So an example of the “whiskers” I get on more complex PET+ prints. Any thoughts on what parameter to change to mitigate these?
Looks like retraction issues to me, so try increasing retraction amount or speed, but make sure your extruder is not skipping steps.
If you want to research solutions, the common term for that seems to be “stringing”. The usual advice is as @Matt_Harrington mentioned.
Try using as much as possible the same configuration as for PLA. These materials work pretty much the same as also their properties are quite simmilar. As ive said many times before, if one looks for strong tough and heat resistant parts, go for ABS or a blend with PC. These are the only right materials for mechanical parts.
Strings can be good if you need bridging. Less strings may mean worse bridging. Not all slicer software lets you make sure adjustments on the fly. Not everyone likes adjusting the printer parameters more than they absolutely have to.
I wonder if a flapper wheel or similar on a dremel tool might work for removing strings.
A razor blade is the easiest way to remove strings in hard materials. For filaflex and the like I usually just tear them off.
Any sharp blade works. I sometimes use some good scissors.
Is it MadeSolid PET+? if so, they just posted Makerware profiles that may help:
http://blog.madesolid.com
/2014/07/easy-pet-settings-makerbot/?mc_cid=8b7b5faf1e&mc_eid=b097ad9fa8
@Scott_Wells yup, I saw that. I’ve been using ReplicatorG (more overt control) but I can hook it up with a Makerware instance for this test.
OK. I havent experience stringing with PET, but I dont think Ive printed anything quiet as complex as your example yet (which requires more retractions). If its at all helpful, I generally print pretty hot (250-260) and go reasonably slow (50mm/sec or less). I slice with the standard PLA profile (with slower speed settings) in Makerware & manually increase the temperature via sailfish on the bot. I also keep the filament fan off (again, via sailfish)
You can tell some slicers not to travel over open air when they do not need to.
Heh, the MadeSolid presets were a disaster. Basically making brillo pads instead of parts. Sigh
oh crap