this post was submitted on 06 Apr 2025
42 points (97.7% liked)

3DPrinting

17551 readers
20 users here now

3DPrinting is a place where makers of all skill levels and walks of life can learn about and discuss 3D printing and development of 3D printed parts and devices.

The r/functionalprint community is now located at: or [email protected]

There are CAD communities available at: [email protected] or [email protected]

Rules

If you need an easy way to host pictures, https://catbox.moe/ may be an option. Be ethical about what you post and donate if you are able or use this a lot. It is just an individual hosting content, not a company. The image embedding syntax for Lemmy is ![](URL)

Moderation policy: Light, mostly invisible

founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS
 

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!

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Totally. There is heat from repeated deformation, but I didn't explain how little heat it was, so I clarified in a later comment. All motion creates heat, etc, etc. (TBH, I shouldn't have mentioned it. Oh well. I let that cat out of the bag, so it's too late.)

But also yes, I have experienced PLA "cold flowing" on some parts as a well so I can confirm that for sure.

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

All good, it's still something to keep in mind (especially if OP thinks about enclosing their printer in the future). Thanks for your comment!