Difference between revisions of "3D Printers"

Revision as of 12:18, 16 February 2017

Intro

• For the 2016-2017 the 3D printers have been set up in the Library building L1523.
• On the first floor on the Library building walk past the Multimedia Lab and take a left at the garbage/recycling area. There is a sign labeled "24-Hour Suites".

• For more information contact Aaron Kruse

Scheduling

• The 3D Printer room is scheduled at Media Loan or the Multimedia Lab.
• Media Loan is located at Library 2504 or you can call 360-867-6253.
• The room is available 24 hours seven days a week but you need to schedule time and checkout the key while Media Loan is open.
• Here is the scheduling policy.
• There are late fees for over due keys so return the keys on time.
• If you schedule time when the building is closed Media Loan will give you an extra key FOB to open the Library Building exterior door.

Equipment

Makerbot Replicator 2

• There is one Makerbot Replicator 2 printer in the room. Another Makerbot is waiting for parts.
  • Load you files onto the printer with the SD cards.

Lulzbot Mini

• There is one Lulzbot Mini.
• Load files to it with the Cura application on the computer to the right of the printer.

Computer

• Use Cura with the Lulzbot.
• The Makerbot software is installed if you need to convert files.
• There is a memory card reader for loading files on to SD cards.

Notes

• It OK to prop the door open while printing is you are in the room or in the hallway.
• If you leave the area while printing make sure to close the door.
  • Do not leave for more than 15 minutes. The printers can jam and stop printing.
• You'll need to copy the X3G file to the SD card. There is a computer with an memory card reader in the room.
• Make sure that there is enough filament on the spool and that it feeds freely.
• Use the key pad to choose "Build from SD". find the file and print.
• The printer will heat the extruder, draw an initial line and start the print

Problems to Watch for

• Watch the first two layers closely to make sure that they stick to the bed.
• If the first layer fails, cancel the print, clear the bed and try again.
• Watch for print not sticking to the bed.
• Watch for the feed stopping. This often makes a repeating clicking sound and no plastic coming out of the nozzle.
• Continuously check that the filament is feeding off of the spool.

If Things Go Wrong

• If there are problems with the printer go to the Multimedia Lab or contact Aaron Kruse
• Do not try to do repairs or maintenance on the printers.