Type A Machine

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)

You can create STL files on any machine. Some popular programs are:

Tinkercad (in Google Chrome)
Google sketchup (which can now import STL files
Blender

You can also find STL files:

On Thingiverse
On the [smb://space/sudoroom%20public%20data/Projects/3DPrinting local file server]
On sudoroom's github (magnets, blocks, etc)

Calibration

Our printer bed and z-axis are often broken & uneven. 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.

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.