Thanks for your reply. Today I tried another 10x10x10mm cube with your advice. I adjusted the print speed to 20mm/s and the temperature to 195°. After the print finished I waited some time till everything cooled down to room temperature.
As before the height was perfect. The width in y-direction was also great this time with 10,05mm. But just like before the width in x-direction is corrupt with only 9,7mm.
As the y-direction shows great results I don't think it is because the material is shrinking too much. Is it maybe a problem with the stepper motor of the x-axis?
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yellowshark 153
I do not measure everything but some of the engineering stuff requires it. I have never measured a variance of > 30 microns, so better than your figures above. I have seen both 10 microns and indeed 0 variance but of course the resolution and indeed the accuracy of the measuring device come into play. I will assume you have an accurate micrometre with a resolution of at least 10 microns and have received training in how to measure accurately.
I have not done real intense testing on this but I have observed...
The filament can play a part on the accuracy; I do not mean PLA vs ABS vs Nylon etc; I mean a different colour of the same filament from the same manufacturer can have an impact.
Speed can have an impact. I never print at 50mm/s I print at 30mm/s or 20mm/s. You should do some testing and see if you can improve your figures - of course if the accuracy is of concern to you.
I guarantee a tolerance of 50 microns but would be happy to go down to 30 microns if required, although that does depend on the accuracy of the part required on whatever is oriented on the z axis. I would not want to go any lower without doing some serious testing. I have never gone below 50 micron layers except once when I started, I think it was 20 microns and I had trouble with it sticking to the bed. I would hope that now I could overcome that.
I run the extruder at as cooler temp. as possible (no idea if this makes a difference) and fans at 100%.
When the print is finished I walk away for several hours and let the printer enclosure cool down to ambient temp. before removing the part (only if accuracy is important and again no idea if it makes a difference). I am not a materials expert but it seems to me that would reduce any shock to the material).
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