this post was submitted on 16 Oct 2024
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I saw a 3d printer using plastic pellets instead of filament.

Is this a good idea? Because I never saw anyone doing this.

Seller says "in this way it won't run out of filament" but I have the impression of imprecise extrusions (machine was fitted with a big 0.8mm nozzle)

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 day ago

As with everything 3d printing, it's a tradeoff.

It's harder to prevent oozing, harder to change colors, worse quality(usually) and larger nozzles.

But you print much cheaper, often can print larger parts with larger nozzles (stronger).

What I do with printing, I'd seriously consider a retrofit pellet extruder on my smallish machine (e5+) If it were reasonably priced.

Almost everything I do is "structural" and doesn't need to be pretty direct off the printer.