3D Printers

Quick Start Instructions

These instructions are currently in the process of being re-written and updated.

PrusaSlicer

Hacklab Toronto has consensus around using PrusaSlicer for new users. [Download and Install PrusaSlicer]

Your First Print

If you are new to 3D printing we ask that you use HackLab's Pusa Mini printers for your first prints, with PrusaSlicer as the slicer. These are our most reliable printers, and simplest to use.

The Toolchain

These instructions will take you from an STL file to a printed object. An STL describes the idealized 3D object you want to produce. We won't cover producing the STL file. For the purpose of following this tutorial you can use this STL file, which describes a small storage bin.

Installing and setting up PrusaSlicer

You will need to install it to be able to convert your STL into G-code. PrusaSlicer runs on your computer, not on the printer itself. Download it from [1] and install it.

After installation you will be presented with several setup pages. To set up PrusaSlicer to work with the HackLab PrusaMinis (and avoid the risk of selecting the wrong printer type be accident) do the following:

• Under the "Prusa FFF" page: Scroll down to "MINI Family" and select "0.4mm nozzle" under "Original Prusa MINI & MINI+ Input Shaper". Make sure all other printers are not selected.
• Skip through the "Prusa MSLA", "Other Vendors" and "Custom Printer" pages.
• Under "Filaments" page: make sure Generic ABS, PLA and PETG are selected. Make sure other filaments are de-selected.
• Skip though "Updates", "Downloads", "Reload from disc".
• Under the "View mode" page select "Expert mode".

You should now be presented with PrusaSlicer showing a blank build plate. FIXME: Insert screenshot here

Prusa Mini

Hacklab's main printers are the Prusa Mini.

• [Prusa New User Guides]

Prusa Mini

1. Generate Gcode from an STL using PrusaSlicer
2. Copy your Gcode to the USB key attached to the printer.
3. Click Print
4. When finished, allow the bed to cool, and then wipe clean with small amount of isopropyl alcohol on clean paper towel.

DO NOT LEAVE MACHINES UNATTENDED

Please do run 3d printers with being present in the Lab. If a printer fails it could result in cooked filament / extruders, damaged mechanical components, or fires.

Explore Further

Firmware and Configuration

• Wiki doesn't like weird file types so check out our Github

Machines at Hacklab

Machine	Status	Additional notes
File:Prusa Mini 1.jpg 3D_Printers/Prusa Mini 1	Prusa Mini 1
File:Prusa Mini 2.jpg 3D_Printers/Prusa Mini 2	Working Great http://prusa-mini-2.in.hacklab.to/
3D_Printers/Ender_5_plus	Ender 5 plus
File:Ender 3 1.jpg 3D_Printers/Ender_3_1	Ender 3 1
File:Ender 3 2.jpg 3D_Printers/Ender_3_2	Ender 3 2
File:CR10 1.jpg 3D_Printers/CR10_1	CR10 1
File:CR10 2.jpg 3D_Printers/CR10_2	CR10 2
3D_Printers/FlashForge Creator Pro	Abandoned - Trash

See individual printer pages for details and maintenance logs.

Physical Problems

• Print not sticking to bed
  • Check bed levelness (Prusa's probe this automatically)
  • Check print bed distance to print head (Live Z height adjust)
• Extruder no longer extruding filament
  • Check filament feeder for ground plastic preventing extrusion
  • Check gcode generator settings to ensure proper filament properties selected (diameter, density)
  • Inspect hot-end for plugs by manual extrusion at temperature
  • Check filament feeder spring pressure (WARNING: DO NOT ADJUST THIS UNLESS YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING, THIS IS THE LAST STEP)
• Extrusion is discontinuous
  • Check filament feeder for ground plastic preventing full continuous extrusion

See Also

• Construct Protocol