3D Printing Overview
The Lab has two MakerBot Replicators:
Replicator Dual (wood frame), used for PLA filament
Replicator 2X (black metal), used for ABS filament
Phase 1: Get an STL file
To produce an object in a 3D printer, you’ll need a computer-file representation of the object. The most widely used format for that file is an STL (stereolithography) file.
In the lab, there are several ways to get an STL file.
- Find an object on thingiverse.com or a similar web resource. Note that some manufacturers (like McMaster-Carr, Misumi, 80/20, and Anaheim Automation) have downloadable STL files for their products.
- Create an object in OpenSCAD, which is useful if you want to create an object that has a standard form (like a gear).
- Create an object in a CAD program like Rhinoceros, which is installed on the lab computers. (use Rhino 64 bit)
- Scan an object using the lab’s 3D Scanner. See Jimmy for assistance.
Note: It's very difficult to modify an STL file. If you want to modify an object, you'll want to download it in a form that that can be modified in a CAD program. Look for a STEP or IGES file type in the sources noted above.
Phase 2: The Slicer
Once you have your STL file, you’ll need to run it through a software process (a slicer) that produces code readable by the 3D printer. (It slices your object into the separate layers of plastic that the printhead will lay down.) The most versatile slicer we have is Simplify3D, which is installed on the computer next to the 3D printers. Note that two good freeware slicers are also available: MakerBot Desktop and ReplicatorG. They are installed on all three lab computers. Here's how to use Simplify3D.
Phase 3: Print
If you haven’t used the printer before, ask someone to help you.
1. Move the STL file to the printer on an SDHC card and start the print process.
The SDHC card for the Replicator Dual is located on the right side near the front. The card for the Replicator 2X is located inside the cover at the front right. Please don’t mix up the cards.
2. Turn on the machine. The power switch is around back on right.
3. Preheat the printer. Using the little rubber joystick area around the glowing red "M", select Preheat.
4. Remove the SDHC card from the Replicator and insert it into the computer.
5. Use the method provided by your slicer program to save a tool path file to the SDHC card. If you're using Simplify3D, press Save Toolpaths to Disk (at bottom, right) and save your object to the SDHC card. (Use an abbreviated name; fifteen characters or less.)
6. Eject the SDHC card and move it back to the Replicator.
7. When the preheat is almost finished, go back to the main menu (use the left arrow in the joystick area,) and select Build from SD, then select your file and start your build.
8. Watch carefully for the first five minutes to make sure the print job is going well. That’s the time when most bad things happen,like the plastic not sticking to the base or poor filament feed. After that, stay around the printer and check it every few minutes.
Two other rules to help us keep these temperamental machines working hard for us all:
1. Don’t adjust the printer or the filament.
2. If you have a problem, let Jimmy or one of the lab assistants know, so it can be fixed