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.
Tuesdays 5-9 is our hack night dedicated to 3D Printing. Stop by and learn, create, play!
We're working on using this machine to print a RepRap.
Status
The printer is currently not working. (February 25th, 2014)
Notes about the bed:
- Our acrylic bed was warped by sunlight, so we clamped a glass bed on top of it.
- The glass is flat, so you can print big things again.
- You still need to adjust the corner screws to keep things level. Make sure they are tight or they wiggle and fall off.
- The nozzle should be just a millimeter or so above the bed. Tip: wiggle a piece of paper under it - heavy friction means a little too close.
- We need more ScotchBlue #2093EL tape.
Extruder Hot End
Our extruder is has a 12v cartridge heater and .35mm nozzle. This is standard for extruding a 1.75mm PLA filament. Type A is routinely out of stock, but replacement kits can be found here: http://www.makergear.com/products/extruders
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)
We can also give you your own user! Contact yar or jerkey.
Musicality
One of the first things newcomers notice is the beautiful sound created by a 3D printer. I think it's especially nice when printing curved lines, when the X and Y axes sing in harmonic, contrapuntal motion. When printing perfect circles, it's as if the celestial spheres are whispering mathematical truths into your ears.
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- Outdated comic strip instructions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
- At least one Sudoer works for the manufacturer - his business card is tacked to the cork board above the printer.
Gallery of Creations
Fridge magnets
RaspBerry Pi print-out
Creation
Cat, gears, etc
Fridge magnets
Love magnet
cartoon in progress
prying a print off the bed
Cartoon face
Model airplane from thingiverse
interlocking tori (in progress)
interlocking tori
things made at a TIL about Sketchup
coffee mug holder
lamp fixture
earring
blocky thing
gears (some of these open our door now)
bracelet
