Tools/3D Printing
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Contents
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
- Prusaslicer (Slic3r): https://gist.github.com/MaxBareiss/9f97218f1111aa1ae0247e9d0fbc3083
- 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:
- Convert 3D model or download an STL file.
- "Slice" the STL file to generate GCode.
- 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
