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
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- Outdated comic strip instructions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
Our Office
Creation
Today I Learned Class
Cat, gears, etc
Fridge magnets
Love magnet
cartoon in progress
prying a print off the bed
Cartoon face
Model airplane from thingiverse
Apocryphal Instructions page 1
Apocryphal Instructions page 2
Close up of an ancient hand-drawn diagram by our 3D printing shepherd, Jae
3D printed 2-part rocket. 65mm max diameter, 29mm motor bay, tangent ogive curve with internal 2-way structural ribs and support for airspeed sensor pitot tube at nose.
