All things needed to drive my Printrbot Plus V1.
sudo apt-get install python-serial python-wxgtk2.8 python-pyglet openscad sudo -H pip install --upgrade numpy pyglet # for Printrun git clone --recursive [email protected]:tschutter/printrbot.git cd printrbot git submodule init git submodule update wget -P /tmp http://dl.slic3r.org/linux/slic3r-linux-x86-1-0-1-stable.tar.gz tar xzf /tmp/slic3r-linux-*.tar.gz
- Slic3r takes a 3D model and converts (slices) it into printer instructions (G-code) for a 3D printer. It's main competitors are Skeinforge, Cura, and Makerware. A comparison of these tools can be found at Skeinforge(RepG) vs Cura vs Makerware vs Slic3r et al.
- OpenSCAD "The Programmers Solid 3D CAD Modeller" is used for creating solid 3D CAD models. OpenSCAD is not an interactive modeller. Instead it is a compiler that reads in a script file that describes the object and renders the 3D model from this script file.
- SOLVESPACE is a parametric 3d CAD program.
The Z-axis end stop should be adjusted so that you can slip two thicknesses of index card between the print head and the print bed.
When adjusting the Z-axis end stop, you must press the "Z-home" button instead of just using the Z-axis move buttons. When using the move buttons, the hardware will not lower print head below what it thinks the Z = 0 position, which is set the last time you powered up the printer or pressed "Z-Home".
Nobody runs a stock Printrbot, and mine is no exception.
- Stiffened the X-axis with a piece of 1/2" aluminum U-channel 14" long.
- Added a 50mm cooling fan using a printed Printbot LC 50mm Fan Mount to prevent the extruder from melting previously printed layers. Slic3r must be called with the --cooling option to enable fan control.
- Covered the heated printer bed with a 9" by 9" piece of glass to prevent bed warping.
- Placed a 9" by 9" by 3/16" cork tile under the heated printer bed for thermal insulation.
- Replaced the extruder herringbone gears with Spur Gears. Herringbone gears are intended for high-speed applications. Their use is not appropriate for the extruder and min original gears were slightly warped.
With each new version of Slic3r, the configuration file changes. It is easiest to export a new .ini file from Slic3r and modify it as follows.
filament_diameter = 2.95Measured with a caliper at various points along the filament.
first_layer_bed_temperature = 80Current suggestion by the web for ABS.
bed_temperature = 75Current suggestion by the web for ABS.
first_layer_temperature = 230Current suggestion by the web for ABS.
temperature = 230Current suggestion by the web for ABS.
first_layer_height = 0.25Sounds about right.
layer_height = 0.2Sounds about right.
start_gcode = DEFAULT + \nM92 X62.7\nM92 Y62.8\nM92 Z2387.0719\nM92 E536Adjust axis_steps_per_unit for each axis and extruder. Probably set in 2012 based upon the print of a 40mm cube.
min_skirt_length = 4Impose a minimum skirt length to ensure that the extruder is primed. This compensates for the filament that oozes from the extruder when we are waiting for everything to come up to the proper temperature. Note that the value is supposed to be in mm, but it is most certainly not. The correct value here is 250 mm.
max_fan_speed = 55If the fan runs at 100% of the rated speed, it cools the part (or the print bed) so much that it tends to pop off of the print bed after a dozen or so layers. Using a fan duct may improve this problem. With no fan duct, a max speed of 65% resulted in pop off.