Tools/3D Printing

Current Printers

• Creality CR-10 S4
  • Build Area: 400x400x400 mm (Roughly 15.75x15.75x15.75 inches)
  • Filament diameter: 1.75mm
  • Has a heated bed
  • Can work PLA and PETG (ask before printing other materials or filaments with fillers (carbon, glow, wood, etc))
  • Workflow: OctoPrint
  • Settings:
    • Prusaslicer (Slic3r): https://gist.github.com/MaxBareiss/9f97218f1111aa1ae0247e9d0fbc3083
      • To load files go to: File > Import > Import Config Bundle
    • Cura: https://gist.github.com/MaxBareiss/dffded4b12485aaded61313ad5667154
• Elegoo Saturn 8k
  • Build Area: 219x123x210 mm (Roughly 8.6x4.8x8.3 inches)
  • SLA Resin printer
  • Settings: Follow instructions on link above

Current Filament Available

• PLA filament (transparent blue) -- ~1kg spool
• ABS filament (green) -- ~1kg spool

Usage and Workflow

The Creality printer is controlled via OctoPrint running on a Raspberry Pi set up next to it. The basic workflow is this:

1. Convert 3D model or download an STL file.
2. "Slice" the STL file to generate GCode.
3. Upload the GCode to Octoprint and print.

3D Modeling/STL creation

We currently recommend Fusion 360 for creating 3D models. It offers a free license for hobbyist use.

Other options which are FOSS include:

• OpenSCAD is the more mature of the two programs. It uses a scripting language to define a model using CSG.
• Antimony is a new program, released in Spring 2015 as a visual approach to CSG. While it is easier to use, its STL export is considerably cruder (it uses a naive algorithm for creating models).
• SolveSpace is a constraint-based, parametric CAD program. It has the advantage of having a more traditional CAD interface, but there is a bit of a learning curve; going through the tutorials on the program's website is highly recommended.

Alternatively, you can download an STL file from an online 3D printing repository like [[1]] or Thingiverse.

GCode Production

We recommend the use of PrusaSlicer (Slic3r) for the Creality CR-10. A settings file optimized for this printer is here. The most important setting for this printer is to set the maximum acceleration limit to 500 mm/s².

Visual Troubleshooting Guides

• http://support.3dverkstan.se/article/23-a-visual-ultimaker-troubleshooting-guide
• http://reprap.org/wiki/Print_Troubleshooting_Pictorial_Guide
• https://www.simplify3d.com/support/print-quality-troubleshooting/

Planned Printers

• Prusa i3 derivative
  • Planning discussions started in early January 2015, but stalled.
  • Current components: RAMPS board, Arduino, heated bed, thermistor, user interface board, one pulley with CL2 toothed belt
  • Missing components: Just about everything else

Old Printers

• Printrbot Simple Makers Kit
  • Build Area: Roughly 4x4x4 inches
  • Can work PLA and ABS (has heated bed)
  • Workflow: Connected to computer with Cura 2.4 series slicer.
  • Portable; can run on battery power
    • Requires at least 12V @ 4A for running without heated bed
    • Running the heated bed on battery power has not been tested and is not allowed at present.
  • Currently non-functional -- Power supply is dangerously unshielded.
• Solidoodle 3
  • Build Area: Roughly 8x8x8 inches
  • Has a heated bed
  • Fully enclosed with acrylic sheeting
  • Currently non-functional -- Has issues with Y-axis traversal, thermistor issues
• Mbot Cube (revision 1)
  • Build Area: Roughly 8x8x8 inches
  • No heated bed (though one can be added)
  • Dual extruders (though they need alignment)
  • Workflow
    • Uses Proprietary MPrint software to communicate with printer via USB
    • Can also print from an .x3g file read from the on-board SD card reader (2 GB maximum capacity); .x3g files can be made in ReplicatorG with appropriate configuration.
  • Currently non-functional -- Bed alignment system is damaged; new print bed needed