3d printer question

[kboogie]

I use PETG on a Prusa mini. Nothing else was changed out to make things for my tank.

I also use PETG on my Prusa i3 MK3S+. primarily make custom fittings for low pressure plumbing. Most recently I made an adaptor for a mini powerhead for my Sulfur Denitrator saving me over $200 on a peristalic pump.

 

[tharbin]

Welcome to R2R! 'Food Grade' is not really practical at home. You need not only 'food grade' filament and equipment but also the equipment room. Reef tanks do not really need to be food grade. The biggest concern is that reef tanks usually have some UV component to the lighting. PLA in less UV resistant that PETG plus PETG is tougher than PLA. It is not stronger but its slight flexibility makes it less brittle.

Just use PETG and all will be well.

 

[Jimbhoy13]

Welcome to R2R

 

[mal51]

Thanks fellas

 

[Tavero]

My first question is about 3d printing.

I am up to speed on food safe/grade fillament, but what about the machine does everything, the fillament touch need to be food grade? Tube between spool and print head as an example? Already have stainless nozzles. Is the small ptfe tube food safe? Just how picky do I need to be to be safe? A friend is building a large tank I would hate to wreck it.
Will be binging all the info on here for next few days. Cheers.

Don't worry about it too much. What matters are the chemicals that are able to leach out of the filament, but with pla and petg you will be fine. Pla becomes brittle after extended exposure to water though.

 

[shakacuz]

welcome aboard the r2r board. hello from PA!

 

[tanash]

My first question is about 3D printing.

I am up to speed on food-safe/grade filament, but what about the machine itself? Does everything the filament touches need to be food grade? For example, does the tube between the spool and the print head need to be food grade? I already have stainless steel nozzles. Is the small PTFE tube food safe? Just how picky do I need to be to be safe? A friend is building a large tank, and I would hate to ruin it.

I will be binging all the information on here for the next few days. Cheers.

Most 3D printer parts, like the hotend, extruder, and Teflon tubing, are safe for both your food and the reef. The only part I would be concerned about consuming is the copper in the nozzle, but you already took care of that with the stainless steel nozzle.

My first question is about 3d printing.

I am up to speed on food safe/grade fillament, but what about the machine does everything, the fillament touch need to be food grade? Tube between spool and print head as an example? Already have stainless nozzles. Is the small ptfe tube food safe? Just how picky do I need to be to be safe? A friend is building a large tank I would hate to wreck it.
Will be binging all the info on here for next few days. Cheers.

Most 3D printer parts, like the hotend, extruder, and Teflon tubing, are safe for both your food and the reef. The only part I would be concerned about is the copper in the nozzle, but you already took care of that with the stainless steel nozzle.

 

[PharmrJohn]

My first question is about 3D printing.

I am up to speed on food-safe/grade filament, but what about the machine itself? Does everything the filament touches need to be food grade? For example, does the tube between the spool and the print head need to be food grade? I already have stainless steel nozzles. Is the small PTFE tube food safe? Just how picky do I need to be to be safe? A friend is building a large tank, and I would hate to ruin it.

I will be binging all the information on here for the next few days. Cheers.

Most 3D printer parts, like the hotend, extruder, and Teflon tubing, are safe for both your food and the reef. The only part I would be concerned about consuming is the copper in the nozzle, but you already took care of that with the stainless steel nozzle.


Most 3D printer parts, like the hotend, extruder, and Teflon tubing, are safe for both your food and the reef. The only part I would be concerned about is the copper in the nozzle, but you already took care of that with the stainless steel nozzle.

Gotta ask. How much is a GOOD 3D printer. And are they worth it?

 

[tanash]

Gotta ask. How much is a GOOD 3D printer. And are they worth it?

It depends on your budget. I own seven 3D printers and two CNC milling machines, both high-end and DIY.
Out of all of them, I would definitely say the Creality K1, K1C, and K1 Max are fantastic 3D printers, as I can print large ABS and PC projects with 100% infill without any problems or warping.

 

[PharmrJohn]

I'll look into those. The price point is OK. I was expecting something in the 4 digit range. I know you can spend that much, but if ya don't have to........!

 

[tanash]

I'll look into those. The price point is OK. I was expecting something in the 4 digit range. I know you can spend that much, but if ya don't have to........!

The all new Creality K2 Plus will go to the 4 digit, the print size 13" cubic and can print up to 4 colors and capable to print any type of plastic filament on the market without any issues

 

[edsbeaker]

Welcome to Reef 2 Reef

 

[Malcontent]

Gotta ask. How much is a GOOD 3D printer. And are they worth it?

Bambu Lab X1C currently on BF sale for $999.

But there's news of a new flagship model that they promise to be revolutionary for sometime next year.

It may compete with the Prusa XL which is a $5,500 printer once they're done nickel-and-diming you.