Embedded Files
Introduction
Introduction
This overview outlines the most common settings and process for printing parts using the MK3S+ Prusa 3D printer. The tutorial will go overthe following items:
Please note that this is a generalized process. This section outlines the standard process however it is important to recognise that there may be many reasons to change some of the settings depending on the design.
Export Mesh to Prusa Slicer and G-code.mp4Video Tutorial of Export to Slice to G-Code
Video Tutorial of Export to Slice to G-Code
You can also review the step by step tutorial in the sections below.
Export Mesh File
Export Mesh File
The first setep for printing is to export the Mesh File. This is done by Right Clicking on the top level component in the BROWSER then selecting Save as Mesh.
Next, set the values in the dialog box the same way as seen in the image below and click OK.
The "Save As" window will open. Name the part as desired and check the Save to my computer check box and note the location for the download. Then click Save.
Prusa Slicer
Prusa Slicer
Now open the Prusa sliser software on the computer. When it opens, it should look like the image on the right. If this is your first time using prusa slicer, you may need to select a printer.
Set the printer to i3 MK3S & MK3S+
Set the printer to i3 MK3S & MK3S+
If you do not have that printer choice, select Add/Remove printers -> Add/Remove Presets
Set 0.4 mm nozel on Origional Prusa i3 MK3S & MK3S+
Set 0.4 mm nozel on Origional Prusa i3 MK3S & MK3S+
Scroll down to the MK3 Family then select the 0.4 mm nozel check box under the i3 MK3S & MK3S+ printer. Then click Finish. and SET the Printer like the image on the left.
Set the default printer settings
Set the default printer settings
Print settings:
0.15mm Quality
Filament:
Prusament PLA
Printer:
Origional Prusa i3 MK3S and MK3S+
Supports:
None
Infill:
15%
Import your file
Import your file
Go to the Menu and select File.
Select Import
Then Select:
Import STL/3MF/STEP/OBJ/AMF
or you can use the keyboard and simply type:
Ctrl+I
Select your File
Select your File
Go to the location where you saved your Mesh file exported from Fusion 360. It is probably in the default Downloads folder
Select Your File.
Then Click Open.
Place on Face
Place on Face
Use the Place on Face tool to select the desired bottom side and place it automatically flat on the build plate. Note that you should always use this tool to avoid creating a print file that is floating above the plate or is sitting at an angle on the plate. Then click Slice now in the bottom right corner.
Export G-Code
Export G-Code
Lastly, Export the G-Code to a local drive or you can export it directly to the SD card for the printer.
You can also check how long the print will take as well as how much filament it will use.
It is also a good idea to put your name in the file name so it is visable on the printer while printing.
Printer Setup and Print
Printer Setup and Print
The MK3S+ is a workhorse of a printer, but the key to sucessful prints is making sure that the printer is set up correctly and that you monitor the first layer of the print. The following section will review the process for printing on the MK3S+ Prusa Printer.
- Power on the Printer (The Switch is in Back on the Right Side)
2. Verify the Printer Material
2. Verify the Printer Material
+95% of the time, we use PLA. This needs to match your settings from Prusa Slicer.
3. If there is Glue on the Build Plate, Remove the Plate for Cleaning.
3. If there is Glue on the Build Plate, Remove the Plate for Cleaning.
4. Rinse the plate with water and clean it with a paper towel.
4. Rinse the plate with water and clean it with a paper towel.
PlacePrintsheet1.webm5. Once Clean, return the plate to the same printer.
5. Once Clean, return the plate to the same printer.
PlacePrintsheet2.webm6. Make sure it aligns with the screws in back!
6. Make sure it aligns with the screws in back!
7. Remove the SD Card and Load it with the G-Code file from Prusa Slicer.
7. Remove the SD Card and Load it with the G-Code file from Prusa Slicer.
8. Once the file is loaded, Insert the SD card. IMPORTANT: IT FACES BACKWARDS!
8. Once the file is loaded, Insert the SD card. IMPORTANT: IT FACES BACKWARDS!
VID20240707175849.mp49. Preheat the Bed before you add the glue for the best First Layer Results. You can also do this earlier in the process, it is up to you.
9. Preheat the Bed before you add the glue for the best First Layer Results. You can also do this earlier in the process, it is up to you.
10. Locate the Glue Stick to prep the Build Plate.
10. Locate the Glue Stick to prep the Build Plate.
11. Apply glue in the location of the print.
11. Apply glue in the location of the print.
12. Select the File from the SD Card
12. Select the File from the SD Card
Now that the Bed and Nosel are at temp. Press the Control Knob.
Turn the Control Knob to select Print from SD. Then press the knob.
Select the desired file using the Control Knob.
If the printer recommends new Firmware, just press the knob again.
Print Routine
Print Routine
The printer will now start with 9 point calibration for Mesh bed Leveling. This ensures that the first layer of the print is flat on the build plate.
The printer will now start with 9 point calibration for Mesh bed Leveling. This ensures that the first layer of the print is flat on the build plate.
The printer will first purge the filament from the nozzle. Then it will create a "skirt" around the object.
The printer will first purge the filament from the nozzle. Then it will create a "skirt" around the object.
Next it will print the first layer. If the first layer works, the print will usually print fine after that.
Next it will print the first layer. If the first layer works, the print will usually print fine after that.
Ideally, if the Z height is good, the filament will lay down like the following illustration:
The first layers should look like this.
The first layers should look like this.
Make sure you watch the first layer to ensure it works.
Make sure you watch the first layer to ensure it works.
If it has issues, stop the print, troubleshoot the issues, clean the bed and restart.
If it has issues, stop the print, troubleshoot the issues, clean the bed and restart.
Removing the Print
Removing the Print
Removing prints from the build plate is much easier because of the ability to remove and bend the build plate. Different thermal expansion of the steel sheet and plastics used in 3D printing also helps with detaching prints after the plate has cooled down.
13. Once the Print Completes, let it cool down.
13. Once the Print Completes, let it cool down.
14. Remove the build plate.
14. Remove the build plate.
Flex the build Plate to lift the edges of the Print:
15. You should see the edges of the print lift when you flex the plate.
15. You should see the edges of the print lift when you flex the plate.
16. Now you can remove the print the rest of the way and scratch off the skirt and filament purge.
16. Now you can remove the print the rest of the way and scratch off the skirt and filament purge.
17. Clean the Plate of the Glue you put on.
17. Clean the Plate of the Glue you put on.
PlacePrintsheet1.webmReplace the Plate one last time, making sure it aligns with the screws in back.
Replace the Plate one last time, making sure it aligns with the screws in back.
Now your print is complete. Make sure you clean up the excess filament and return the SD Card Adapter and Glue Stick.
Now your print is complete. Make sure you clean up the excess filament and return the SD Card Adapter and Glue Stick.
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