How exactly do you print a TempTower?

[rkondakjian 1]

Hello,

 

I have watched several videos that show how easy it is to setup your printer to print the Temp Tower. When I attempt to print one, it fails.

 

#1 - Do you use cooling? This seems like an obvious "Yes" answer. Of course you do, because without cooling, there is no way to support the print between the two towers.

#2 - This brings me to my real issue - what should your cooling fan percentage be set to?

 

If you aren't supposed to use cooling, then should you use supports? I think this should be no. But if you aren't supposed to use cooling, and you are supposed to use support, then what type/setting support should you use? I'm pretty sure you are not suppose to use any support.

 

 

Background information. I am using CURA v5.4.0. I have an Ender 5 plus running Marlin 2.1.1 using Sunlu PLA 1.75mm. I am using a 0.4mm nozzle. The recommend printing parameters for Sunlu are "Recommended PLA Filament Extrusion/Nozzle Temperature 215-220℃, bed 70℃". I am setting my printing temperatures to 220.

 

I am using the provided PLA TempTower from the CURA Extensions which should step me through 220 - 180 degrees. When I slice the tower, I am setting each layer to 0.16mm so I get an even 52 layers per tower. The problem is, once I get to layer 4, the cooling fan kicks up to 100%, and I can cannot get the filament to stick to the tower, it falls apart.

 

I do have a silicone sock protecting the nozzle (99% of it is covered, only the extreme tip is exposed). I have changed my printing to use the PLA+ tower - this one starts at 230 degrees. I wanted to see if starting at a higher temperature improved anything.

 

At this point I am going to try to find the right fan setting, creating a similar tower, keeping my nozzle heat set, and gradually increase the fan in 5% increments, as it seems running at 100% simply isn't working for me on this machine.

 

Thanks in advance for all suggestions and feedback

Robert

[GregValiant 1,253]

In regards to cooling I'd say that if you typically print the material with cooling then the temp tower should be with cooling.  The fans (and you have serious fans) are going to effect the hot end temperature.

It's hard to tell in those images but it appears there may be some under-extrusion going on.