3D Printing
TSAS currently has two 3D printers: a Printrbot Play and a Prusa i3 port Anet A8, called The Extruder by its builders. Technical information on our PrintrBot Play is here, and info on the Anet A8 is here.
Getting Started
- Install Sketchup and extensions
- Build the 3D Printing Badge
- Slice the badge
- Print it!
Further Printing
- Find a model, or make one. We can currently print up to 4" x 4" x 5" models on the PrintrBot. The Extruder will print up to 8" x 8" x 8" when fully operational.
- Download Cura, an open-source slicing program for 3D printers.
- Download the PrinterBot settings file here, and load it into Cura. (File> Open profile> Choose config file)
- Check your file for errors and make sure it fits!
- Watch it print!
- Be sure to share your designs and creations in the Gallery!
Printing Rules
- You may not print objects subject to trademark or copyright law.
- There is no charge to print original objects (those created by you) or those used for class.
- Objects created by another artist not used for class cost $1.00 per hour of printing time.
- No weapons, including blades or firearms (including non-working replicas) may be printed.
- No object that would violate the student code of conduct may be printed.
Modeling Apps
- Blender
- Sculptris, great for organic designs—begin with a ball of clay, then sculpt away!
- SculptGL, browser tool similar to Sculptris.
- Sketchup Make, great for architecture and mechanical designs.
- OnShape, a website that allows you to create CAD models.
External Links
- Slicers for beginners
- Excellent print troubleshooting guide from Simplify3D
- MorphoSource 3D scans of bones and artifacts!
- Turn Minecraft models into .stl files with Mineways (Cura also does this natively!)
The Extruder
The Extruder is a 3D printer that was built by Isaac VonShriltz, Keenan Jones, and Hayden Spitler.
It was built and programmed in Stallings's Computers II class, and is capable of printing in dimensions of 8" x 8" x 8".
Ordering
After searching through the internet trying to find a good price on a printer, we finally settled on this 3D printer, which was purchased for just under $180 shipped.
We decided to purchase this printer because it combined a larger dimension and scale size, with a nice printing quality, for an affordable price. I would highly recommend this printer to anyone interested in 3D printing as a fantastic beginner's printer, yet I would also recommend it to anyone who is interested in 3D printing as a cheap, and useful personal printer.
Assembly
When we received the printer, it came with instruction videos on the assembly of machinery. The videos are
Issues
Hot end calibration: M92 E105
Measure 30mm, extrude, measure difference: [distance in mm] x [E steps per mm] = [steps per mm]
Take difference: [steps per mm] / [extruded] = [new steps per mm]
Thermistor replacement
Broken thermistor replaced with NTC3950.
Marlin table, if necessary. Should be available as thermistor 11.
Marlin configuration here, but custom Marlin firmware Skynet v2 might be different.
Skynet Configuration.h file line 252 changed to read #define TEMP_SENSOR_0 11
To determine PID settings, run M303 E0 S200 C8