GO to PRINT 3d

DESIGN - EXPORT STL - PREPARE & SLICE (Simplify3D) - GCODE

GO to PRINT

Go to Print Print out

Is the Printer Connected?

SETUP 3D PRINTER

1. Make sure the Printer ON using the POWER STRIP red switch indicator

OPEN Simpfy3d Software

2. Select “Machine Control Panel” (Gear Icon on the Right-side Menu bar)

3. In the "Port" drop-down menu, select the LEFTY or RIGHT printer

Port: \\ COM4 = LEFTY M3-ID Port: \\ COM7 = RIGHTY M3-SE

5. Confirm the Connection!
Use the Jog Controls tab to move the printer head slightly to the right.

Confirm Your Design

IN YOUR DESIGN SOFTWARE

All objects are dropped to the base workplane.
All objects should be touching the bottom. If they are hovering they will not stick to the baseplate.

Shortcut (D - Button)

Do not have overhanging pieces that extend more than 45' from the previous layer. Understand workarounds, how to use supports, or print in a different orientation.

Consistent with units of measurement

Be sure that the units (mm or inches) are the same in the design software as the 3D printer software setup.

2. EXPORT & SAVE STL FILE

4. EXPORT STL File for printing

NOTE: You cannot open an STL file on your computer unless you have a 3D software installed.

5. SAVE STL in one of the following ways...

1. 1. 1. Student Shared Drive (I:)
    2. TinkerCad account and download
    3. Flash Drive
    4. Export to Thingiverse.com

Place in your personal folder in...
I://Student Share /4Makerspace /2Classes /YourFolder

3. Prepare Print FILE

SIMPLIFY3D PRINTING ProcedurE

1. Open Simplify 3D
(Located on the 3D Printer Computer)

It is time to import the STL file into Simplify3D Software. Click Import in the Models section of the main Simplify3D Software interface. Alternatively, drag-and-drop the STL file onto the virtual Build Table to import it without browsing for the file manually. When you import the model, the software will automatically Center and Arrange the model in the virtual Build Table. For the compressor wheel, you’ll see that the model imports on its side rather than flat on the base, but we’ll be learning how to move and manipulate models in the next step. MORE

Check Size, Position, quantity, height, alignment, etc.

2. Delete any models in the queue.
If there is something currently printing, please ask!

3. Select “Import” and open your design from the I: Drive

Shortcuts

4. Manipulating Your 3D Model

There are four different modes for manipulating your models. Using the Q, W, E and R keys you can quickly switch through the different modes.

Model Settings Window by double-clicking on your model (or by double-clicking on the model name in the Model List). The Model Settings Window offers exact numeric rotations, scaling, and offsets. Use the up-down arrows to easily adjust a model or enter numerical values for more exact positioning. As you make changes, you will see the impact of each adjustment as your model reacts and moves on the Build Table. Press Save to apply those changes to the selected model(s). Note that you can also change the display name of your model through this window.

Control + R
Center and Arrange Models

Control+ T

Drop Model to Table

Control+ L

Place Surface on Bed

4. OPTIMIZE PRINT

5. EDIT PROCESS
The FFF Settings window contains all the settings that specify how your model will be constructed.

Double Click to Edit

6. SELECT PROFILE
Loads a printer profile and the corresponding settings, which have been selected to ensure optimum quality.

MakerGear M3-ID (LEFTY) or MakerGear M3-SE (RIGHTY)

*The acronym FFF stands for Fused Filament Fabrication, and refers to 3D printing using filament-based materials

7a. Auto-Configure for Material

PLA or PETG?
Adjusts temperature, extrusion, and cooling settings based on the material you select.

7b. Auto-Configure for Print Quality

8. Infill Percentage: 20% Default
Adjusts the interior solidity of your 3D print. 0% is completely hollow and 100% is completely solid. A value in the range of 20-50% is frequently used.

INFILL, RESOLUTION, & SHELLS

9. Include Raft: ??
Generates a raft structure underneath your part. Rafts are used to improve the bond to your build platform and may help reduce warping on large models. A raft can also compensate for slight leveling issues if you have difficulty with first layer adhesion.

10. Generate Support: ??
Turns on the Support Generation Tool. Support structures are used when your model has steep overhangs or unsupported areas. Typically, overhangs greater than 45º benefit from support material underneath it. Simplify3D also allows you to customize the location of your support structures; simply click to add or delete! Support structures break away cleanly and easily, minimizing damage and ensuring high quality models.

Rafts, Skirts, and Brims Tutorial | Simplify3D

RAFT & SUPPORT

Both of these materials are designed to be removed after printing. a Raft is a platform the design is printed on. Support is material that is used to support parts that extend from the object.

Click OK when you have finished configuring your settings in the FFF Settings window. At any time, you can modify the settings by double-clicking on the Process in the list, or by clicking Edit Process Settings.

5. PREPARE TO PRINT

11. Click
Prepare to Print!

After you have finalized your Process settings, click Prepare to Print! This will initiate two important functions: Simplify3D will “slice” your model and transition to the Preview Mode.

12. PREVIEW:

Move Slider (bottom right corner) to preview layer printing animation.

PREVIEW SLICING

“Slicing” is the term used to describe the process of converting a digital model into line-by-line printer instructions called G-Code. The slicer in Simplify3D quickly prepares G-Code based on the variables you selected in the FFF Settings window.

The animated Preview Mode allows you to inspect all aspects of your print operation prior to execution. The software reads the G-Code and displays line-by-line or layer-by-layer how your model will be constructed. The Preview provides interactive buttons for precise inspection of your build sequence:

PRINT FROM USB

13. "Begin Printing Over USB"

The bed and extruder need to preheat.

Once heated, your design will begin printing. Watch the first few layers to ensure it is printing correctly.

For Long Print Jobs print through the SD Card!

14. STAY FOR THE FIRST MINUTE OF PRINT

To make sure the extruder is adhering to the print bed properly

GENERATE GCODE

You can print with one of the following methods...

1. Print from USB

If you are using a USB connection, you have the option to view the build sequence real-time on your monitor by selecting Live Preview Tracking. For additional information on USB communication, access the Machine Control Panel by going to Tools > Machine Control Panel to view a broad range of information that is transmitted via USB.

2. Save GCODE to an SD Card

This saves your print file to a user-defined location, such as a folder on your computer or an SD card. The software will save a .gcode file and then automatically create a .X3G, .MakerBot or other print-type file if needed.

3. Upload and print from Octoprint

MakerGEAR

Great tutorial for Makergear M2 - Bucknell University

Troubleshooting Guide

I can’t import my design…
Make sure that you saved your design as a .stl or .obj file.
I can’t find the Machine Control Panel…
It is the gear on the right task bar, at the bottom.
The 3D printer won’t connect when I hit the button…
Make sure the correct printer is on, the switch is on the power strip to the left.
The printer bed is stuck at the top…
Stop any running processes and power off the printer. Then using the hexagonal knob on the top of the machine, turn it counterclockwise until it reaches the bottom. (It should give a little resistance, DO NOT TURN PAST THIS POINT!)
My design is printing weirdly, there are strings and bunches of plastic…
Most likely the nozzle got blocked, so it catches itself and builds up around the nozzle, messing up your print. The first step to fix this is to stop your print; go into “Machine Control Settings” and hit STOP. Then use the scraper, tweezers, and pliers (if you have to) to clean all the plastic off of the nozzle and remove any plastic blocking the nozzle’s hole. Once cleaned, clear the bed and restart your print. Make sure to watch the first few layers to see if it’s still getting blocked! If the problem persist, ask Mr. D.
My design printed but it’s lopsided/started to droop/fall/weak…
If your design is not as strong as you’d like, you can adjust the orientation of the design or you can adjust the infill percentage. Adjusting the orientation of your design is the easiest and usually the only needed change. To adjust the infill settings, go to “Edit Process Settings” and use the slider to adjust the infill percentage. Do not put the slider past 50%!