Difference between revisions of "Equipment/3D Printer"
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'''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. | '''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 | + | * Be careful when the machine is on, or has recently been used, to guard against burns |
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== Instructions == | == Instructions == | ||
Revision as of 15:57, 23 January 2013
Contents
Summary
This is our 3D printer. The 3-D printer is an UP! (a slightly older version of the device currently available).
We have a dedicated PC running win7 and UP! software. It can import STL design files from Google sketchup.
Using the 3D Printer
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 risk of injury and fire, so is very important you know how to use it to avoid damaging yourself and the machine. You must only use the 3D printer if you have been trained, and if you are ever in any doubt about something, please ask for assistance.
Owners
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.
The current Owners of the 3D printer are:
- TBC
- TBC
If you have any questions, problems or concerns around the 3D printer, these are the people to contact.
Training
YOU CAN ONLY USE THE 3D PRINTER IF YOU HAVE BEEN TRAINED AND ARE ON THE TRAINED USER LIST!
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:
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 ARE ON THE LIST OF TRAINED USERS
- NEVER LEAVE THE PRINTER RUNNING UNATTENDED
- KNOW WHAT TO DO IF A FIRE BREAKS OUT
As a trained 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
- You must watch the printer as it starts the job, and be ready to turn off the power if a collision occurs
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
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
Instructions
To use the printer you must have been trained and have had your name added to the trained user list; these instructions are not a substitute for this training. See the training section to understand how you can become qualified to use the printer.
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. Turn on the machine with the rocker switch on the front.
Load your Design
Download to the Printer
DO NOT EVER LEAVE THE PRINTER UNATTENDED
Finishing
Power Down
The printer is turned off using the rocker switch on the front. Shut down the PC and double check that everything is left in save 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 Printer Maintainers)
- TBD
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 02, January 7,
- Week 03, January 14,
- Week 04, January 21,
- Week 05, January 28,
- Week 06, February 4,
- Week 07, February 11,
- 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,
Maintenance Shopping List
- TBD
Further Information
Repairs
We expect to have to change the following parts for general maintenance:
- TBD
Maintenance and Spares:
- One UK supplier of consumables is 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 pp3dp.
- Google Sketch up - link with stl plugin as below
- This plugin seems to work quite well link
However this program repairs any incomplete stl files link
Or this program link
