seems to be a very simple circumference, actually requires a high computational cost for the mainboard of the 3D printer, as it is necessary to process in a fraction of a second millions of coordinates of millions of segments. In addition, depending on the number of meshes of the original stl model, 3D printing may often have to process much more data than is sufficient to achieve a perfect circumference, sometimes even more than its hardware capacity in terms of resolution.

Therefore, if for example the 3D printer can realize a perfect circumference starting from 10.000.000.000 segments, and this is also its maximum resolution, when its mainboard is found to process 1.000.000.000.000.000 segments this will perform unnecessary work, both because it is possible to obtain an optimal result with a lower computational cost and because such processing cannot be put into practice due to the hardware limitations of an FDM printer.

 

Correlation between geometry and blobs

As seen above, for a simple circumference, a 3D printer is faced with a very complex calculation in no time, often a calculation even greater than necessary. So it can happen that the mainboard cannot process the data in time, so the hardware not receiving print coordinates can only stop. These stops occur for a very short time, almost imperceptible, but they are enough for the nozzle to lose molten material along the outer perimeter of printing, thus forming a blob.

Therefore, regardless of one's slicing settings, the blobs phenomenon cannot be solved easily as it is dependent on the type of 3D drawing, its number of meshes, the original designer's ability to make it, and the computational ability of the mainboard of your 3D printer.

 

Resolve the problem

The optimal approach to solve this problem would be to manipulate the stl file in question, going to reduce the number of meshes, repair it and try to reduce its size in terms of megabytes. However, this operation often turns out to be complex, suitable only for experts, or even impossible.

On the other hand, the Ultimaker Care slicer is equipped with a special, hidden feature that not everyone knows about, which is very useful for reducing the number of meshes of a 3D object. This option is called "Mesh Fixes" and is intended to reduce the number of meshes of an object by varying the maximum length of each segment. In this way, by increasing the maximum distance of each segment, at the same perimeter inevitably the number of segments must be smaller, and therefore the computational cost of the mainboard is also reduced. Therefore, by processing the gcode more easily, the 3D printer will be able to process a greater number of displacements without suffering from pauses, and therefore reducing the blobs.


In particular, by changing the default settings with the values above it will be possible to solve almost entirely the problem of blobs, without altering the standard FDM print quality. It should be considered in mind that professional 3D printers, such as FDM Ultimaker printers, adopt by default values of 0.7 mm without affecting their ability to make details and resolution. 

If after changing the parameters in question should still persist some sporadic blobs, it will be possible to totally solve the problem by slightly adjusting the values of temperature and downward flow, the upward retraction. Alternatively, you can always increment the Mesh Fixes values at the expense of details.

The print difference with the standard and custom Mesh Fixes settings are immediately visible:

 

Both tests were done keeping the exact same slicing settings for both, except for varying the Mesh Fixes values.

The test stl file has been modified, damaged and repaired three times, in order to make it difficult for the mainboard to be processed.

https://www.longer3d.com/products/lk5-pro-fdm-3d-printer

By Academy | June 16, 2022
Cyclonic Separator - LONGER
Cyclonic Separator

After completing the calibration of your 3D printer, following the previous articles of the Longer 3D Academy, you can check the results obtained through the test below.

The object that we are going to print is a "Cyclonic Separator", that is a particular object that is placed between the vacuum cleaner and the suction pipe, and which allows you to separate up to 99% of the dirt present in the suction pipe. In this way the vacuum cleaner will always remain clean and above all its filters will not freeze; so this object turns out to be extremely useful when you intend to vacuum the residues produced by woodworking, the fine dust produced by the processing of 3D prints, the residues produced by laser cutting, and so on.

Printing the Cyclone requires that the printer has been perfectly calibrated, otherwise the print will not be perfect and will not guarantee the promised results. Therefore, if the printer is ready, here's how to proceed.

 

The model consists of the main body of the cyclonic separator and two input and output adapters, which serve as a connection between the cyclone and the vacuum cleaner pipes. For best results it is recommended to use PETG, however if you do not have some experience with this material then you can also use PLA.


To make the connection more stable, it is possible to put a little rubber insulating tape around the adapters, so as to have more stable and sealed joints. In addition, the Separator will need a container compatible with its screw attachment, and an easily accessible example is a classic transparent bottle of Coca-Cola or any other container with a similar thread.

 

Once the Cyclonic Separator is installed as shown in the figure, almost all the sucked dirt will go inside the bottle instead of inside the vacuum cleaner, thus avoiding clogging the filters with fine dust.
Remember never to put your hand in front of the suction, as the Cyclonic Separator works on pressure differences; therefore, obstruction of the suction will cause the container to implode!
This video shows the Cyclonic Separator in action:  https://youtu.be/FEvztl8UPPk

https://www.longer3d.com/collections/accessories

By Academy | June 16, 2022
Transform a 2D image into a 3D model - LONGER
Transform a 2D image into a 3D model

In 3D printing, the models with which you work are always three-dimensional, in .stl, .3mf or other. However, not everyone knows that image files and photos can also be processed in 3D.

In fact, using tools integrated in Windows it is possible to easily transform and process a 2D image into a 3D model, thus being able to proceed with the 3D printing of the photo. Note that this procedure is only compatible with .jpg, .png and vectorial images, with transparent background (so in case of background, this must first be removed using photo editing).

 
After choosing a 2D image without background (like this one above in the figure), open the "3D Builder" software preinstalled in Windows 10 (if it was not present, download it from the Windows Store). Then select "Open – Load image" to import the selected image.

 

 

Once the image has been imported into 3D Builder, you can change some settings such as Levels, Smooth, and so on; using these settings, edit the file according to your preferences. Once the editing is complete, select Import Image to get the image converted to 3D file.

At this point you can keep the 3D file as it is and proceed directly to export the file, or alternatively you can edit it as you want; for example, the test file was modified by adding a base (with a downward extrusion) and writing on the base the "Longer 3D" logo, for last colored in red, as shown in the figure.

 

 

When the 3D model is ready, proceed to export, selecting "Save as - .3mf (or) .stl". The 3D model will be saved, and then you can open it in your slicer to create a .gcode to print.

By following this guide, you can transform almost any 2D image into 3D, as long as the background is transparent and does not create interference during the transformation; for best results you can use 2D files of .png type or .svg vectorial.

https://www.longer3d.com/collections/3d-printers-1

By Academy | June 16, 2022
Transform a 3D model into a 2D image - LONGER
Transform a 3D model into a 2D image

In the processing with Laser Engravers the files with which we work are always two-dimensional, as . png, . svg or other. However, not everyone knows that even 3D models can be processed in 2D.

In fact, using tools integrated in Windows it is possible to easily transform and process a 3D model into a 2D image, thus being able to proceed with laser engraving.

After choosing a 3D model, open the "Paint 3D" software preinstalled in Windows 10 (if it was not present, download it from the Windows Store). Then select to Open the 3D file to import the selected model.

 

Once the 3D model has been imported into Paint 3D, select "Menu – Save as – Image".

 

At this point, in the screen that will appear it will be possible to keep the image as it is or change the angle with which you intend to extract the image from the 3D model, pressing on "Adjust Angle & Framing", if necessary; once you have finished changing the angle, confirm or cancel your choice to return to the previous screen.

 

Finally, enable the flag on "Transparency" (absolutely important!) and proceed to save the image as .png file.

 

 

After the 2D image has been successfully exported, you can later open it in your laser engraving software, such as Lasergrbl or Lightburn, to create a .gcode to be engraved.

By following this guide, you can transform almost any 3D model into 2D, as long as it has at least one removable side in two-dimensional form.

https://www.longer3d.com/products/lk5-pro-fdm-3d-printer

By Academy | June 16, 2022
How to upgrade LONGER LK4 PRO into a mini-LK5 PRO - LONGER
How to upgrade LONGER LK4 PRO into a mini-LK5 PRO

Our Longer LK4 PRO and LK5 PRO 3D Printers are very similar, but the differences between them are not limited only to the different printing area, but on the LK5 PRO there are other small improvements that make this printer much superior to LK4 PRO.

However, if you already own an LK4 PRO and do not intend to buy LK5 PRO as well, here is a series of tips to make your LK4 PRO like a mini-LK5PRO, thus improving its printing capacity and hardware structure.

 

1) Hotbed Cable Bracket Holder

The LK4 PRO has a Hotbed power cord simply connected via a clip-on connector. This, as a result of repeated movements during printing, may disconnect, bend or break; for this reason it is really important to install a cable bracket that makes the connection fixed, exactly as for LK5 PRO. About that:

  1. Download the official Bracket Longer: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4818795
  2. Print it using 0.1mm Layer Height & 100% Infill as recommended settings
  3. Proceed to the installation as follows:
    • Unscrew and remove the 4 leveling knobs, remove the hotbed
    • Place the bracket on the metal plane, place the leveling spring in the bracket compartment
    • Assemble the hotbed again and screw in the 4 leveling knobs
    • Attach the cable to the Bracket using two fixing clamps
  4. Here is the final result:

 

 

 

 

2) Mainboard fan protection grid

The LK4 PRO's mainboard fan does not have a protective grid like that of the LK5PRO, so if you don't have a compatible metal grid then you can install a printed one. About that:

  1. Download the official Longer mainboard grid:

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4957827

  1. Print it using 0.1mm Layer Height & 100% Infill as recommended settings
  2. Proceed to the installation as follows:
    • Unscrew the 4 mainboard fan screws
    • Place the grid
    • Start the 4 screws
    • Note: Due to the grid, you need to use 4 screws longer than the originals
  3. Here is the final result:

 

3) Spool Holder on the side

The LK4 PRO printer provides for the installation of the Spool Holder at the top; however, if you prefer to install the Spool Holder on the side of the printer, as for LK5 PRO, here is a practical upgrade to print and install easily:

  1. Download the official Longer bracket for Spool Holder: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4957817
  2. Print it using 0.2mm Layer Height & 100%Infill as recommended settings
  3. Proceed to the installation as follows:
    • Attach the original Spool Holder to the Bracket, using two bolts of correct size
    • Attach the bracket to the printer using at least two T-Nuts
  4. Here is the final result:

 

 

4) Ultrabase Plate in Micro-perforated Latex

Differently from LK5 PRO, which is equipped with a Micro-perforated glass plate, LK4 PRO has a glass plate covered with a rough ceramic film, excellent for having a perfect print adhesion, however it may often be difficult to remove the prints from the glass, as the adhesion remains unchanged even with a cold plate.

For this reason, it could be a good solution to proceed with the installation of a Micro-perforated glass plate also on the LK4 PRO, so as to obtain excellent adhesion during printing and easy removal of prints from the cold plate. In fact, the Longer Micro-perforated Latex plate is equipped with micropores, which with heat (starting from 60 °C) it "sticks" to the first printing layer, thus ensuring excellent adhesion as long as the plate remains hot. At the end of printing, cooling the micropores gradually it releases the printed surface, so the printed object will simply be placed on the plate and can be easily removed.

This upgrade can be got really easily, as it can be purchased at all our official Longer stores, at a very low price:

 

 

 

 

Once you install all these upgrades, your LK4 PRO will be like a mini-LK5 PRO!
Our guide ends here, but if you need more spare parts or would like to make extra upgrades, then do not hesitate to contact us on our Official Longer Facebook pages or at our email address:  support@longer3d.com

https://www.longer3d.com/products/lk5-pro-fdm-3d-printer

By Academy | June 16, 2022
LONGER LK5 Pro Full Use Tutorial: Assembly&Setup Instruction - LONGER
LONGER LK5 Pro Full Use Tutorial: Assembly&Setup Instruction

First of all

LONGER LK5 PRO firmware download: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1xvMYLhAvwqhYiqoT559U8gBzruGjQ_AE?usp=sharing

 

1, About LK5 PRO install steps

If you find lost, please contact our technical team support@longer.net, after confirm, we will resend new part to you.

We make video tutorial about install steps, please follow:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_VzVxOhHSo

 

2, First turn on

2.1 The touch screen is not bright
Confirm whether the input voltage range of the switching power supply is consistent with the electricity voltage in the area, and the screen cable is connected.
If still does not work, check the power indicator and the mainboard indicator (method: remove the bottom mainboard protective cover, refer to the video in the link below.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8Jwu-faDfQ

2.2 Fan noise and abnormal sound.
Make sure that the fan blades are not damaged and that there are no foreign objects. You can email with fan photos to support@longer.net help you confirm.

 3, Leveling bed

The distance between the hot end nozzle and the hot bed in 0.1-0.2mm, follow below video leveling bed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJ0MOFPuOTQ. If it still can't be solved, put the hot bed glass and aluminum substrate on a flat table to check whether there is bending, if the bed bending contact LONGER 3D technical team: support@longer.net

 

4, Zeroing failed

Failed to return to zero/abnormal noise of return to zero/impact limit still does not stop motion, Please check whether the limit switch is complete, the installation condition and follow video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3sQGZVFDqY, check the cable installation condition.

About  Z-axis limit switch height adjusted , refer to the video in the link below.
https://youtu.be/F_VzVxOhHSo?t=255

5, Load/unload filament

5.1 Error8

Check real-time hot-end temperature display on screen. If it is negative, check the installation of the thermistor plug, make sure it install as below:

If anything good about thermistor, that is hot end issue, in this case we should follow below video change hot end: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwpLTFwFzAg

5.2 Error0 or Error12

Check the installation of the hot-end thermistor and the plug of the hot-end heating rod.
If the installation is normal, the cable may be broken. Replace the hot end;

5.3 Extruder not working

5.3.1 Check the installation of the extruder cable plug (E refers to the extruder).
5.3.2 The extruder defaults to work after reaching the hot end set temperature (minimum 195 degrees). If it still cannot work, check the installation of the extruder motor wire.
5.3.3 If it still can't work, exchange the X and E motor wire plugs, control the movement respectively, and report the situation to the after-sale service.


5.4 Filament cannot be extruded

When without loading the filament, the extruder works fine, this sitation is hot end blocked. When the filament is not loaded, the extruder works abnormally, please contact the after-sales service directly support@longer.net

5.5 Nozzle smoking

Check the thermistor is completely detached or loosely installed (check when cooling), reinstall it.

 

6, Start printing

6.1 If LK5 PRO printer does not recognize the Micro SD card file
Use tool format the Micro SD card and reload the file.
Micro SD Card Formatting Software
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TgCT1CBsjI4-7prSu1nEUXxQ6vhsJzms?usp=sharing
Micro SD card preload file download address
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1zz5mlLMBoa3DguuyG6YDHJJXnhL-XKnJ?usp=sharing
Dip the SD card in alcohol, pull out and insert the SD card slot several times, wait for the alcohol to evaporate completely and restart the machine to check whether it work again.

If still not work, contact LONGER 3D technical team: support@longer.net


6.2
 Newly added files not recognized
LONGER LK5 PRO recognizes the Gcode file in the root directory of the Micro SD card and checks the format of the newly added file.
P.S. Gcode files can be generated by slicing software.
If still not work, contact LONGER 3D technical team:support@longer.net


6.3 Error9
Check that the touch screen displays the real-time hotbed temperature, and if it is negative, check the installation of the hotbed cable plug.
The cable is installed normally. Use a multimeter to check the resistance of the aluminum substrate.
video about measure the resistance of the hot bed socket: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFV3JCilzA8

If still not work, contact LONGER 3D technical team: support@longer.net


6.4 Error1/13
Check the heat bed cable plug installation.
Check the resistance of the aluminum substrate. If it is normal, replace the cable for testing. If the cable is still abnormal, contact LONGER 3D technical team: support@longer3d.com

6.5 The print size is too small
Check the computer slicing software to set the print format.
If this does not resolve, check the printer firmware information.
PS: LK5 Pro firmware and update guide files can be downloaded at the link: 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rRos32XckF5ZlI5tYlCTlyt22E_BlQXP/view?usp=sharing

 

LONGER LK5 PRO 3D printer firmware upgrade on this article: 

https://www.longer3d.com/blogs/academy/longer-lk5-pro-full-use-tutorial


6.6
 Filament not sticking to platform

Check whether the slicing software parameters are the default parameters of the Cura Longer machine, and try to re-leveling (the proper distance between the nozzle and the printing bed is the thickness of a sheet of A4 paper). For leveling bed, check video in the link below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJ0MOFPuOTQ
After leveling bed, add "ralf" while slicing the model
If still not work, please check, Check if the heat bed is bent in  3, Leveling bed

 

6.6 Filament not extruded
6.6.1 When the motor shaft of the extruder rotates, the engagement gear does not rotate, install the engagement gear fixing screw.
6.6.2 If the extruder does not work, switch the motor test, refer to the video;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCjrieoyZ1c
6.6.3 If the distance between the hot end nozzle and the hot bed is too close, re-level it.
6.6.4 If the hot end is blocked, replace the hot end. Refer to 5.4 for the inspection method.

 

7 Other issue

7.1 Wrong firmware
Download the LK5 Pro firmware and update guide file and update the firmware:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rRos32XckF5ZlI5tYlCTlyt22E_BlQXP/view?usp=sharing
Refer to 6.5.

7.2 During the printing process, if the power input is normal, it still display "Resume printing", in this situation, please update the firmware of marlin2.0 version, the following is the firmware download link;
https://drive.google.com/file/d/10mY1k7CIIJYEa2HbqzdXNSre7h4x6Zfa/view?usp=sharing

Refer to the link below for the firmware update tutorial;
https://www.longer3d.com/blogs/academy/longer-lk5-pro-full-use-tutorial
After updating the firmware, the problem still cannot be solved, contact LONGER 3D technical team: support@longer.net

7.3 After the printer turned on, the touch screen is stuck on the boot page, and the firmware cannot be loaded, please confirm the touch screen cable is connected situation, if cable not issue, please contact LONGER 3D technical team: support@longer.net

 

By Academy | February 24, 2022
How to Use 3D Printers to Print a Gift on Valentine’s Day - LONGER
How to Use 3D Printers to Print a Gift on Valentine’s Day

For centuries, Valentine’s Day has been an important day for millions of couples all over the globe. As soon as February begins, you see stores decorated with red heart balloons, teddy bears, and other Valentine's Day themed goodies. Finding a gift on Valentine’s Day for a loved one that's unique can be a little complicated. You might get lost going through multiple stores in an attempt to find something meaningful for your significant other. After all, the day is meant to be a symbol of your love.

You might have the perfect dinner planned at the best restaurant in town, but the gift is the real star of the show that they will cherish forever. Gifts are essential on Valentine's Day, just as it is on a birthday or any special occasion. However, the difference here is the meaning attached to the day. Valentine's Day gifts are practically your way of saying how much you love your significant other. It is a gift that they will cherish for years to come and consider a symbol of your love. The question then is how to give innovative and unique gifts. If you need some help, we've got great Valentine’s Day gift ideas for you.

Try Out a 3D Printer:

When it comes to Valentine’s Day gifts for her, we’re sure a personalized gift will be considered extra special. Think about a gift that you created on your own that was executed to perfection. Even if you feel as if you are unartistic or can’t draw well, a 3D printer can do all of that for you! Since it is a technological innovation that creates a physical object from s picture, it’s a great way to make Valentine’s Day gifts for him too.

All you need to do is get your hands on a 3D printer, and you can make new fantastic gifts on many Valentine's Days. The great thing about these is that there are no limits to what you can create. It's left to your imagination. It could be an inside joke, the place you met, a little keepsake, or even a big centerpiece.

What Can 3D Printers Do?

If you don't know much about 3D printers, then you're in for a surprise. These phenomenal devices can create a three-dimensional object from an image using CAD (computer-aided design). It works somewhat like ordinary printers but with a twist. Instead of using ink and paper, a 3D printer uses a material of your choice, such as plastics, composites, or biomaterials, to create the image that you instructed it to create.

For example, if you wanted to create a little figurine of a boat out of plastic, you just load a roll of plastic up into the printer. It will melt it and place it in a way that will create the figurine that was selected. You can create this image in any software as long as it is a 3D image. It does so by layering the materials that you selected to objects of any shape, size, rigidity, and color.

A Great 3D Printer:

How to Use 3D Printers to Print a Gift on Valentine’s Day

If you're interested in this excellent method to make Valentine's Day gifts, a great option is the LK5 Pro FDM 3D Printer from the trusted company LONGER 3D. This is one of the many 3D Printers that are available from LONGER, which has had multiple successful customers in the past. Moreover, now the Love Season Sale of LONGER has a huge discount. Here are some features of the LK5 Pro:

  • Assembly and structure:

The LONGER LK5 Pro is one of the printers that comes mostly preassembled. It is incredibly annoying to put one together from scratch, but this one is much easier. It is an affordable 3D Printer that is 90% preassembled. It has a printing structure of 300*300*400 mm, which is pretty great for your Valentine's Day gifts. Its dual inclined rods, along with the stable triangular structure, hold all three axes steadily in place.

  • Glass bed:

The bed of the printer is immensely important. It needs to have enough friction for the project to stay in place during printing but be smooth enough to peel off once it is complete. The LK5 Pro has a glass bed coated with ceramic. This allows for both steadiness during printing and eases while peeling it off.

  • High temperature resistance:

The Teflon tubes within the printer can withstand up to 280℃. This means that the nozzle won't clog up with material, and the printing will be constant. No gaps or inconsistencies will occur due to nozzle blockage.

  • Quiet printing:

The printer has three kits of TMC2208 chipsets for all of the axis. This means the entire printing process will have an extremely low noise as the motor will not work too loudly. Unlike many other 3D printers, the LK5 Pro will work quietly throughout the printing process.

  • Touch screen control:

The printer has a 4.3-inch touch screen in color. This provides a better user interface that will help you work with the printer.

 

How to Make Your Valentine’s Day Gifts:

If your Valentine’s Day ideas now involve a 3D Printer, you might want to know how to make one. Here is a step-by-step method on how to make a fantastic gift on Valentine’s Day with a 3D printer:

  1. Create your image using any software and save it into an SD card. The extension should be “.gcode” as this is what the printer will recognize.
  2. Preheat your printer and grab your material. To check if the heat is alright, insert your material into the extruder until some of it starts coming out of the nozzle.
  3. Insert your SD card into the printer. On the touch screen, select print, then files, and select whatever you want to print. After this, hit print, and the printer will start doing its job.
  4. Wait for the printer to finish. When it is done, the screen will display a message saying the printing is complete.
  5. Peel your Valentine's Day gifts off the base, and you've got the perfect gift for your loved one.

What Can You Make:

Valentine's day 3D printed

With a 3D Printer like the LK5 Pro, you can make almost anything that you put your heart into. If you feel stuck, here are a few ideas:

  • A figurine of your first date. For example, if you went on a yacht ride, get the yacht printed out.
  • A little figurine of an inside joke. This could be anything at all. Think about a special moment in your relationship and get creative.
  • A model of something you plan to do together in the future. For example, design a house that the two of you plan to build with time or a city you’d like to visit.
  • Go classic with roses. Who wouldn’t want a bunch of roses that last forever? With a 3D printer, you can make it happen!

Summary:

Now you probably know what to do on Valentine's Day when you understand the power of 3D Printers. Giving your loved one a gift on Valentine’s Day is probably much easier now, isn’t it? We understand how important this gift can be, which is why an innovative gift that has a personal touch is a great idea. The LK5 Pro FDM 3D printer from Longer is a great option if you are looking for a phenomenal printer that will produce the best gift ever. It has multiple benefits and is extremely user-friendly. So, you can definitely create a perfect Valentine’s Day gift, or two, for your significant other in no time.

https://www.longer3d.com/products/lk5-pro-fdm-3d-printer

By Academy | February 10, 2022
How printing temperature calibration on FDM printers - LONGER
How printing temperature calibration on FDM printers

The printing temperature is a fundamental aspect if you want to achieve quality results. In fact, each type of filament requires a different printing temperature; for example, PLA requires temperatures between 190°C and 230°C, PETG requires temperatures between 220°C and 250°C, ABS requires temperatures between 230°C and 270°C, and so on.

Therefore, each type of material has a large extrusion temperature range, and to achieve the best results it is necessary to find the exact temperature for the particular material in use. In addition, the exact printing temperature for a certain PLA filament is not necessarily the same as for another PLA filament of a different brand or color; therefore, it is a good idea to calculate the printing temperature for each individual filament reel.

In order to get the exact printing temperature for your filament you can use a Temp-Tower. A Temp-Tower is the printing of a tower, printed at different temperatures as its height increases; in this way, different heights correspond to different temperatures, thus being able to obtain the correct printing temperature by observing what is the best level of the tower.

It is often possible to find ready gcodes of a Temp-Tower but it is strongly discouraged to use them, as a gcode made for an FDM printer different from your own, or with settings different from those normally used, cannot provide suitable results for your printer. For these reasons, it is a good idea to always create your own Temp-Tower gcode suitable for your printer and using your slicing settings, so as to obtain fully compatible results.

Creating a Temp-Tower is really easy:

1) Download the Temp-Tower stl file here:

Tower-Tower for PLA: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5159495
Tower-Tower for PETG: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5159499
2) Open the Temp-Tower file (in example, for PLA) in Cura

3) In Cura open the section Extensions – Post Processing – Modify G-Code

4) In the Post Processing Scripts menu click on Add a script and select the ChangeAtZ plugin

5) Configure the plugin as shown in the following figure:

How Printing Temperature Calibration on FDM printers

This script sets a temperature of 190°C at the starting layer.

6) Since the temperature must vary as the height changes, it is necessary to set other scripts; in particular, for the attached Temp-Tower it is necessary to increase the printing temperature of +5°C to heights of 10 mm, 20 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm, and so on up to 230°C.

How Printing Temperature Calibration on FDM printers

How Printing Temperature Calibration on FDM printers

How Printing Temperature Calibration on FDM printers

How Printing Temperature Calibration on FDM printers

 

7) In this way, the temperature will vary with the height and each segment of the Temp-Tower will be made with a different printing temperature.

When the print is finished, observing the Temp-Tower you can determine the printed section with the best quality; this will provide the correct printing temperature for the filament used.

 

How Printing Temperature Calibration on FDM printers

 

Hope this article help you while you testing FDM printers. If you interested in LONGER 3D printers, please check LONGER 3D discount page, buy best price of 3D printers and relate products online.

Original article: https://www.longer3d.com/blogs/academy/how-printing-temperature-calibration-on-fdm-printers

https://www.longer3d.com/products/lk5-pro-fdm-3d-printer

By Academy | December 13, 2021