{"id":4315,"date":"2016-10-18T11:51:38","date_gmt":"2016-10-18T15:51:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/armchairarcade.com\/perspectives\/?p=4315"},"modified":"2016-10-18T11:51:38","modified_gmt":"2016-10-18T15:51:38","slug":"tips-tricks-new-matter-mod-t-3d-printer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/armchairarcade.com\/perspectives\/2016\/10\/18\/tips-tricks-new-matter-mod-t-3d-printer\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips and Tricks for the New Matter MOD-t 3D Printer"},"content":{"rendered":"

Having owned the New Matter MOD-t<\/a> for several months now, I can say that my impressions in my original reviews<\/a> still stand. This is a fantastic, beginner friendly 3D printer that shields the end user from many of the hassles inherent in the technology, while still providing quality output. Nevertheless, in my extended time with the printer, I’ve found some tips and tricks that help to greatly enhance the stock experience, which I’ve broken down into four categories: Power<\/strong>, Cleaning<\/strong>, Filament<\/strong>, and Software<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Power<\/h2>\n

This one is a head scratcher. For whatever reason, the MOD-t does not include a power switch. Fortunately, there are remote controlled power adapters, like this one, available from Amazon<\/a>. Press the button on the remote, the printer goes on. Press the button again on the remote, the printer goes off.<\/p>\n

\"JTD<\/a>

JTD Remote Control Power.<\/p><\/div>\n

This can save a lot of wear on the printer and also help save some pennies on your power bill.<\/p>\n

Cleaning<\/h2>\n

The included flexible print platform is something of a revelation, but, if you don’t clean it correctly, your prints won’t stick properly after only a few runs. New Matter recommends a natural, citrus-based cleaning solution for the print platform, but stops short of saying which one(s). Initially, I was using a natural shower cleaner, but that proved only partially effective, and definitely wasn’t citrus-based. In fact, I all but ruined my original print bed with a combination of that cleaner and roughing it up with the wire brush, which is one of the other recommendations.<\/p>\n

After ordering a replacement three pack<\/a> of print platforms, I was determined not to mess up another one. As such, I ordered a three pack of this citrus-based cleaner from Amazon<\/a>, and haven’t looked back since.<\/p>\n

\"Citrus<\/a>

Citrus Magic.<\/p><\/div>\n

After every print or every other print, I spray a generous amount on the print platform, then just wipe it off with a paper towel before re-attaching it to the base. I haven’t had a print not stick since, and my platform has needed no roughing up or other unnecessary damage. At this point, who knows when I’ll dip into the remaining two platforms in my three pack?<\/p>\n

Filament<\/h2>\n

This one is a two parter. First off, the included filament holder on the back of the unit is really only well-suited to full-sized 1 kg PLA filament spools. There’s an idea out there that suggests that 0.5 kg spools are easier to work with and better for the printer, and in fact this is clearly New Matter’s own policy since they only include that size in the box with the printer.<\/p>\n

The solution to keeping the smaller filament spools in place on the included holder is solved in the best way possible, and that’s through a 3D print. In New Matter’s own 3D print repository, there’s a 0.5 kg spool adapter<\/a>. Print it and use it! Since I printed and placed the adapter, I’ve had zero issues with spool slippage or related issues.<\/p>\n

\"Half<\/a>

Half Kilo Spool Converter (the pink piece).<\/p><\/div>\n

The second tip is use good filament. My favorite is the AIO Robotics White PLA, which I reviewed previously<\/a>. The best part is that not only does the MOD-t seem to respond especially well to this filament, it sells for only $12.99, and is often on sale for $9.99, inclusive of Amazon Prime shipping<\/a>. White is great for painting too.<\/p>\n

Some examples:<\/p>\n

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A photo posted by Bill Loguidice (@bill_loguidice)<\/a> on