Status after 3 weeks of using my Prusa MK4 with the MMU3. I think it is important is share both good and bad experience, and their ratio: • Successful prints: 28 • Failed prints, my fault: 4 • Failed prints, hardware/software fault: 1 • Filament loads: 1720 • Filament interventions: 2 • Print time: 4d23h My success rate has been quite good. Especially since I am counting all attempts, include those where I learnt what not to do. This is my first MMU, and I am printing primarily in 6 year old ABS. My conclusion is that: Not only is the MMU3 very reliable. It actually improves the reliability of the raw MK4. Which means I no longer need the babysit the printer, to make sure first layer calibration goes well. I can just start a print and go to work or sleep. *Issues with raw MK4, fixed with MMU3* [1] During print start. The pull-force required to pull down the print head, with loaded filament, can bee too high. Resulting in the print not starting. [2] Oozing causing the first layer calibration to halt. [3] Oozing causing the first layer calibration to fail. *Consequence of issues* [1+2] Results in one can return to a print after 8 hours, which has not started at all. [3] At best gives a poor first layer, or at worst covers your print head in wasted filament, and possible breaks some parts in the print head. *How is it fix with the MMU3 added* [1] Has been fixed by having a PTFE tube between the print head and the MMU3. So no extra pull force is required while the print head is being lowered. [2+3] Has been fixed by removing oozing, by not have the nozzle loaded while doing the first layer calibration.
Issue number 1: I see that a ton with my own printer. The tension put on the nextruder from a spool on its hanger makes the printer think it hit Z:0 way too early. To fix it, I either unspool a little before it homes, or if I'm doing a big single color print, I'll setup a reverse-bowden to a dehydrator, so there's absolutely no strain on the nozzle as it moves across the axis.
Thanks so much! So far, it js much more fun to use the MMU3 with the MK4 over the MK3s. Now to decide if I like it better than my other multicolor printers!
@@tada3dprinting That's great news! After watching what I could of mmu-MK3 videos my enthusiasm has dimmed somewhat. So! I look forward to the MK4 Videos! :)
The buffer makes the MMU3 system work flawlessly. When it's installed next to the printer with the little leg that sits underneath the printer to stop it moving about, it only takes up about another 70mm in width, which is very minimal. As for the filament spool holders, well they can be placed anywhere. They don't necessarily have to be in the same configuration as Prusa suggests. In fact I have mine mounted above one of my MK4 MMU3 print stations on a shelf and I have printed a lot of multicolored models with it with no trouble whatsoever. And another suggestion would be that you don't have to have PTFE tubes going all the way to your spool holders either, this just makes it harder to feed filament and constricts where you can place your spool holders. I also just have about six inches of PTFE tubing coming out of the buffer for each segment, meaning five in total. That way you are not restricted by where you can have your spool holders, and also it minimises drag on the filament. Just remember that when the filament is loaded in the buffer that the filament between the spool holders and the buffer never goes slack, it is always taut. On another of my MK4 MMU3 print stations I have the filament spools mounted underneath in a cupboard, same thing, prints have come out flawlessly and I have not had ANY load problems either. If you're creative with your configurations when it comes to your maker space then you will discover that it takes up very little extra space. Good luck and I look forward to your upcoming videos regarding your experience with the MK4 MMU3.
I am thinking about mounting the spools on the back wall or above. Still trying to decide that. I'll have more room to experiment with this soon. Thanks!
Woo! Was excited for this video ^-^ I plan on ordering mine, as soon as my Prusameters reward request gets accepted, so I can add a free roll of PETG to my order.
Wow, I actually received mine before a youtuber. I think the spool holders should be an optional add on because I just have my 5 spools hanging below the table and they are working just fine.
As I understand it, the biggest difference between the Mk3 and Mk4 builds of the MMU3 are the changes to the printer itself. While Prusa wanted the Mk4 to not require any changes, unfortunately they had to do so. You will be taking the Nextruder apart and replacing some of the pieces. I am curious, though - you have the XL with a tool changer, why did you choose to get the MMU3?
I ordered the MMU3s before I recieved the 5TH XL. I would like more than one multicolor printer. The XLs are too expensive to have as many as I would like. So I'm trying to compare. Thanks!
Are the Prusa MMU kits comparable to the BL AMS and AMS Lite, as far as making multi material prints? Can the MMU switch to a backup.spool (having same material) if the one you're printing with runs out? These vids are very interesting. I wait for the printing results and comparisons 👍😊
It's comparable to the AMS Lite, but with five colors instead of four. All of the purging is done into the tower instead of "pooping" like Bambus do. The printer will also do a ramming sequence to form the tip, which helps to increase reliability and minimize waste. Yes, it can switch to a backup spool - I've done that a few times with my MMU3. Prusa calls it "spool join."
Wow, you must enjoy the punishment the MMU provides. I don't know why you would get this when you already have a 5T XL...and an X1 too! Well, I hope your experience goes better than your XL experience. The MMU is the worst product Prusa has ever produced.
I ordered these before I received my XL 5TH. I felt like the MMU3 for the MK3s was a lot of work and the MK3s feels ancient. The setup on the MK4 is much better. But I still dislike the footprint. Thanks!
@@tada3dprinting Well I have my Mk4 in one of those enclosures that's like a grow tent. I've got the top reinforced with some plywood, and I have the spools on top of that. Need to get longer PTFE tubes, there's some filament exposed, but it works. There are also a lot of spool holder designs and buffers on Printables - if you want to print your own, you can, and the kit does have hardware so you might not even need to go to the hardware store.
Status after 3 weeks of using my Prusa MK4 with the MMU3.
I think it is important is share both good and bad experience, and their ratio:
• Successful prints: 28
• Failed prints, my fault: 4
• Failed prints, hardware/software fault: 1
• Filament loads: 1720
• Filament interventions: 2
• Print time: 4d23h
My success rate has been quite good. Especially since I am counting all attempts, include those where I learnt what not to do. This is my first MMU, and I am printing primarily in 6 year old ABS.
My conclusion is that: Not only is the MMU3 very reliable. It actually improves the reliability of the raw MK4. Which means I no longer need the babysit the printer, to make sure first layer calibration goes well. I can just start a print and go to work or sleep.
*Issues with raw MK4, fixed with MMU3*
[1] During print start. The pull-force required to pull down the print head, with loaded filament, can bee too high. Resulting in the print not starting.
[2] Oozing causing the first layer calibration to halt.
[3] Oozing causing the first layer calibration to fail.
*Consequence of issues*
[1+2] Results in one can return to a print after 8 hours, which has not started at all.
[3] At best gives a poor first layer, or at worst covers your print head in wasted filament, and possible breaks some parts in the print head.
*How is it fix with the MMU3 added*
[1] Has been fixed by having a PTFE tube between the print head and the MMU3. So no extra pull force is required while the print head is being lowered.
[2+3] Has been fixed by removing oozing, by not have the nozzle loaded while doing the first layer calibration.
Thank you for the info 😊👌🏼
Yes thank you 🙂
.... and I recognize all of the errors you mention... Glad it's not just me!
...and another thank you 👍👍
Issue number 1: I see that a ton with my own printer. The tension put on the nextruder from a spool on its hanger makes the printer think it hit Z:0 way too early.
To fix it, I either unspool a little before it homes, or if I'm doing a big single color print, I'll setup a reverse-bowden to a dehydrator, so there's absolutely no strain on the nozzle as it moves across the axis.
Thanks, am waiting for mine. I look forward to your build and also the decisions about the buffer 🙂
Thanks so much!
I'll be basing my "investment" on this series.
No pressure.
😂
Thanks for clear, honest videos 👌🏼
Same here!
indeed 😉
Thanks so much! So far, it js much more fun to use the MMU3 with the MK4 over the MK3s. Now to decide if I like it better than my other multicolor printers!
@@tada3dprinting That's great news! After watching what I could of mmu-MK3 videos my enthusiasm has dimmed somewhat. So! I look forward to the MK4 Videos! :)
The buffer makes the MMU3 system work flawlessly. When it's installed next to the printer with the little leg that sits underneath the printer to stop it moving about, it only takes up about another 70mm in width, which is very minimal.
As for the filament spool holders, well they can be placed anywhere. They don't necessarily have to be in the same configuration as Prusa suggests. In fact I have mine mounted above one of my MK4 MMU3 print stations on a shelf and I have printed a lot of multicolored models with it with no trouble whatsoever.
And another suggestion would be that you don't have to have PTFE tubes going all the way to your spool holders either, this just makes it harder to feed filament and constricts where you can place your spool holders.
I also just have about six inches of PTFE tubing coming out of the buffer for each segment, meaning five in total. That way you are not restricted by where you can have your spool holders, and also it minimises drag on the filament. Just remember that when the filament is loaded in the buffer that the filament between the spool holders and the buffer never goes slack, it is always taut.
On another of my MK4 MMU3 print stations I have the filament spools mounted underneath in a cupboard, same thing, prints have come out flawlessly and I have not had ANY load problems either.
If you're creative with your configurations when it comes to your maker space then you will discover that it takes up very little extra space. Good luck and I look forward to your upcoming videos regarding your experience with the MK4 MMU3.
Thanks so much!
Yeeesss!!! I’ve been really hoping you’d do a MMU3 video for the MK4!
Thanks so much!
I been waiting for this...hopfully this will convince me to get it!. Thank you!
I like it much better on the MK4 than the MK3s. Still trying to compare between XL etc. Thanks!
Mine should be here by early June. Can't wait. Subscribed!
Woohoo! Thanks!
It will be interesting to see how you end up placing the spool holders and the buffer. This will not be a 10-minute install. 🙂
I am thinking about mounting the spools on the back wall or above. Still trying to decide that. I'll have more room to experiment with this soon. Thanks!
Woo! Was excited for this video ^-^
I plan on ordering mine, as soon as my Prusameters reward request gets accepted, so I can add a free roll of PETG to my order.
Oh that'll be nice. Thanks so much!
Wow, I actually received mine before a youtuber.
I think the spool holders should be an optional add on because I just have my 5 spools hanging below the table and they are working just fine.
Do you still use those long tubes into the buffer? Thanks!
As I understand it, the biggest difference between the Mk3 and Mk4 builds of the MMU3 are the changes to the printer itself. While Prusa wanted the Mk4 to not require any changes, unfortunately they had to do so. You will be taking the Nextruder apart and replacing some of the pieces.
I am curious, though - you have the XL with a tool changer, why did you choose to get the MMU3?
My guess for the question you have; Cause tutorials/unboxings get views ^-^
Maybe not enough to fully cover the cost of the MMU3, but over time maybe.
I ordered the MMU3s before I recieved the 5TH XL. I would like more than one multicolor printer. The XLs are too expensive to have as many as I would like. So I'm trying to compare. Thanks!
Are the Prusa MMU kits comparable to the BL AMS and AMS Lite, as far as making multi material prints?
Can the MMU switch to a backup.spool (having same material) if the one you're printing with runs out?
These vids are very interesting. I wait for the printing results and comparisons 👍😊
It's comparable to the AMS Lite, but with five colors instead of four. All of the purging is done into the tower instead of "pooping" like Bambus do. The printer will also do a ramming sequence to form the tip, which helps to increase reliability and minimize waste.
Yes, it can switch to a backup spool - I've done that a few times with my MMU3. Prusa calls it "spool join."
@logicalfundy Thank you for the overview how it works. sounds pretty good system
I just returned my Prusa xl. I'm done with Prusa no penny from me going to this overpriced junk. Using p1s for about 3 weeks and never been happier ❤
The Bambu printers are really fun to use. I find myself using the X1Cs a LOT. Thanks!
Wow, you must enjoy the punishment the MMU provides. I don't know why you would get this when you already have a 5T XL...and an X1 too! Well, I hope your experience goes better than your XL experience. The MMU is the worst product Prusa has ever produced.
have you used the MMU3?
The MMU3 is vastly improved over the MMU2.
I ordered these before I received my XL 5TH. I felt like the MMU3 for the MK3s was a lot of work and the MK3s feels ancient. The setup on the MK4 is much better. But I still dislike the footprint. Thanks!
@@tada3dprinting Well I have my Mk4 in one of those enclosures that's like a grow tent. I've got the top reinforced with some plywood, and I have the spools on top of that. Need to get longer PTFE tubes, there's some filament exposed, but it works.
There are also a lot of spool holder designs and buffers on Printables - if you want to print your own, you can, and the kit does have hardware so you might not even need to go to the hardware store.