This repository was created primarily as a community resource for those with a new Troodon 3D printer. Much of the content that follows applies equally well to many other 3D printers. The Troodon 2.0 Pro, in particular, is a very close relative of a 350mm Voron 2.4R2 printer. The majority of the content here applies directly to those printers as well.
Even before your printter is up and running, there are plenty of resources to check out. Both to learn more about 3D printing in general, if you are new to this space, and for considerably more in-depth knowledge about getting the most out of your printer.
- Documentation - User manuals, online guides, and other reference materials
- Discord Communities - Connect with users and vendors of popular prints and products
- Vendor Websites - Vetted suppliers with a history of delivering on their promises
- YouTube Videos - Helpful accounts to follow, covering a wide range of topics
- Troodon Information - Links to check out if you're on the fence about purchasing a Troodon
- Notes About Mods - What is a mod and why are they so popular?
Almost any kind of upgrade or modification to your printer will require something - a bit of time, a bit of know-how, or a bit of money. Sometimes more than one, and sometimes much more than a bit. To help, a simple rating system has been used throughout these pages. Naturally, everyone values their own time, skills, and money differently. What might be cheap for one person might be out of the question for someone else. The same goes for time and talent - there's a reason why we don't all have Vorons!
| 🤔 | Effort | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 🙂 | Easy | Items that almost everyone can (and should) implement
|
| 🔨 | Medium | Items that are broadly applicable, but strictly optional
|
| 🥇 | Difficult | Items that might be very beneficial but complex to implement
|
A critical aspect of 3D printing relates to the type of filament used. While there are many websites that go on at length about the properties of each filament type, at the end of the day it comes down to how well the printer can process the filament being fed to it. There are differences in filament quality between vendors, and sometimes even between colors or batches of the same filament type from the same vendor. There can also be differences related to how dry the filament is. Here is a brief look at the most common filament types and what to plan for in terms of printer capabilities, modifications, settings, and so on.
- PLA - Most common, easiest to start with, least expensive
- PETG - More durable, less brittle, quite popular
- TPU - Much more flexible and sometimes even stretchy
- ABS / ASA - Better for high-temperature environments
- Nylon - Not as strong but very durable, more expensive
- Additives - Glass and Carbon Fiber take things up a notch
- Others - Many, many more options to choose from
This list is aimed at new 3D printer owners, particularly new Troodon 3D printer owners, as well as anyone looking to get more from their existing setup. This is more about the initial few weeks with a new printer and what to have on hand to make that experience as positive and productive as possible. No mods here, really, as these are focused on getting up and running with what you already have out of the box with a typical stock configuration.
- Software and Firmware - Get everything up to date
- Tools - What you need to perform basic assembly, maintenance, and repairs
- Accessories - Not strictly required, but a few things to help
- Chemicals - Keep these on hand for quick cleanup and proper maintenance
- Replacement Parts - Stuff is going to break, so be prepared
- Initial Tuning - A little extra TLC goes a long way
- First Prints - Good places to start
- First Problems - Solutions to common problems
This list is aimed at those who might be planning for a more production-oriented environment. Maybe you're using your printer in a business. Maybe you have an Etsy store. Maybe you print a lot of the same things over and over again. Or maybe you just like to tinker. Here are modifications that can help ensure reliable prints day in and day out. And again, we're not touching anything in the main filament path of the printer, but instead focused on everything around it. Often, small updates or modifications can make a big difference in the day-to-day experience. These are intended to be on the less expensive and easy-to-implement side of the fence, accessible to most everyone without too much of a learning curve.
- 🔨 TAP Upgrades - Replace the plastic TAP mount with a metal CNC part
- 🥇 TAP Alternatives - Upgrade to an entirely different bed mesh sensor
- 🙂 Alternative Build Plates - Explore different print surfaces
- 🙂 Chamber Fans and Filters - Upgrade VOC filtering, higher chamber temperatures
- 🔨 Chamber Lighting - Improve the lighting for better visibility, timelapse videos, etc.
- 🥇 Multi-material and Multi-Color Options - Print with a mix of colors and materials at the same time
- 🥇 Toppers - Increase the top height or add mounting points for other accessories
- 🙂 Advanced Calibration - For when you want that extra bit of performance
- 🙂 Klipper TMC Auto Tune - Let's quiet things down a little
Once everything is up and running smoothly, your gaze will quickly turn toward faster print speeds. No end to the available options here. Let's have a look at some of the most popular and effective options in these categories.
- 🥇 CAN Bus - Greatly simplify the wiring in your printer
- 🥇 Umbilicals - A different cable path option
- 🥇 Extruders - Simpler - Lighter - Stronger - Lots of options
- 🔨 Hotends - Increased filament flow is the primary objective here
- 🔨 Cooling - High-speed printing often calls for high-speed cooling
- 🥇 Controller Boards - No shortage of options here
- 🥇 Computer Boards - When your printer needs to do a little more than just print
As complex as they are, 3D printers do require some amount of ongoing routine maintenance. Both in terms of software/firmware, as well as hardware - physical maintenance. How much maintenance depends largely on how much printing is going on. But even printers sitting idle will need maintenance - perhaps even more than if they are used regularly.
- Notifications - Items that need your immediate attention
- Between Every Print - Good habits will save a lot of trouble down the road
- Weekly Maintenance (Every 100 Print Hours) - Or every 100 print hours
- Monthly Maintenance (Every 500 Print Hours) - Or every 500 print hours
- Seasonal Maintenace (Every 2,000 Print Hours) - Or every 2,000 print hours
TBD.
TBD.