3 Attachment(s)
Anet A8 printer - Making it print the Bullet collator
I have had some questions asked to me so I thought I would post some upgrades that I recommend
The printer in question is the 2017 Anet A8
Attachment 216055
They have a new model Anet A8M which has a metal frame and dual extruders (so you can print 2 colors at once)
There are also different clones that have the popular upgrades already built in.
We will talk about the A8 specifically
Prior to assembly, I recommend that you source this item. It is 3d printed.
A8 fan spacer
Attachment 216056
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1798669
You can assembly your printer and print this but its just as easy to shoot me a PM and I will print one for you for just the cost of some first class stamps.
I really don't know why they don't include it as you need it for assembly. If you want to print it later then use 2 spacers from the display and some washers.
Hot Bed Mosfet
Attachment 216057
https://www.amazon.com/BIQU-Power-Mo...eywords=mosfet
The problem with the A8 printer is that the connectors on the controller (motherboard) are of poor design and will fail over time. Plus there isn't a current limiter so it will cause another problem which I will mention in a minute.
This item is VERY easy to install and easy to hook up.
Hot bed connector
It is recommended that you solder the hotbed wires directly to the hotbed.
The connector will fail and it is easier to just do it now during assembly vs doing it later once it has failed.
I just screwed mine directly to the frame (frame is acrylic anyway). If you get the Anet A8m then you will have a metal frame and will have to use spacers.
You can assembly the printer without it but it is such a inexpensive safety feature.
Install a basic on/off toggle switch.
Get something that is rated for 10 amps. Any auto parts store sells them.
Use 14ga wire. Buttsplice the incoming power wire and run it to the switch and then back to the power supply.
This allows you to turn off the power via switch vs just pulling the plug.
Micro SD extension
https://www.amazon.com/LANMU-Extensi...dp/B01D9JIUU0/
This is a MUST HAVE. Cost is $7 shipped.
I stuck mine on the top left z axis support using double side tape.
Purchase some filament tubes for spares
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
They aren't expensive but if you are like me you might need one the first time you try to switch filiment and get it stuck in the tube.
Build plate - Blue tape or Glass or ????
Well this will be a long discussion.
I was recommended this mat - Mamorubot build plate
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075JKCMRV
Basically it is suppose to allow PLA to stick really good when warm (60-70C) and then be very easy to release when cold.
I haven't had much luck with this.
Blue tape - this is just painters tape. Your printer comes with standard beige masking tape on the bed. It works well and will last several prints.
Glass - this is the best that I have heard about. It does require a glue on the glass each time you print but the glue can be removed after each print with a alcohol wipe.
People use either glue sticks or common hair spray.
Filament -
I have used this >https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MUBEAD9
And it works great. Its cheap and I have successfully printed the Collator base and the 9mm collator plate.
There are other choices and for the most part they are about the same.
There is a company in NC that makes and sells -> http://www.makeshaper.com/
They sell the larger 5kg spools as well as the typical 2.2kg and 1kg spools as well.
There will be more stuff added later.
Download your files -> https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2504314
Make sure you always have the latest files.
The designer (AmmoMike83) is a member on here. He is in Germany so its +6 hrs to EST
He is a great guy to work with and seems to be very knowledgeable.
Download Cura
https://ultimaker.com/en/products/ul...-cura-software
The default settings are for a Ultimaker.
But you can change the printer in the software
You need to make sure that you have the correct setting for the diameter of your filament (1.75). The default setting for me was 2.85
I had issues printing.
Well this post is long enough. Will add to it later