Change Up Ball - Vex Robotics (optimized)

thingiverse

This is a vex change-up ball. I cut the model in half so that the band would be going through the print, not parallel to the bed. This allows the ball to be printed without supports and without infill. I printed mine to be exactly 168 grams(when both halves are put together). For most printers, this should be easier to print. This orientation also conveniently allows for the slicer to hide the seam better(which is quite important for good looking petg prints) Tips 1. Find as big of a nozzle as possible most big nozzles do quite well with overhangs. They also print waaaay faster. I used a 0.8 mm nozzle. If not just use a 0.4mm nozzle(normally the default on a printer). 2. Print low layer heights(0.2 or lower). Low layer heights do overhangs way batter. It is well worth the extra time especially because this print can be done without supports. 3. If needed Print with a brim or have a very sticky build plate. So far I have had no warping but bed adhesion is very important on such long prints. 4. Play around with shells to get as close to the target weight(84g per side). Once that is done make sure you have at least 4 top layers(helps with strength of the overhang) and play around with the bottom layers. If you cant get 84g ajust the line width(go +-10% of the nozzle width). 5.Use the setting "remove all holes" this makes it stronger and faster to print. Search the equivilent of this on your slicer(I use cura) Don't do infill, its not needed, it makes the object too heavy, and shells are better for strength anyways. Setting I have used so far. Ender 3 Pro, PETG(filament), 0.8mm nozzle, 0.2mm layer height, 25 outside wall speed, 50 inside wall speed, 235C. My prints have turned out excellent so far. 3D printer optimized change up goal coming soon. Feel free to comment any questions or suggestions. -Russ 1022A