3D Printers
Starting your first print
Setting up the slicer
If you prefer to use your own computer for slicing, you will need to install a slicing software. We strongly recommend Cura. Download it here, and proceed through the setup process. When asked to choose a printer, select “non-networked printer”, and go to “Creality”, then “CR-10 Max”. All the prefilled parameters can be left as is.
If using a makerspace computer, it should have the slicer installed. Note it may not be updated or may have lost connection to one or more printers.
Generating G-Code
Import an STL to Cura. This can be taken from a CAD software like Fusion, or downloaded off the internet. If you don’t have a model, we recommend finding something small on Thingiverse. Import it into Cura, and slice the file using default settings. Then save the file.
Preparing the printer
Ensure the printer has filament loaded. Go to the webpage for the printer at [printer name].local in a web browser. For example, buzz.local. Check if it’s connected on the left page, and if not click connect.
Uploading and printing
Drag the G-Code file generated before into the printer’s webpage, and drop it on the left side. It should appear in the left printer queue, and be selected in the printer options. Press “print” on the left side.
Setting up a better workflow
After completing the steps above, there are a few optimizations we can make to make printing easier in the future. The first is sending files directly from the CAD software to Cura. In fusion this can be done by selecting “send to 3D print utility” in the save as mesh pop up.
The second is to send directly from Cura to the printer to print. To do this, first install this Cura Plugin. Restart Octoprint, then select “manage printers” in the printer drop down. Click “connect OctoPrint” by the printer name. (if you don’t see that button, the plugin was not installed correctly. Add an OctoPrint instance, using the printer name as the instance name, and the [printer name].local as the IP address. leave the other two fields as is. Click OK. Now, go to the print webpage, select the wrench, scroll to “API”, and copy the API key. Paste that into the field, and select connect. When printing, you should now see the option to “print with Octoprint” instead of save file once the file has been sliced.
Creality CR-10 Max
Buzz, Fatman, Amy, Neo, and Molly
Dimensions: 450mm x 450mm x 470mm (tall)
Materials: PLA recommended for vast majority of prints. ABS, PETG, and similar work too. Best to avoid TPU and other flexible filaments as the Bowden extruder clogs easily.
Bed leveling: Navigate to the leveling tab in settings, and wait for homing. Put a feeler gauge under the nozzle and adjust Z axis until light resistance when moving feeler gauge. Select […], and press “2”. Adjust the knob up or down until light pressure is applied to feeler gauge. Continue in a counterclockwise direction until all sides are complete. If a screw gets tightened all the way or loosened all the way and the bed still isn’t at the right height, force the lead screws on the Z axis to raise or lower the extruder the rest of the way. Redo bed leveling after.
Troubleshooting:
- “Machine Fault” error – likely caused by power switch being off. Unplug the USB in the front of the machine, power on, plug USB back in, and start print again
- Stuck on boot screen (screen with QR code and makerspace logo) – machine was turned off but USB still plugged in. Do the same as above.
- Nozzle clogged (material not extruding or able to be taken out) – unscrew the extruder cover, and remove the extruder. Unscrew the hotend from the heat sink, and check if material is stuck in the threaded portion. Use heat and a drill to remove material.
- PFTE Tube came out – Replace pneumatic fitting on end it popped out of, and re-insert tube.
Creality CR-10
Smurf
Dimensions: 300mm x 300mm x 400mm (tall)
Material: PLA recommended for vast majority of prints. Other filaments with cool to mid temp build plates work too. Usually struggles to reach temperatures required for ABS. Best option for flexible filaments if extruder is switched with 3d printed alternative (found in CR-10 box)
Bed leveling: in the menu select “home axis”. After homed, select “disable steppers” and then move the extruder to each corner of the bed, and adjust the knobs with a feeler gauge until light pressure is applied.
Makerbot Replicator
Frank
Broken. Many an hour has been spent trying to fix it.
Anet A-8
Anet
Likely working or can work with tuning. Generally CR-10 printers are more capable, and despite having a direct drive extruder this printer does not work well with TPU either.
BCN Sigma
Sigma
Extruder is having issues.
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