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Thread: Identifying abs and pla
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06-05-2016, 06:15 PM #1
Identifying abs and pla
how can I tell if something I printed 6 months ago was printed in abs or pla?
I'm thinking it's going to be destructive, like wipe some acetone on a spot and if it dissolves it's abs.
If it doesn't it's pla. (?)
is there a better way?
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06-05-2016, 11:11 PM #2
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06-06-2016, 06:47 AM #3
even better - if it's dull and lifeless looking and a little rough to the touch: it's abs.
If it's smooth and shiny and hard, it's probably pla.
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06-06-2016, 08:23 AM #4
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A scanning electron microscope could do it I think.
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06-06-2016, 09:06 AM #5
lately I've been getting some pretty smooth and glossy prints using abs. Some pretty wicked curls too on the longer prints too. I think I'm extruding too hot. And my bed won't go over 90c. Some of my abs and pla spools are the same color so I just wanted to know if there was a tried and true method already, other than an electron microscope.
looks like acetone will be my test.
thanks everyone.
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06-06-2016, 12:27 PM #6
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06-06-2016, 03:58 PM #7
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You could do a hot needle test. Put a red-hot needle to an inconspicuous part of the print. Smell the smoke. Compare the smell to known samples of both materials; the difference should be pretty obvious.
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06-07-2016, 06:34 AM #8
bear in mind that acetone will - apparently - soften pla.
Your best bet is to get a marker pen and stick an A or a P - on the bottom of your prints when you've done them.
Or do what I did and just not use abs :-)
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06-14-2016, 08:44 PM #9
I have been using abs mostly and living with the curls. Now I am getting back into PLA again. And yes, it definitely is glossier than ABS.
And I really really like how PLA doesn't curl. But I get strings.
I am at 215C at the nozzle and 60C on the bed.
I am printing at .25 layer height at a speed of 24. I am retracting to 8 mm. It was originally set to 6.
Why am I getting strings? Is the nozzle still too hot? I guess I need to do some testing before I make anything else.
You guys who love PLA, (ca) what are your temperatures, distances, and speeds? I know it's a little different for different machines and filaments, but give me a starting point please.
tia
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06-14-2016, 10:04 PM #10
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A rough finish on ABS is due to excessive moisture content. Properly dried, extruded ABS cools to a nice glossy finish just like PLA should. The different is that PLA isn't nearly as affected by water.
Ender 3v2 poor printing quality
10-28-2024, 09:08 AM in Tips, Tricks and Tech Help