Group 3D Printer
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
- Full electronics http://gadgets3d.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=61_66&product_id=70 $198 + $20 shipping - ORDERED
- Power supply http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009EIANT2/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00 $26.96 + $5.44 shipping
- Hot End https://www.hotends.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=88 $62.49 + $3.75 shipping
- 5x Stepper Motors https://www.lulzbot.com/?q=products/nema-17-stepper-motors $87.50 + $12.00 shipping - ORDERED