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 working! Jake fixed it.
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.
- We are working on printing shims that can snugly hold a glass bed.
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.
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- Outdated comic strip instructions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
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
