3D Printers
This article is mandatory reading for anyone who would like to 3D print, but it does not replace a personal introduction!
All of our printers use "fused filament fabrication" (FFF, a.k.a. FDM) and are therefore limited to thermoplastics as materials. Lots of cool things can be made with this technology, but it's good to be aware of the limits of FFF before starting to design your parts.
You can find our 3D printer farm in the electronics room.
Available Printers
| label | type | status |
|---|---|---|
| P1 | Prusa i3 MK2S | operational |
| P2 | Prusa i3 MK2S | operational |
| P3 | Prusa i3 MK2S | operational |
| P4 | Prusa i3 MK2S | operational |
| P5 | Prusa i3 MK2S | operational |
General Usage Guidelines
Using the 3D printers, like any other machine, requires a personal introduction - ask a tutor to get one!
Slicing
A 3D model has to be virtually split into its layers ("sliced") before a printer can start building it up layer by layer in reality. You can use Slic3r Prusa Edition with the default settings for the MK2S (or MK2, doesn't matter) provided by Prusa Research.
The slicing for our printers is done on the computer in the Electronics Room using Slic3r Prusa Edition.
Import
Put your STL file on a thumb drive and plug it into the slicer computer. Open Slic3r (orange/grey on the side bar) and drag the file into the program.
Print Settings
Presets can be selected on the "Plater" tab (where you see your model) on the left side. Its a good idea to chose the setting which fits your desired quality the most and make adjustments from there. Individual options can be changed in the "Print Settings" tab (e.g. support, infill, ...).
Filament Settings
All the available filament rolls should have a preset created for them, which can be selected in the "Plater" tab. If this on not the case ask a tutor for the settings.
Export G-Code
Press the "Export G-Code" button and save the file on the SD card of the printer. It's good practice to save your print files in a folder with your name.
Multi Material Printing
If your Model requires Multi-Material printing, this can be done using Printer P6. In the slicer, please select "Original Prusa i3 MK2 Multi Material" as the printer.
Please ensure that the filament loaded into the printer matches the settings you have in the slicer, for example like this:
!!!! Insert Prictures !!!!
For each part in your model, you can assign a specific extruder. If you import your parts in a single STL file, try marking it and pressing the "Split" button in order to split it into multiple parts (it will for example split it into the bodies from Fusion 360).
Prusa provides a few helpful links for Multi Material Printing:
[1]
[2]
[3]
[4]
Please read them while preparing for your first print.
In case you have a specific support Material (e.g. Soluble support), please see the settings at: Print Settings --> Multiple Extruders.
Please note that Multi Material printing takes much longer than regular printing. After you exported the GCode, you can see the estimated printing time in the lower right corner.
Do Your Math
A few simple calculations will save you a lot of time and material:
- shell thickness must be a multiple of the nozzle diameter
- elements very close to or below the nozzle diameter won't turn out well
- bottom/top thickness must be a multiple of your selected layer height
Supervision
- even simple prints can go wrong, so please watch the homing process and the first layer closely and check the progress regularly
- do not leave the printers unattended - you'll have to find someone else to supervise a print if you absolutely need to leave the building
- there is no need to sit in front of the machine all the time, just do not leave the Space!
Cleanliness
- for improved adhesion, remove any dust from the print bed and wipe it with a few drops of isopropanol
- do not use acetone on the PEI sheet, it will destroy the print bed!
- collect any clean plastic waste in the appropriate (material and color!)
SD Cards
- if you don't know a file, don't print it - ideally, slice all your models just before printing
File Storage
- always back up your files on your own storage, our SDs and computers might be cleaned up at any time without much warning!
- do not use old G-codes over and over again, but rather save your STLs and slice freshly for every print - there could have been changes to the machine since your last visit!
Material Donations
We try to keep the cost low to allow anyone to print. Apart from the filament, we need new isopropanol from time to time.
Please donate for these expenses:
- 5 ct/gram material cost
- + any additional amount you like
Time/Material Estimation
To check the amount of filament and the rough time needed for a print we suggest to use the gcode.ws online tool and analyse the exported G-Code file there. The filament amount is usually quite accurate, but the print time in reality is usually 20-30% longer on our printers.
Some slicers also have built-in estimation features - unfortunately, our favorite Slic3r only estimates the required material, not the time.
Tutors
If you're not sure about something, these Makers might be able to help:
Maintenance
Prusa Research provides a list of maintenance tips.
