Group 3D Printer: Difference between revisions

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==Software==
==Software==
There are 3 things you need to acquire in order to use the printer: slicing software which generates the GCODE, printer controller software that measures temperatures and sends code to the RAMPS board, and custom configuration software we have created specifically for this project.
===slic3r===
===slic3r===
You can acquire slic3r here: http://slic3r.org/ Slic3r takes STL files as input. Essentially what it does is take the STL solid and split it into a series of Z axis sections. Each section becomes a GCODE profile, which is used by the printer to make the objects.
===Printrun===
===Printrun===
Printrun is described here: http://reprap.org/wiki/Printrun Printrun (specifically, pronterface) connects to the printer, controls the motors, measures the temperatures, and sends the GCODE to the board for interpretation.
===Configuration Files===
===Configuration Files===
Configuration files are very specific to each printer, and each type of filament. If you change printers, and sometimes if you change filaments, you will need to tweak the slic3r configuration files. Most likely, you won't need the firmware / Marlin config for normal operations.
==Procedure==
==Procedure==
===Create the GCODE===
===Create the GCODE===

Revision as of 21:27, 12 March 2013

Overview

The group has purchased and assembled a Prusa Mendel 3D printer. This page gives some instructions on its use

Mechanicals and Electronics

The Prusa Mendel is a type of RepRap printer http://www.reprap.org/wiki/Main_Page . It uses threaded rods for the frame, with a total of 5 stepper motors... 1 for X, Y, and the extruder, and 2 for the Z axis. Our version uses a RAMPS v1.4 board, with a SD card reader and LED display panel for headless printing.

Software

There are 3 things you need to acquire in order to use the printer: slicing software which generates the GCODE, printer controller software that measures temperatures and sends code to the RAMPS board, and custom configuration software we have created specifically for this project.

slic3r

You can acquire slic3r here: http://slic3r.org/ Slic3r takes STL files as input. Essentially what it does is take the STL solid and split it into a series of Z axis sections. Each section becomes a GCODE profile, which is used by the printer to make the objects.

Printrun

Printrun is described here: http://reprap.org/wiki/Printrun Printrun (specifically, pronterface) connects to the printer, controls the motors, measures the temperatures, and sends the GCODE to the board for interpretation.

Configuration Files

Configuration files are very specific to each printer, and each type of filament. If you change printers, and sometimes if you change filaments, you will need to tweak the slic3r configuration files. Most likely, you won't need the firmware / Marlin config for normal operations.

Procedure

Create the GCODE

Connect to the Printer

Load the GCODE into pronterface

Preheat the bed

Home the X and Y axes

Home the Z axis

First Layer Adhesion

Resources

The group is pooling resources to create a Makerspace owned 3D printer. Andronicus is leading the efforts, with a build goal deadline of 1/15

Current Status

As of 02/19/2013, the space printer is printing parts with some degree of accuracy. Hardware and software changes frequently.

Specifications

Financial Contributions

  • Adan
  • Dr. Strangegun
  • Issac
  • Sam
  • Shane

Things to Buy

Electronics

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