3D Printing
Contents
About
3D printing is an additive manufacturing process that allows for the creation of real-world, tangible objects from 3D virtual models. MakeICT maintains three separate 3D printers, a RepRap Prusa Mendel: an Ultimaker 2, and a Rostock Max V2. Full details and specifications can be found on the individual equipment pages.
| RepRap Prusa Mendel | Ultimaker 2 | Rostock Max v2 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Build volume | 180 x 180 x 100ish mm | 210 x 220 x 200 mm | 260 (circle) x 375 mm |
| Max Nozzle Temperature | 250 C | 400 C | 295 C |
| Filament types | PLA | PLA, ABS, CPE | PLA, ABS |
| Filament diameter | 1.75 mm | 2.85 mm | 1.75 mm |
| X/Y resolution | 0.125 mm | 0.125 mm | 0.1 mm |
| Z resolution | .0039 mm | 0.02 mm | 0.0125 mm |
| Nozzle diameter | 0.35 mm | 0.4 mm | 0.5 mm |
| Heated bed | No | Yes | Yes (it's slow!) |
Machine Access Policy
Use of the 3D printers requires attendance in a 3D printer certification workshop or certification from an approved peer-certifier.
- Any member who has been certified to use the 3D printer may peer-certify other members
- Certification instruction must at least include
- Fundamental knowledge of each printer's working principles
- Proper use and control of each printer
- Software workflow
- How to change filament
- How to pay for material
Filament Fund
Printing with filament provided by MakeICT costs $0.04 per gram. After printing, please weigh your print using the provided scale and put the appropriate amount of money in the filament fund jar. If you have any requests for new colors/types of filaments, you can write them on the same jar.
Workflow
Note: This process is under development and may change. Check back here for updates if something changes.
Slicing
Slicing is the process of converting an STL file to the G-Code required to run the printer.
Any slicer with an appropriately configured profile can be used to generate G-Code to run the machines. We have setup Slic3r with profiles for each machine on the design computer in the Fab Lab, and are working to configure the same for Cura. These profiles will be uploaded to the Wiki.
Slic3r has native support for uploading to Octoprint, just hit the 'Upload to printer' button in the 'Plater' tab. In Cura just export the G-Code file and upload it using the file browser in Octoprint.
When slicing, be sure to use the correct profile for the machine you intend to print on. G-Code generated for one machine WILL NOT work properly on the others.
Printing
Each printer can be run using Octoprint. Thorough instructions on this interface can be found on the Octoprint page. The Ultimaker also has a built-in interface for printing from an SD card. Instructions for that interface can be found on the Ultimaker 2 Wiki page.
The printers can be reached at the following addresses while connected to the network at MakeICT:
The username and password are 'maker'. To run a print upload your G-Code file using the file browser on the bottom left of the page, then click the print button when the file is done uploading.
General Use Tips
- When changing from a filament that prints hotter to one that prints cooler (e.g. ABS to PLA) you should do a cold pull to remove the old plastic that is lining the melt chamber. Otherwise there will likely be problems with underextrusion due to the unmelted plastic.
- When your print is finished, do not immediately turn off the power; wait until the nozzle has cooled. The Ultimaker and Rostock have actively cooled heatsinks on their hotends, and if power is cut before the nozzle is cool the filament can melt higher up than intended and cause a jam.
- Be careful when removing prints. The glass beds are fairly durable, but can be cracked with excessive force. No hammers, mallets, or other bludgeoning devices are to be used for print removal!
References
- Descriptions of the various G-Codes used to run the printers can be found here:
3D Printer Authorized Users
To see authorized users expand this section --->
