|
|
| (83 intermediate revisions by 15 users not shown) |
| Line 1: |
Line 1: |
| | [[Equipment|Equipment]] / 3D Printer | | [[Equipment|Equipment]] / 3D Printer |
| | | | |
| − | = Summary = | + | = Introduction = |
| − | [[File:Up_3d_printer.jpg|thumb|left]]
| + | FDM (filament deposition modelling) 3D printing is a way of creating small, custom objects from plastic filament. The printer melts the filament, held on a spool, and prints with it to create 3D structures. Makespace has four FDM printers, all of them Ultimaker 2. |
| | | | |
| − | This is our 3D printer. The 3-D printer is an UP! (a slightly older version of [http://www.coolcomponents.co.uk/catalog/plus-personal-portable-printer-p-644.html the device currently available]).
| + | The Ultimaker 2 is now the only supported printer. Members trained to use the Makerbot may join a quick conversion session to be signed off to use Ultimaker rather than having to attend a new user Ultimaker session. |
| | | | |
| − | We have a dedicated PC running win7 and UP! software. It can import STL design files from Google sketchup.
| + | = Equipment Pages = |
| | | | |
| − | = Using the 3D Printer =
| + | [[Equipment/3D_Printer/UM2|Ultimaker 2+ (PLA and ABS Printers)]] |
| | | | |
| − | The 3D printer is an excellent tool for either making small parts, or rapid prototyping. At the same time it is an expensive tool with a (small) risk of injury and fire, so is very important you know how to use it to avoid damaging yourself and the machine.
| + | = Former (decommissioned) Equipment = |
| | | | |
| − | == Owners ==
| + | These pages are included for historic purposes. The printers are no longer in use at Makespace. |
| | | | |
| − | The Owners are those nominally in charge of the equipment, organising its maintenance, training others to use it, and generally being a point of contact.
| + | [[Equipment/3D_Printer/Makerbot|Makerbot Replicator 2X]] |
| | | | |
| − | The current Owners of the 3D printer are:
| + | [[Equipment/3D_Printer/Up|UP!]] |
| | | | |
| − | * [[User:SimonS|Simon Stirley]]
| + | = General 3D Printing Resources = |
| − | * [[User:Nickcadsoftuk|Nick Johnson]]
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | If you have any questions, problems or concerns around the 3D printer, these are the people to contact.
| + | * [https://www.simplify3d.com/support/print-quality-troubleshooting/ Simplify's excellent 3D printing troubleshooting guide.] |
| | + | * [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fused_deposition_modeling Wikipedia entry for FDM printing] |
| | + | * [https://www.thingiverse.com/ Source of free CAD models for printing] |
| | + | * [https://3dfilaprint.com/ Web store for a wide variety of filaments] (5% discount code for MS members: cambmake) |
| | + | * [https://www.faberdashery.co.uk/ Web store specialising in good quality PLA filaments] (10% discount code for MS members: CAMMAKESPACE10) |
| | | | |
| − | == Training == | + | = Software = |
| | | | |
| − | <div style="background:#FADADD; border:1px solid #FFC0CB; padding:5px">
| + | For machine specific software please visit the equipment pages linked above. |
| − | <b>YOU CAN ONLY USE THE 3D PRINTER IF YOU HAVE BEEN TRAINED</b><br>
| + | |
| − | and have been added to the [[Equipment/3D Printer/Training#Trained_Users|Trained Users]] list by one of the Owners
| + | |
| − | </div>
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | To get trained on the 3D Printer and be added to the qualified user list, you will need to arrange for a training session with one of the 3D Printer Owners.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | If you'd like to arrange training, please see:
| + | |
| − | * [[Equipment/3D Printer/Training|3D Printer Training]]
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | == Health and Safety ==
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | The 3D printer is a potentially dangerous piece of equipment which must only be operated by members who have received appropriate training and who take due care. The top things to always remember when using the 3D printer are:
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | * '''ONLY USE THE 3D PRINTER IF YOU HAVE READ RELEVANT SAFETY NOTES'''
| + | |
| − | * '''ONLY USE THE 3D PRINTER IF YOU HAVE READ THE INSTRUCTIONS'''
| + | |
| − | * '''NEVER LEAVE THE PRINTER RUNNING UNATTENDED'''
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | As a responsible user, you should be very aware of the following risks and how to deal with them:
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | '''HEAD CRASH''' - incorrect calibration could cause the nozzle to hit the platen at job start
| + | |
| − | * Calibration must be carefully checked on each startup
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | '''TRAPPING''' - The head and bed of the machine are moved by programs in the machines memory.
| + | |
| − | * Be careful when near the machine, it will possibly move even if the PC is off
| + | |
| − | * Ensure you are familiar with the location of the power switch, to turn it off quickly should a problem occur
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | '''BURN RISK''' - the platen on the printer is heated, and will reach temperatures during a print run which could cause skin burns. Also a malfunction could cause this to overheat.
| + | |
| − | * Be careful when the machine is on, or has recently been used, to guard against burns
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | '''ELECTROCUTION''' - as with all mains powered devices there is a small risk of danger from exposed wires. Always do a manual check that the wiring is safe, no cores are exposed or wires trapped
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | == Instructions ==
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | To use the printer you must familiarise yourself with the safety notes above and read the following instructions.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | [[File:3d printer desktop.png|Desktop showing Up! software link|thumb|right]]
| + | |
| − | '''Power Up'''
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | # Give the machine a quick visual check. '''Make sure that there is nothing left on the platen.''' Remove the platen support piece from under the platen and gently lower it. '''Check the new material is feeding OK and the reel has enough on it'''
| + | |
| − | # Turn on the machine at the wall socket
| + | |
| − | # Initialise the machine - Open the 'Up!' software on the attached PC and double-click the software icon. Once it has loaded select '3D Print > Initialise' from the toolbar
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | [[File:3d printer maint.png|Maintenance dialog|thumb|right]]
| + | |
| − | '''Check calibration'''
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | This operation must be carried out to ensure the bed is level and has the height correct.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | # Firstly find the current value of the nozzle height in the print dialog. This is only accessible once you have a design loaded, so load a model in (there should always be some in the '3D Printer Training' folder on the desktop) and then select 'Print' from the toolbar
| + | |
| − | # Note the printhead height from this dialog (currently 139.1) and press cancel to abort
| + | |
| − | # Go to the maintenance dialog (3D Print > Maintenance from toolbar) and set the head height to 20mm less than this height. Enter the value in the edit box and press 'To:' button
| + | |
| − | # Then move the bed closer to the expected value, in decreasing steps, until you reach the set height or the nozzle is going to hit the bed. If you reach the specified height (currently 139.1mm) there should just about be room to get a piece of paper between the nozzle and the bed.
| + | |
| − | # Once this has been checked you should drop the head to about '100' and then repeat the check at two other corners and the centre. When the platen is well below the head you can quickly go to the other locations using the FL/FR/NL/NR/Center buttons on the maintenance dialog
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | '''Load your Design'''
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | # Import your model - press the 'Open' icon on the ribbon bar
| + | |
| − | # Check the placing and size of your model - the printer software is quite clever, but it may not choose the best orientation of complex shapes. You want the largest flat surface on the bottom, so that less support material is required.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | [[File:3d printer startup dlg-crop.png|Print confirmation dialog|thumb|right]]
| + | |
| − | '''Download to the Printer'''
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | # When you are ready to print you can just press the 'Print' button on the ribbon bar
| + | |
| − | # Some calculations now take place and a popup box will appear with an estimate of how much material will be required as well as how long printing will take
| + | |
| − | # If you are happy then make a note of the material weight and check the cost against the table below
| + | |
| − | # Press 'OK' to proceed
| + | |
| − | # Watch the magic happen ...
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | <span style="color:red">'''DO NOT EVER LEAVE THE PRINTER UNATTENDED'''</span>
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | '''Finishing'''
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | # When the part is finished the printer will make several beeps - but of course you will be watching so you will be expecting that
| + | |
| − | # DO NOT TOUCH THE PLATEN YET ! It is usually very hot, and it is best to give it a few minutes at least
| + | |
| − | # When it has cooled a little then with care you can peel the part away from the platen
| + | |
| − | # The 'raft' which was built to produce the part on should then separate with a little effort, and possibly careful peeling with a blade
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | '''Power Down'''
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | # Lower the platen to its rest position before turning off. Do this from the maintenance dialog (3D Print > Maintenance from the toolbar) and press 'To Bottom'
| + | |
| − | # Turn off the printer on the wall socket
| + | |
| − | # Gently lift the platen and put the platen support piece back underneath
| + | |
| − | # Shut down the PC and double check that everything is left in a safe and clean state for the next user
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | = Maintenance =
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | The maintenance of the 3D printer is carried out by the Owners, with some basic maintenance being carried out by Users on every job.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | == Maintenance Schedule ==
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | Continuous Maintenance ('''Every job, done by all 3D Printer Users''')
| + | |
| − | * Clean the platen of any plastic remnants
| + | |
| − | * Check the new material is feeding OK and the reel has enough on it
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | Basic Maintenance (Every week, done by 3D Printer Maintainers)
| + | |
| − | * Check the security and condition of all cabling
| + | |
| − | * Check the platen coating and re-paint any areas if necessary (green paint is in a pot with the printer)
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | Full Maintenance (Every 4 weeks, done by 3D Printer Maintainers)
| + | |
| − | * TBD
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | == Maintenance Log ==
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | '''Reactive Maintenance'''
| + | |
| − | * None
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | '''Regular Maintenance'''
| + | |
| − | * Week Number, Date, Type, Owner (Notes)
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | 2013
| + | |
| − | * Week 08, February 18,
| + | |
| − | * Week 09, February 25,
| + | |
| − | * '''Week 10, March 4, '''
| + | |
| − | * Week 11, March 11,
| + | |
| − | * Week 12, March 18,
| + | |
| − | * Week 13, March 25,
| + | |
| − | * '''Week 14, April 1,'''
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | <!--
| + | |
| − | * Week 15, April 8,
| + | |
| − | * Week 16, April 15,
| + | |
| − | * Week 17, April 22,
| + | |
| − | * '''Week 18, April 29, '''
| + | |
| − | * Week 19, May 6,
| + | |
| − | * Week 20, May 13,
| + | |
| − | * Week 21, May 20,
| + | |
| − | * '''Week 22, May 27, '''
| + | |
| − | * Week 23, June 3,
| + | |
| − | * Week 24, June 10,
| + | |
| − | * Week 25, June 17,
| + | |
| − | * '''Week 26, June 24, '''
| + | |
| − | * Week 27, July 1,
| + | |
| − | * Week 28, July 8,
| + | |
| − | * Week 29, July 15,
| + | |
| − | * '''Week 30, July 22, '''
| + | |
| − | * Week 31, July 29,
| + | |
| − | * Week 32, August 5,
| + | |
| − | * Week 33, August 12,
| + | |
| − | * '''Week 34, August 19, '''
| + | |
| − | * Week 35, August 26,
| + | |
| − | * Week 36, September 2,
| + | |
| − | * Week 37, September 9,
| + | |
| − | * '''Week 38, September 16, '''
| + | |
| − | * Week 39, September 23,
| + | |
| − | * Week 40, September 30,
| + | |
| − | * Week 41, October 7,
| + | |
| − | * '''Week 42, October 14, '''
| + | |
| − | * Week 43, October 21,
| + | |
| − | * Week 44, October 28,
| + | |
| − | * Week 45, November 4,
| + | |
| − | * '''Week 46, November 11,'''
| + | |
| − | * Week 47, November 18,
| + | |
| − | * Week 48, November 25,
| + | |
| − | * Week 49, December 2,
| + | |
| − | * '''Week 50, December 9, '''
| + | |
| − | * Week 51, December 16,
| + | |
| − | * Week 52, December 23,
| + | |
| − | -->
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | == Maintenance Shopping List ==
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | * TBD
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | = Further Information =
| + | |
| − | == Manual ==
| + | |
| − | The manual is installed in the machine attached to the printer and also available here: [http://makespace.org/wiki/images/5/5d/Up_plus_user_manual-v3.0.pdf Manual]
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | == Repairs ==
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | We expect to have to change the following parts for general maintenance:
| + | |
| − | * TBD
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | Maintenance and Spares:
| + | |
| − | * One UK supplier of consumables is [http://www.coolcomponents.co.uk/catalog/consumables-c-89_98.html Cool Components]
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | Our printer has been modified to support solid 3mm ABS plastic sheets as the base. These are disposable; they have to be cut from the big sheet and drilled using the jig we have created. The bolted-down solid plastic dramatically reduces problems with warping, and it also saves time and material when printing: you should disable the automatic raft.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | == Software ==
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | You can download Quickstart manual and latest driver software from [http://www.pp3dp.com/index.php?option=com_jdownloads&view=viewcategories&Itemid=89 pp3dp].
| + | |
| | | | |
| | * [http://sketchup.google.com/ Google SketchUp] with STL plugin as below | | * [http://sketchup.google.com/ Google SketchUp] with STL plugin as below |
FDM (filament deposition modelling) 3D printing is a way of creating small, custom objects from plastic filament. The printer melts the filament, held on a spool, and prints with it to create 3D structures. Makespace has four FDM printers, all of them Ultimaker 2.
The Ultimaker 2 is now the only supported printer. Members trained to use the Makerbot may join a quick conversion session to be signed off to use Ultimaker rather than having to attend a new user Ultimaker session.
These pages are included for historic purposes. The printers are no longer in use at Makespace.
