3D Printers

From Hacklab.TO Public Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search

DO NOT LEAVE MACHINES UNATTENDED

Please do not leave 3d printers unattended for long periods! These printers are prone to failure, and leaving them unattended could result in cooked filiment / extruders, damaged mechanical components, or fires.

Machine Status and Important Notices

Machine Status Additional notes
File:Prusa Mini 1.jpg
Prusa Mini 1
Prusa Mini 1
File:Prusa Mini 2.jpg
Prusa Mini 2
 
FlashForge Creator Pro
  • Abandoned - Trash


See individual printer pages for details and maintenance logs.

3D Printer Workflow at the Hacklab

Hacklab's main printers are the Prusa Mini.


Software

  • The recommended software for the Prusa Mini printers is [PrusaSlicer]
  • Type A Gcode can be generated using our Cura settings or the Type A KISSlicer ("Series 1 2012/2013 - Plywood" section). The new "Cura Type A" is intended for newer models of their printers and just grinds the filament on ours instead of printing!

Quick Start Instructions

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.

Flashforge

  1. Generate Gcode from an STL using Cura 15
  2. Visit the OctoPrint web interface for the printer you're using (note: you must be on the members' wifi network!):
  3. Upload Gcode to the printer using the web interface.
  4. Click print and wait.
  5. When finished, make sure you do the following steps:
    • Clean up bed and machine for the next user.
    • Delete the file on OctoPrint if you are done with it.
    • Turn the machine off.

Slicer settings

PrusaSlicer

These are preconfigured for you when running the setup wizard and selecting the Prusa Mini as your printer.

Troubleshooting

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