3D printing
FUBAR has several working FDM 3d printers. These printers are all Reprap derivative printers that are an open source hardware / software design. We are using CURA as the slicer / G-code sender for the printers. We also have one printer setup with Octoprint as the printer controller
- Lulzbot Mini
3mm filament, auto bed leveling. All metal hotend, Can go to 300 c
- Monoprice I3 (high temp)
Enclosed with all metal hotend. Can go up to 300 c
- Monoprice I3 (low temp)
Up to 245 c
General use policies to avoid issues
3d printer model files are 2d meshes that enclose a 3d space. The most common file type is *.stl (stereo-lithography). Many CAD programs and 3d design programs can create these meshes. A gotca with these files is "holes", if the mesh doesn't completely enclose a 3d space the printer control software will not properly print your model. Generally the slicer will warn you about this.
Some places to find models and software for model design
-
Thingiverse (repository of models, YMMV)
List of software to create your own models
- Autodesk Tinkercad (simple online CAD)
- Autodesk Fusion360 (Advanced but free use for "hobbyists")"
- Open SCAD (open source CLI CAD)
- Blender (Not CAD, but more general purpose open source 3d software)
Cura is a opensource slicer and G-code sender. The slicer component turns the model into instructions (G-code) to send to the printer. These instruction can be streamed to the printer or save to file to be streamed by another program. We also have one of the printers controlled by Octoprint. Ensure that models that are sliced for the I3 run off of Octoprint are not sliced using the setting for the Lulzbot
The Cura slicer uses profiles (stored with the *.ini filespec) to determine setting such as extrusion and bed temperature, layer height, infill, print speeds, and other things specific to material and print quality. We strongly suggest asking someone with expertise for the proper profile to use for the material used to print
todo, Materials (PLA, ABS, other) pros and cons. Where to get, loading, and storage
The printer can use a variety of different thermoplastics such as ABS, PLA, PET, HIPS, (polystyrene), Nylon and others. The most common plastics used are PLA and ABS, We recommend printing with PLA unless it's properties don't suit your application (i.e. exposure to high heat or need for high strength
- PLA - Polylactic Acid: Melts at ~200 c, good layer bonding and no warping as it cools, this generally gives good quality results. PLA+ is as strong as ABS or stronger, all PLA is made from corn and non toxic.
- ABS - Common plastic for all sorts of injection molded product Melts at ~240 c, Stronger then regular PLA and relatively heat resistant. Can have warping and layer bonding issues esp if not kept in temp controlled build chamber.
The Lulzbot uses 3 mm filament, I3 uses 1.75 mm. Although one might be able to load 1.75 into the Lulzbot you will not get good results.
todo How to check and Level I3's. How to ensure autolevel is working on Lulzbot.
todo how to do this without breaking the printer or injury
todo Common failures and how to correct