Prusa i3 MK3 - P Rint​ ​ S Peed​ ​ V Ersus​ ​ P Rint​ ​ Q Uality

7.2.10  Print speed versus print quality
Printing a small object takes a few minutes, but printing larger models are time consuming -
there are prints taking tens of hours. The overall printing time can be changed in different
ways. The first way to alter the printing speed is by changing layer height in Slic3r - upper
right window shows Print settings option. The default setting is 0.20 mm (NORMAL), you can
speed up the printer by choosing the 0.35 mm (FAST) option. Raising the speed will result in
the model being less detailed with visible layer borders. If you prefer quality over speed,
choose 0.10 mm (DETAIL) option. Printing time will double but the model gets the extra
detail. Again, higher printing speed results in a less-detailed model
.
Pict.   20   -   Print   quality   vs   print   time
The speed can also be changed while printing. The LCD shows the FR 100 % item - it’s
actual print speed (feed rate). By turning the LCD-knob clockwise you can increase the print
speed up to 999 %. However, we do not advise increasing the speed over 200 %. Watch the
results of increased speed on the printed model and adjust the speed accordingly.
When increasing the speed always check that the model is cooled properly -
especially when printing a small object from ABS, increased speed causes distortion
(sometimes called “warping”) of the model. You can prevent this issue by printing
more similar objects together - layer printing interval is long enough to prevent this
issue.
If the model shows a lower quality than desired, you can decrease the printing speed - turn
the LCD-knob counterclockwise. Minimum usable printing speed is around 20 % of nominal
speed.
7.2.11  USB cable and Pronterface
We strongly recommend the use of the LCD panel while printing on the Prusa i3 MK3
- Pronterface doesn’t support all functions of the new firmware (e.g. filament change
while printing).
Keep in mind that when printing from Pronterface, the computer must be connected to the
printer during the whole printing process - the computer must be prevented from sleep,
hibernation, or shutting down. Disconnecting the computer during the print ends the printing
without the option to finish the object.
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