Supplemental Info for 3D Printing Orientation (FDM)
This page will include video and textual links to supplement our 3D Printing Orientation. This is not a replacement to our orientation.
Filament
Material - PLA, PLA+, PETG
Please let us know if you'll be using PETG, or unlisted materials. A cold pull will need to be performed after use
A cold pull involves clearing out the hotter melting filament before using a colder melting filament. PLA is the most common used filament at the space, and has the lowest melting temp - any debris left after a PETG or similar print will not melt under PLA hotend temperatures. This generally requires preheating the hotend to the temp of the higher melting point material, passing PLA filament through, cooling the hotend below the PLA melt temp (ideally around 160c) and physically pulling out the filament.
This should remove extra filament that was remaining in the hotend before the procedure
This may need to be performed multiple times
If you are not comfortable doing this, please stick with PLA, or coordinate with Jess or another experienced printer in order to load and unload your filament
That said, please get comfortable doing this. I'm happy to help you the first time, or if there is an unexpected clog, but advanced filaments require you to be competent in this level of printer maintenance
Filament Size - 1.75mm
Brand - Most PLA and PETG available these days is of adequate quality. Amazonbasics, SUNLU, Hatchbox, Overture are my most purchased filaments
GST3D is a great option if you're buying a lot. Free shipping and the lowest per kg prices right now
PushPlastic is my preferred vendor for large rolls. The filament spool holder I have available for the cr-10 max supports their rolls. Be wary, as the hole size for various vendors for 5kg+ spools can vary drastically.
TinkerCAD - Browser based, cloud based, approachable for makers of all ages
Fusion 360 - Cloud based parametric 3d modeling software. Collaborative, powerful, free license available
LuBan - Has a number of fun features for scaling models to any size, lithographs, box making, extrusion, etc. We have a license for this software on site, available on the PC located in the 3d Printing Area
Working with LuBan
LuBan is generative design software that helps designers and makers in rapid production of their creations
LuBan automatically generates 3D models in various forms, such as lithophane, stack, hash, plate, relief, module, and wireframe. The generated model can be fabricated by 3D printing, laser cutting, and CNC milling.
Some resins are water washable. We don't have a container for water rinsing, but a Pickle Container with Strainer is a great way to rinse resin prints before curing.
YOU NEED to be using hand protection when handling uncured resin. Prolonged exposure to resins can create a sensitivity
Resin Vat / FEP Film
You are responsible for your own Resin Vat. Having personal vats lets you store poured resin for a future print while not inconveniencing others.
Resin Vats have a layer of FEP film on the bottom to allow light to pass through into the vat for curing. This occasionally wears out. FEP film must then be replaced.