3D Printing

I have a Prusa i3 mk3. It’s a really nice desktop 3d printer available as a kit. Having a 3d printer has been pretty great for all the little things you can do with it, despite not really having a big single “thing” to be the actual driver to get one. Ours doesn’t see all that much usage (we’ve been able to go a couple months between uses), but it’s really nice to have ready to use with little prep.

Using

Checklist for using it.

Preparing the Model

This assumes you already have a model you want to print. This uses the PrusaSlicer slicer.

• Insert SD card from printer into computer.
• Open and orient your model in PrusaSlicer.
  • Does your model have overhangs or other parts that need support to print? If yes, add supports.
• Export the G-Code to the SD card.
• Eject the SD card and plug it back into the printer.

Using the Printer

• Wipe down the printer bed (the metal sheet you print on) with a paper towel and isopropyl alcohol.
• Turn on printer, select the model from the SD card (menu -> print from SD card -> select model)
• Watch the printer as it prints the first layer.
• If the filament is known to get caught on itself, watch/listen to the printer, if the filament starts to get tight, undo/give the printer some slack.

Replacing filament

There are official instructions… somewhere.

• Turn on printer.
• Turn on print-head heater.
• Wait ~5 minutes or so.
• Eject old filament.
• Cut ~45° angle into the new filament.
• Replace with new filament.

Last updated: 2020-01-14 13:46:16 -0800