View source for 3D Printers

== '''Introducing our 3D printers:''' ==


{|style="margin: 0 auto;"
|[[File:MakerBot.jpg|thumb|300px|MakerBot]]
|[[File:Robo_3D.jpg|thumb|300px|Robo 3D]]
|[[File:Taz_LulzBot.jpg|thumb|300px|Taz Lulzbot]]
|}

== '''Printing instructions:''' ==

=== '''Desiging your own 3D model:''' ===

Software: OpenSCAD

Cheat Sheet: http://www.openscad.org/cheatsheet/index.html

After creating your own 3D model follow this steps:
* Render and compile your code by pressing F6
* Export the design as .stl
* If the file is in your own computer, move the file(name.stl) to the Mac found in Turing lab(CST 222)

=== '''Overhang / Supports''' ===

Software: Meshmixer

Once you import a pre-existing model:
* Use the align tool under the Edit tab to place model on bed
* Use the overhang tool under the Analysis tab to generate supports for the model
* Export as " *.stl " when finished

=== '''Instructions on how to use the 3D printers:''' ===

==== '''Robo R1+ 3D Printer''' ====

Software for the printer: MatterControl

Steps to follow in order to print:
*Insert a microSD card into the Mac and get rid of any files in it.
*Open MatterControl and drag your .stl file into the QUEUE section of the application.
*On the top-left section, click on “Select Printer.” Select “Robo 3D TM Turing” in the window that pops out. 
*Towards the bottom of the QUEUE section, you will find a “Queue” button. Click on it to get a list.
*On the list, below GCode, select “Export to Folder or SD Card.” Click on the microSD card under “Devices” in the side panel and click on “Export”
*Now, in Finder, browse to the microSD card and rename the file you just exported as “auto0.g” (auto zero dot g). Choose “Use.g” if a prompt appears.
*Then, safely remove the microSD card from the Mac and insert it into the Robo 3D printer.
*Prep the build plate using one the following:
**Glue Stick
**Vinyl Sheeting 
**Hairspray
:Apply whichever product on the surface of the build plate enough to cover the surface you will be printing on.                                                              
*Turn the printer on. Your print will start after about 5 minutes.
*After the print is over, wait for the temperature to cool down and carefully remove the 3D printed object from the build plate.
*Clean the build plate.

==== '''Taz Lulzbot 3D Printer''' ====
Software for the printer: Cura

Steps to follow in order to print:
*Insert a microSD card into the Mac.
*Open Cura and press “Load Model” to upload the stl file you want to print.
*Right click “Control” and select the “Save gcode” and then choose the SDcard under the “Devices” panel.
*Make sure the Taz 3D Printer is turned on.
*Safely eject the sdCard from the Mac and insert it into Taz Printer (on left side of the LCD screen)
*Back on the LCD screen, press the knob, scroll down by rotating the knob and select “Temperature”.
*Select “ABS” from the list shown.
*The LCD will now display the info screen and the printer will start heating up. Wait until the temperatures reach 240C and 110C.
*In the info screen, press the knob again. Scroll down and select “Print from SD” Select your file and it will start printing right away.
*Once the printing has finished, wait for the bed to cool down and carefully remove the 3D printed object.

==== '''MakerBot 3D Printer''' ====
Software for the printer: ReplicatorG

Steps to follow in order to print:
*Insert a microSD card into the Mac.
*Open ReplicatorG, drag and drop your stl file into application screen. 
*Adjust your model if you need to.
*Select “Generate GCode” on the bottom right.
*Make sure the values are set as shown in the image below and then select “Generate GCode” 
:[[File:Replicator_values.png|thumb|250px|center]]
*If prompted with an “Acceleration Warning” select “OK”
*Wait until it generates the gcode. 
*After the file is generated go to the gcode tab and modify the numbers on the lines M104 should be 230 and M109 should be 128, i.e.:
:M104 S230 T1 (set extruder temperature) M109 S128 T1 (set HBP  temperature)
:Make sure to save it by pressing “Command + S”.
*Select “Build to file using SD Card” as shown in the image below. Select the microSD card and make sure to save it as “.x3g” format.
:[[File:Build_from_sd.png|thumb|300px|center]]
*Wait until it is done building and then safely eject the sdCard from the Mac and insert it into the MakerBot. Note: You can find the sdCard slot as shown in the image below:
:[[File:MakerBot-slot.jpg|thumb|300px|center]]
*Turn on the printer. 
*Select “Build from SD” and then using the arrows scroll down to your file.
*The printer will start heating up and once it finishes heating up, it will start printing.
*Once the printing has finished, wait for the bed to cool down and carefully remove the 3D printed object.