3D Printer Certification

From Claremont MakerSpace
This is the approved revision of this page, as well as being the most recent.
3D Printer Certification
Version 0.1.0
Approval Date 2020-11-05
Prerequisites
Document/Printout 3D Printer Certification
Required For Tools/Shops

Training Check-Off List:

Please note that the person to-be-certified is not allowed to have this list during certification. After successfully demonstrating knowledge in these areas, a member will be certified and can schedule the 3D printers.

Tool Anatomy

  • Identify the general parts of a 3D printer:
    • User interface (Taz 6)
    • Power switch
    • SD card slot (Taz 6)
    • USB port
    • Control knob (Taz 6)
    • Extruder
    • Print surface / print bed
    • Lead screw
    • Tool head
    • Hot end
    • Nozzle
    • Filament holder
    • Filament
    • Cooling fan(s)
    • Wiping pad
  • Identify the differences between the Taz 6 and the Mini
  • Identify the X, Y, and Z axis

Pre-Operation

Printer preparation

  • Prepare the bed
  • Wipe down with isopropyl alcohol
  • Confirm nozzle wiping pad is clean

Models and Slicing

  • What is the name of the software used for preparing models for the printers? (Cura Lulzbot Edition)
  • What kind of file types can be loaded into Cura?
  • What is the difference between saving for Cura and saving for printing?
  • How does Cura handle inches versus millimeters?
  • Demonstrate the ability to set up a print:
    • Set material type
    • Set the correct quality / speed profile
    • Confirm the model fits on the print bed
    • Confirm the model is oriented correctly
    • Basic understanding of supports and why they may or may not be necessary
    • Can manipulate the model and view in Cura
    • What is infill?
    • What are the build plate adhesion types and why are they necessary?
      • Skirt
      • Raft
      • Brim
    • Can preview the printed model by changing the view from Solid to Layer

Octoprint

  • Know how to get to the Octoprint web page via the wiki
  • Can login and generate an API key for Cura (this is fine if it’s already done, just confirm knowledge)

Connecting to the Printer from Cura

  • Connect to the Mini and set the temperature via the Monitor tab (requires connecting to Octopi)
  • What kind of filament type is recommend at the CMS (PLA)
  • What is the diameter of the filament used by the CMS printers (2.85mm or 3mm)

Load and unload filament

  • When changing filament types, what temperature is it recommended for you to set the hot end to? (The higher recommended print temperature of the two filament types)
  • Identify parts related to loading and unloading:
    • Idler retainer
    • Hinged idler
    • Drive gear
    • Hobbed (ridged) extruder bolt
    • Feed hole
    • Hot end
    • Nozzle
  • Complete load or unload process
  • What to do if the printer is not extruding?
    • Repeat
    • Check idler retainer springs (to* tight, to* loose)
    • Check hobbed bolt (contact shop lead)
    • Contact shop lead

Operation

  • Describe the expected machine response when a print is started
  • Describe the expected machine response when a print is in progress
  • Describe the expected machine response when a print is finished

Post-Operation

  • How do you remove a print?
  • Clean up

CMS Etiquette

  • If both printers are available, which should you use? (The smallest one that can print your part.)
  • How is scrap / waste filament handled (Trash can. Only leave a failed print in the shop if you have shop lead permission.)
  • Honor box instructions
  • Reporting problems (yellow tag outs, email address)
  • Resource scheduler

CMS Safety

  • Where is the fire extinguisher?
  • Where are the light switches?
  • Who to contact if there is a problem