Type A Machine

This is about a particular printer. There's a separate page about creating or acquiring 3D models.

SudoRoom has a Type A Machine, currently our only 3D printer. It was generously donated by Jae Kwon in fall 2012.

Attached Computer

The printer can attach to any computer by USB, but usually it's attached to a Linux machine called "sudodesk." It runs Linux Mint which does not have much helpful software in its repos, so the desktop user "sudoer" has these installed locally:

• slic3r (turns STL files into gcode)
• kisslicer (alternative to slic3r)
• pronterface (operates the printer, which accepts gcode)

Calibration

The bed & z-axis are often untrue. Some suggestions:

• Move the head around - is the bed flat? Test the Z roughly with an allan wrench laid flat on the bed (it should should barely flip up), then more finely with a piece of paper (it should create a slight friction only). Test on all four corners, adjusting the screws if necessary. Sometimes the middle might even be dipped in a bow. This will make it harder to print large objects...
• Because the bed is not heated, prints will stick. You might need to pry them off with a razor. This often tears the tape, so we need to buy more tape. Usually we use ScotchBlue #2093EL.

Repair History

This printer has a long, colorful history of repair and disrepair. Most recently, Jake got it to work and reported to the list.

At least one Sudoer works for the manufacturer - his business card is tacked to the cork board above the printer.

External Links

musical wiggly vase video

Documentation:

• Outdated comic strip instructions
• our own github documentation
• Noisebridge's 3D-printing documentation
• Manufacturer's website
  • User Manual
  • Type A Machines Support Page has lots of info on how to use and repair the printer.
  • Replacing the blue tape build surface
  • Cleaning out a filament jam
  • Online Forum

Gallery of Creations

• 

  RaspBerry Pi print-out

• 

  Creation

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  Cat, gears, etc

• 

  Fridge magnets

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  Love magnet

• 

  cartoon in progress

• 

  prying a print off the bed

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  Cartoon face

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  Model airplane from thingiverse

• 

  interlocking tori (in progress)

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  interlocking tori

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  things made at a TIL about Sketchup

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  coffee mug holder

• 

  lamp fixture

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  earring

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  blocky thing

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  2-part rocket

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  gears (some of these open our door now)

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  bracelet