Hi there! I’ve had this printer about a year now. I used to use my buddies og Ender 3, and when the V2 was on sale I “upgraded” and got my own.

I realize now that for just a bit more money I could’ve had a much more performant machine, but, oh well. I’m gonna use this for a good long while. I only print as an occasional hobby, or to augment my other hobbies.

Anywho, it’s been on a shelf up and out of the way all winter, unused, in a climate controlled room.

I pulled it out the other day to do a few prints, it works great. Ran about 12 or 16 hours of prints through it. But today I noticed these cracks. This seems to be the belt tensioner for the bed? Did I have it too tight? Am I supposed to relax it while it’s being stored?

I can probably print a replacement. But I was just wondering what your thoughts were.

Thanks!

  • bluewing@lemm.eeEnglish
    3·
    15 days ago

    Infills over 10 to 15 percent get you very little increase in strength. It’s not until you get to the sweet spot of 80-85 percent infill rates do you get a real boost in strength. Then above about 85% the gains again taper off dramatically all the way to 100% infill. Otherwise you are merely wasting filament and money to just feel good. If you need more strength, add more perimeters and tops and bottoms.

    I would use a .60mm nozzle, PETG or PLA will work just fine, 4 perimeters, and 4 top and bottom layers. And either 10% cubic or gyroid infill. That should create a part that will last for years.

    • KingRandomGuy@lemmy.worldEnglish
      1·
      15 days ago

      In my experience doing a bit more than 10% can be helpful in the event of underextrusion, plus I’ve seen it add a bit more rigidity. But you’re right that there are diminishing returns till you start maxing out the infill.

      4 perimeters at 0.6mm or 6 at 0.4 should be fine.