Switching from ABS to PLA

[René @3dnerd]

Hi,

on coming weekend I want to switch my green ABS which comes with the machine by PLA what I ordered from CEL.
Since many people say PLA is easier to print and gives better results (e.g. less warping) I want to get my own experiences now.

OK - since this is my first time switching material - what I have to do?

How to get out the ABS first?
What then? Just feed in the PLA and do nozzle cleaning for 0.3 and 0.8 mm or purge?

Thanks for any help from some more experienced users…

 

• This topic was modified 2 months, 4 weeks ago by  René.

[BHudson @bhudson My Robox is a Green Kickstarter Beta]

1. Read the manual.

2. Eject the ABS by clicking the eject button in AutoMaker.

3. Clip the end of the PLA at a 45 degree angle.

4. Feed the new material into the Robox until the Robox grabs it.

5. Perform at least one purge.

I am not affiliated with CEL; I operate two Betas and one Production Robox.

[StreatSi @streatsi]

i would say perform at least 2 or 3 purges just in case.. especially if going the other way.. pla to abs. helps if you are using different colours anyway as makes it much easier to see if purged

[click @click My Robox is a Green Kickstarter Limited Edition]

@streatsi “i would say perform at least 2 or 3 purges just in case.. especially if going the other way.. pla to abs. helps if you are using different colours anyway as makes it much easier to see if purged”

Especially if PLA is Polar White where you can see traces of green ABS even after two or three prints

Unless something like that doesn’t bother you and you’re just experimenting with printing…

[René @3dnerd]

Hi,

thanks guys, I think I am prepared now and will give it a try

[Anonymous]

I would do a minimum of 3 purges, and I would still purge before each new PLA print for the first 2 or 3 prints. I’ve had bits of ABS splutter out of a purge several days and many prints after switching.

What you must remember, is that after the first purge, Robox tries to be intelligent. It isn’t. Don’t accept the lower temperatures for PLA (it thinks you’re purging from PLA to PLA on the second purge), make a note and keep the first purge temperatures. Pointless trying purge ABS at lower temperatures.

[René @3dnerd]

Hi biscuitlad,

does that mean I have to collect the temperature from the 1st purge and on the further purges I have to replace the temperature by the one from the 1st purge then?

[Anonymous]

That’s what I would do.

[René @3dnerd]

@biscuitlad: OK thanks I will try that!

• This reply was modified 2 months, 4 weeks ago by  René.

[René @3dnerd]

@BHudson,

I read now some information on fresh desk regarding preparing the filament:

https://robox.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/1000074937-prepare-your-filament

They say:

Cut the end of the filament so the end is approximately square. We previously advised to cut filament at an angle 45° or less. We now advise a square cut on the end to avoid piercing the bowden tube.

Just for anyone who is interested in this procedure as well…

(I also put it to roboxing.com: http://roboxing.com/prepare_filament_change_filament)

• This reply was modified 2 months, 3 weeks ago by  René.
• This reply was modified 2 months, 3 weeks ago by  René.

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