3D Printing

We have many 3D printers. All of them are fused filament fabrication (FFF) printers. A variety of thermoplastic filament materials can be printed, but not all available printers are capable of these.

Certifications
There is no certification to use these machines. However, our 3D Print 101 class is recommended for first time users.

Materials
Members are encouraged to bring their own filaments for printing and store them in their bins when done. Below and above the main 3D printing table are various spools of 1.75mm and 2.85mm filament donated by others which are free to use. Any members who leave their spools out, by default, allow other members to use them at will.

Changing Nozzles
Ultimaker printers equipped with Olsson blocks can have their nozzles easily changed.

Troubleshooting
For mechanical and electrical failures of the machines, please stop using the machine and notify the #3dprinting Slack channel with the issue.

Using the Z-Unlimited Printer
Open Cura and go to Preferences > Printers > Add Select “Custom”, Give it a name, and click “Add Printer” In the Machine Settings Panel that Opens, set these parameters:

X (Width) = 190mm Y (Depth) = 190mm Z (Height) = 1500mm

Do not enable heated bed

Click the “Extrude” Tab and set these parameters:
 * Nozzle Size = .8mm (or whatever is installed)
 * Compatible Material Diameter = 1.75mm or 2.85mm

Important Information

 * You must print PLA at 220C and at 20 mm/s for all linetypes in the print.
 * The printer can use both 2.85mm and 1.75mm filament
 * Change the “Compatible Material Diameter” in Machine Settings.
 * You don’t need to change anything in the hardware for the different filament size
 * Do not try to print anything other than PLA in the machine
 * Make sure your filament doesn’t have knots in the spool, and that it is securely mounted on the spool holder.
 * Pausing a job before the extruder has cleared the C-clamp will cause a collision.

Slicing Information

 * Set printing temperature to 220C
 * Keep all print speeds at 20mm/s
 * Use Layer Heights of .2-.6mm thick
 * Keep Initial Layer Height at .4mm or above
 * Have at least 5 solid bottom and top layers
 * Try to keep the print hollow with 0% infill for really tall parts. But if you need to add infill, you usually don’t need more than 10% infill since the nozzle is a much bigger size