PHA Settings for Markforged FX20

Temperature Settings

Start with the nozzle at 188°C and the bed at 0°C. If you see poor layer adhesion, increase the nozzle temperature by 5°C increments. If you experience stringing, decrease the nozzle temperature by 5°C. For the first layer, you can increase the bed temperature by 5°C for better adhesion, then let it drop back to 0°C for subsequent layers.

The PHA filament has a recommended nozzle temperature range of 175-200°C and a bed temperature range of 40-60°C. The Markforged FX20 supports nozzle temperatures up to 385°C and bed temperatures up to N/A. See the compatibility notice above for details.

Speed & Quality

For the Markforged FX20, a print speed of 25-45 mm/s works well with PHA. The first layer should be printed at 15-25 mm/s for solid bed adhesion. Outer walls at 70-80% of the main speed produce cleaner surface finishes.

For quality-critical prints like miniatures or display pieces, reduce the speed to 25 mm/s and use a 0.12-0.16mm layer height. For draft or rapid prototyping, you can push the speed to 45 mm/s with a 0.24-0.28mm layer height. The standard 0.2mm layer height at 35 mm/s provides the best balance of speed and quality for most prints.

Bed Adhesion

PLA adheres well to PEI sheets (smooth or textured) without any adhesive. If using a glass bed, apply a thin layer of glue stick or hairspray. Clean the bed with isopropyl alcohol (IPA) before each print for consistent adhesion.

Common Issues with PHA on Markforged FX20

Here are the most common problems you may encounter when printing PHA on the Markforged FX20, along with proven solutions:

• Stringing: Lower nozzle temperature by 5°C and increase retraction distance slightly
• Warping (rare): Increase bed temperature to 60°C, use a brim, and clean the bed with IPA
• Poor layer adhesion: Increase nozzle temperature by 5°C and check if filament is wet
• Brittle prints: Filament may be old or moisture-damaged; try drying at 50°C for 4-5 hours

Tips for Best Results

Follow these expert tips to get the best possible prints with PHA on your Markforged FX20:

• Print a temperature tower to find the sweet spot for your specific PLA brand
• Store filament in an airtight container with desiccant when not in use
• Clean the bed with IPA before every print for consistent adhesion
• Use 100% cooling fan from layer 2 onward for best overhangs and bridging
• PLA is great for prototyping but avoid leaving prints in hot cars or direct sunlight

Support Settings

For prints requiring supports with PHA, use tree supports for easier removal and less scarring. Set a 0.15-0.2mm Z-distance between support and model. If you have a dual-extruder setup, consider PVA (for PLA/PETG) or HIPS (for ABS) as dedicated water/solvent-soluble support material.

PHA at a Glance

Markforged FX20 Specifications

The Markforged FX20 features a 525 x 400 x 400 mm build volume with a maximum print speed of 250 mm/s. It uses a direct drive extruder system, which provides better control over flexible and specialty filaments. The hotend can reach 385°C and the heated bed supports temperatures up to N/A.