How to post-process the printed parts

Relevant for:

MK2.5 MK2.5S MK3 MK3S SL1 MINI MK2S MINI+

Last updated 3 years ago

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Available languages

Step 1 Why to post-process the printed parts?

⬢This guide will explain in detail, how to post-process printed parts used on Original Prusa i3 printers to ensure easy assembly afterwards.

⬢Some printed parts designed for Original Prusa printers require post-processing. Skipping this part might cause issues and damage to the parts during the assembly.

⬢3D printing is a very accurate manufacturing process, but there are some factors, which can affect the final printed part:

⬢Temporary supports - must be removed after the print

⬢Different material properties - not all PETG or ABS are equal

⬢Defects in prints - strings, imperfections due to the geometry

Step 2 Tools used for the post-processing

WARNING: following tools can easily harm you. Make sure you read the manual from the tool manufacturer!

ALWAYS use protective equipment like safety glasses and gloves.

⬢Recommended tools for this manual:

⬢Sharp and thin cutting blade, the best option is a scalpel, but utility knife is also possible to use.

⬢Twist drill bits, ideally with a flat head, but those aren't easy to find. The lower the angle on the bit's head the better. For printed parts you need two sizes:

⬢8.1 mm / 0.3-inch drill bit (or slightly bigger, but not smaller)

⬢3 mm / 0.12-inch drill bit (or slightly bigger, but not smaller)

⬢Pliers with thin/slim jaw are the best, you can also use the bundled ones, but you might not be able to reach certain places.

Step 3 Optional tools for post-processing

⬢Following tools are not needed, though if you want to achieve the perfect shape and look we advise to use them:

⬢Curved/rounded scalpel - some parts of the printed part are easier to clean with a curved blade.

⬢Heat gun - certain materials tend to create strings during the print. Easiest way to remove them is by using a flow of hot air.

Optimal temperature for the heat gun is 250 °C (482 °F) and blow on the parts from a distance of 10 - 15cm (4 - 6 inches).

WARNING: Blowing hot air from a shorter distance can damage even melt the part!

Do not touch the HOT PARTS of the heat gun!!!

Step 4 Printed parts for post-processing

⬢After the print is finished, all parts should be checked for visible defects. Basic tips are given in:

⬢General post processing (tips and tricks)

⬢Some printed parts require specific post-processing, use the steps listed below:

⬢Y-axis parts post-processing

⬢X-axis parts post-processing

⬢E-axis parts post-processing

⬢LCD parts post-processing

Step 5 General post processing (tips and tricks)

⬢Use pliers to carefully remove the temporary supports.

⬢Clean the screw and rod holes using drill bits. Avoid increasing the diameter of the hole.

⬢Use a scalpel or utility knife and carefully remove the "elephant foot" (squished first layer) from the edges of the printed parts.

Step 6 General post processing (tips and tricks)

⬢Use the heat gun to remove the strings on each printed parts.

Set the heat gun temperature to 250 °C (482 °F)

⬢Blow the printed part from a distance of 10 - 15 cm (4 inch - 6 inch) until the strings melt.

Some strings may be thicker and may not simply melt. Remove them with the scalpel.

WARNING: Blowing hot air from a shorter distance can damage the part.

Step 7 Y-axis parts post-processing

NOTE: This step is for the MK3S only

⬢Use a scalpel to remove debris in the screw groove on the Y-belt tensioner.

⬢Use a 3 mm (0.12 inch) drill bit to clean all screw holes on the Y-axis plastic parts.

Step 8 X-axis parts post-processing

⬢Clean the holes by drill bit 8.1 mm (0.3 inch) in the X-end-motor and the X-end-idler marked in the picture for easier insertion of the rods.

⬢The drill bit must be parallel to the hole axis.

⬢Check the drill tip position through the square hole. Do not drill the bottom of the hole!

⬢Insert the rod into each cleaned hole. Try to slightly pull in and pull out the rod. The rod must not move freely in the printed part.

⬢Use a 3 mm (0.12 inch) drill bit to clean all screw holes on the X-axis plastic parts.

Step 9 X-axis parts post-processing

⬢Cut the groove on the top surface of the X-end-motor and the X-end-idler for easier insertion of bearings into the holes.

Step 10 E-axis parts post-processing

⬢Use pliers to remove the print support on the fan-shroud.

Step 11 E-axis parts post-processing

⬢Cut the groove on the P.I.N.D.A. sensor holder with a scalpel on the extruder-body.

⬢Use a 3 mm (0.12 inch) drill bit to clean all screw holes on the E-axis plastic parts.

Step 12 E-axis parts post-processing

⬢Drill both holes on the extruder-idler with a 3 mm (0.12 inch) drill bit.

It is CRUCIAL to drill both holes at the same time!

⬢In the most cases, the printed fs-lever part requires removal of the edge of the first layer. This edge may subsequently cause malfunction of the filament sensor.

⬢Carefully remove the edge with a scalpel, focus on the corner shown in the picture.

Step 13 E-axis parts post-processing

NOTE: This step is for MK3S/MK2.5S and you will need the steel ball.

⬢Insert a piece of filament through the adapter-printer part to clean both filament guiding holes.

⬢Insert the steel ball and roll with the ball to all sides to ensure smooth movement.

⬢Push a piece of filament through the hole multiple times to clean it on the fs-cover part. Do not use 3mm (0.12inch) drill bit for cleaning this hole!

⬢Use the 3mm (0.12inch) drill bit for cleaning the screw hole.

NOTE: The filament guiding holes must be properly cleaned!

Step 14 LCD parts post-processing

⬢Use pliers and carefully remove the temporary supports in the SD card slot on LCD-cover.

⬢Remove both temporary supports on the longer side, but keep the inclined part above, which will "lock" the PCB of the LCD in place (see the picture).

How to post-process the printed parts

How to post-process the printed parts

Step 1 Why to post-process the printed parts?

Step 2 Tools used for the post-processing

Step 3 Optional tools for post-processing

Step 4 Printed parts for post-processing

Step 5 General post processing (tips and tricks)

Step 6 General post processing (tips and tricks)

Step 7 Y-axis parts post-processing

Step 8 X-axis parts post-processing

Step 9 X-axis parts post-processing

Step 10 E-axis parts post-processing

Step 11 E-axis parts post-processing

Step 12 E-axis parts post-processing

Step 13 E-axis parts post-processing

Step 14 LCD parts post-processing

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