Workshop: Introduction to 3D printing with the Type A Series 1 Pro Printer

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(Generally, this workshop is offered at least once a week on a rotating basis. Check the Lab calendar for up-to-date availability!)

The Type A Series 1 Pro is a 3-axis CNC printer - an additive manufacturing machine. Fabricating with this machine is relatively simple. You will need Type A Machine's CAM software.

Contents

The Process

3D printing consists of only three steps:

  1. Preparation
  2. Print
  3. Clean up

Preparation

  1. Set up the machine
  2. Set up the material
  3. CAM the object

Set up the machine

  1. Turn on the machine
  2. Spot check on the machine: make sure the bed is clear and the extruder nozzle isn't covered in hardened filament
  3. Open a browser and point it to [ip address]:5000, then wait for the interface to load

Set up the material

If you need to put a new spool of filament on:

  1. In the interface, switch to the "Temperature" tab and set the extruder temperature to 220°C.
  2. Once it has reached target temperature, switch back to "Control" tab.
  3. If there is already filament loaded, you will need to:
    1. Gently pull the teflon tube out of the gantry entry point.
    2. Gently grasp the filament at the gantry entry point.
    3. In the interface, retract the filament by 10mm. While this is happening, apply a gentle pull to the filament. It should pull completely out after one or two of these retractions.
    4. Roll up the filament back onto the spool, and package the spool back up. If you are using DaBL's filament, make sure the box you place it in is marked as "USED".
  4. Once there is no spool attached to the machine:
    1. Place the new spool on the spool holder with the end of the filament spiraling off of the bottom in a clockwise manner.
    2. clip the end of the filament so that it is clean and there are no burrs.
    3. Slide the filament into the teflon tube, and push it all the way through until it exits the other end.
    4. Grasp the gantry on either side of the top of the aluminum casing, pressing in the lever on the right side. This part of the gantry is not heated.
    5. With your other hand, gently push the end of the filament into the extrusive assembly. Keep gently pushing until the extruder begins to extrude filament.
  5. Your material is set up!

CAM the object

  1. Open Cura Type A.
  2. Set the parameters how you want them.
  3. Send the resulting CAMed g-code to the printer.

Print

  1. In the interface, switch to the "Print" tab.
  2. Find your design in the list of designs and press the "Print" button next to it.
  3. Wait!

Clean up

Make sure to always leave the machine cleaner than what you found it! Remove any and all support material and excess unwanted filament from the machine so that the next person who uses it has a clean starting palette.