3D Printers

The Digital Fab. and Electronics Lab hosts two 3D printers made by Lulzbot. These are fused deposition modeling (FDM) printers, which means that they build the model by extruding plastic layer by layer.

Shop Lead

The shop lead for the 3D Printers can be contacted via the online ticketing system. 3D Printers Shop Lead Duties

Print Area

The Lulzbot Taz 6 maximum print volume is 28 0mm x 280 mm x 250 mm (11.02 in x 11.02 in x 9.8 in).
The Lulzbot Mini maximum print area is 152 mm x 152 mm x 158 mm (6 in x 6 in x 6.2 in).

Filament

Both printers use 2.85mm / 3mm filament. Capable materials are: ABS, PLA, HIPS, PVA, wood filled filaments, Polyester (Tritan), PETT, bronze and copper filled filaments, Polycarbonate, Nylon, PETG, conductive PLA and ABS, UV luminescent filaments, PCTPE, PC-ABS, Alloy 910. (Note: Printing with carbon fiber filaments is not recommended at this time because carbon fiber filaments can degrade both the nozzle and hot end of the LulzBot Mini Tool Head.) The Claremont Makerspace encourages the use of PLA as the odor is minimal. To print with something other than PLA please obtain shop lead approval prior to printing.

The CMS provides white, black, and grey filament for member projects in the humidity-controlled bin located between the two printers. The cost is .04 a gram (weight includes support material). You can weigh your part post-print on the scale and leave cash only in the lockbox under the Taz 6. There is some storage space for member filament in the humidity-controlled clear box. Clearly label your personal filament or it may get used. Please keep the box closed and filament stored when not in use.

Slicing Software

CMS laptops are loaded with the latest version of Cura Lulzbot Edition. Note that this edition is specific to the Lulzbot printers. It is several versions behind the non-printer-specific version of Cura.

OctoPrint

OctoPrint, a web interface for 3D printers, is available on the CMS internal network. Currently, it is the recommended method for accessing the LulzBot 3D printers. It is not recommended you use the CONNECT function in OctoPrint if the printers are currently printing, as the print will stop. (This only applies if the print was started from outside OctoPrint.)

Lulzbot Mini: http://octopi-lulzbot-mini.sawtooth.claremontmakerspace.org/
Lulzbot Taz 6: http://octopi-taz-6.sawtooth.claremontmakerspace.org/

Again, please note that these links only work when you're on the Claremont MakerSpace's network. When you are not, you can view the current status of the printers at https://3dprint.claremontmakerspace.org/.

Firmware

The Taz 6 is Currently running 2.09.011 please note that this requires you to set the tool type (standard .5mm) at the printer. Z-offset is -01.11 and Steps/mm (e-steps) are 830.

Printer Etiquette

Always choose the smallest printer that can fit your print.

As the printer area can be dusty, it is suggested you clean the printer bed prior to printing (a simple wipe with a paper towel and IPA (isopropyl alcohol) should suffice). If there are not paper towels and IPA in the print area, email the shop leads at [email protected]. If when removing your print you find it has left a residue, clean the bed. If you must remove another member's print, do so as carefully as possible, and place in the labeled bin. If you must switch filaments, make sure to place the filament in the humidity-controlled bin.

Accessories and Tools

There are a variety of accessories and tools available for the 3D printers. Maintenance should be completed by a shop lead or with shop lead permission.

Filament Drier

The filament drier can help alleviate stringing, clogging, or layer shift by removing moisture from filament. The filament drier is a SUNLU S1 Plus. The default drying time of SUNLU dryer box is 6 hours, you can also set the drying time and temperature according to your own preferences. The time setting range is 0~24 hours, and the temperature range is 35°C~55°C.

Suggested temperature ranges for filament (refer to manufacturer guidelines for your brand of filament to be sure). Increase time by an hour if the MakerSpace is particularly cold or you're drying over-night in winter:

PLA/PLA+/Wood/PVB: 45° - 55°C for 3 - 6 hours
ABS/ABS+/HIPS/PC/PA/PVA/ASA - 50° - 55°C for 3 - 6 hours
PETG/TPU - 48° - 52°C for 3 - 6 hours
PMMA - 47° - 51°C for 3 - 6 hours

Directions:

Click right button to set heating temp (SV)
Press the left button for 3 seconds to set heating time
- PV means the current temp in the box (Process Value)
- SV means the set heating temp (Set Value)

Certification

Certification is available by contacting the shop lead via the online ticketing system. As part of the certification process, members will be required to print a simple .stl file.