Here's a step by step Tutorial for using the MakerBot 3D printers in the Design Studio.
In this tutorial you will learn how 3D print an object that was created in Fusion 360
The STL format is one of the most commonly used files for 3D printing. An STL (Standard Tessellation Language or STereoLithography) file is a format that describes the surface geometry of a 3D object without any color, texture, or other attributes. STL files are widely used because they are simple and easily handled by 3D machines
For this tutorial, you will follow along using an example ‘Bearing Block’ part. Note: You will not be 3D printing the Bearing Block; it is just an example for this tutorial
First, download the “Bearing Block.f3d" file and upload into Fusion 360
3. Under files, click “Export” and select STL for the file type
You must have a tutor approve your design before you start 3D printing
You must monitor the printer until the first layer has fully adhered to the build platform
The combined volume of all 3D printed parts used on the robot may not exceed 50 cubic inches. Do not confuse this with the volume of the plastic used. The volume of each part can be determined in CAD and should be recorded on the team log
Each team should maintain an ongoing 3D Printing Log. Printed parts that are not used on the robot will not count towards the team's total
Each individual part must fit within a 4x4x4in (10x10x10cm) cube
You cannot use outside CAD. MAE3 is a CAD and design class and therefore students are expected to design and create their own CAD models
Do not touch the printer while it is printing! There are many hot moving parts and gears
If something goes wrong, pause the print and notify a tutor. Do not attempt to print again
To print using the MakerBot Replicator 3D printers, you need to use the MakerBot software. Please review the excellent resources on the MakerBot page
Create a part, using the guidelines listed above. Again, make sure your STL file is in millimeters!
Save the file onto a flashdrive if transferring to a different computer (if you created your STL outside of the 3D Space)
Open up MakerBot Print, the proprietary software created by MakerBot (it can be downloaded for free to experiment with at home from here. Please create your finished product in the Design Studio so that we can check your settings)
Click the folder icon in the top left corner (the project panel). Once it expands, click add model and select your part. You can click the icon again to minimize the panel
Click the Orient tool on the right (the twin arrows) and orient your part with the given rotation buttons
Once properly oriented, click Place Face on Build Plate. You can click the icon again to minimize the panel
Click on the settings tool and make sure the right print quality is selected ("MakerBot PLA," "Standard," and "Raft" are usually good choices. Make sure you choose the Smart Extruder Plus extruder). Enable support if necessary
In the bottom right corner, there should be a panel listing the available printers. If there is a Replicator 5th gen printer in the listing, then you can simply export for that printer. If there is no replicator 5th gen listed, you will need to add one ("Add a Printer">"Add an Unconnected Printer">"Replicator 5th Gen")
When the print exports, it will give you a time and material estimate on the print
If the print time and material sounds reasonable to you, ask a tutor or Chris to come check it and confirm that it is good to go
Once your file has been confirmed, save the file to your usb drive (either by copy-pasting, or by re-exporting straight to usb)
Bring the flash drive over to the MakerBot, and plug it in the front face
Replace the Blue Tape after every print. Never overlap the tape. Overlapping the tape will cause the Printer Head to jam and ruin the Printer Head. Small gaps between the Blue Tape are OK
Using the Selection Wheel of the MakerBot, select Print, Storage Drive, and then find your part. Have one of the Tutors or Chris check the printing bed to make sure it's ready, and once you have confirmation from them, Start your 3D print! Once your part(s) start to print you can remove your USB
Never walk away from the 3D Printer until the first layer of the part has printed. Most printer head jams, that ruin the Printer Head, occur during this time
Printer troubles? follow this list of tips and tricks to get things in working order.
Material isn't coming out of the extruder head?
Stop printing, then notify an on-duty tutor or Chris.
Little to no tape is present on the print bed, especially in the center of the print area, and there is no replacement tape in sight?
Notify an on-duty tutor or Chris.
Print did not adhere to the raft and now a giant clump of plastic filament is forming near the tip of the extruder?
Notify an on-duty tutor or Chris.
Raft is not sticking to the bed of the printer?
Notify an on-duty tutor or Chris.
Printer has some sort of random error?
Notify an on-duty tutor or Chris.
Printer is on fire?
Notify an on-duty tutor or Chris.
Printer is trying to speak or communicate with you?
Notify an on-duty tutor or Chris.
Your print failed in any way?
Notify an on-duty tutor or Chris.
All jesting aside, if something is not working as intended, stop your print and get one of the tutors or Chris to take a look.