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==Before you print== | ==Before you print== | ||
[[File:RapMan-rapman.jpg|right|thumb|The RapMan v3.1]] | [[File:RapMan-rapman.jpg|right|thumb|The RapMan v3.1]] | ||
Before touching the printer make sure you have at least once read the manual and then contact [[User: | Before touching the printer make sure you have at least once read the manual and then contact [[User:Matthias.breuer|Matthias]]. A printed version of the manual is somewhere around the printer. Should it not be, go and [http://bitsfrombytes.com/sites/bitsfrombytes.com/files/downloads/D100238%20Operation%20Manual%203.1.zip download it] and read it thoroughly | ||
The are a few things you have to do before actually printing your object. You have to chose the right filament to print with, | The are a few things you have to do before actually printing your object. You have to chose the right filament to print with, export your 3d-model to the right format, check the printer for parts that might have become loose during a previous print and check that the filament spindle unrolls easily. | ||
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===Choose your filament=== | ===Choose your filament=== | ||
[[File:RapMan_HowTo-filaments.jpg|right|thumb|Different filaments (ABS and PLA)]] | [[File:RapMan_HowTo-filaments.jpg|right|thumb|Different filaments (ABS and PLA)]] | ||
Chosing the right filament to print with is usually the first step when printing an object. The different plastics have different properties that might influence your print and each plastic has its own export settings. There is a good overview of commonly used materials over at the [http://www.bitsfrombytes.com/wiki/index.php?title=Category:Filament BfB Wiki]. | Chosing the right filament to print with is usually the first step when printing an object. The different plastics have different properties that might influence your print and each plastic has its own export settings. There is a good overview of commonly used materials over at the [http://www.bitsfrombytes.com/wiki/index.php?title=Category:Filament BfB Wiki]. Our default material is PLA so i recommend to stick with it. | ||
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[[File:RapMan_HowTo-stl-meshlab.jpg|right|thumb|Stl file in Meshlab]] | [[File:RapMan_HowTo-stl-meshlab.jpg|right|thumb|Stl file in Meshlab]] | ||
Preparing your data for printing is divided into two steps. | Preparing your data for printing is divided into two steps. | ||
# Export your 3d-model to stl | # Export your 3d-model to stl format | ||
# Convert the stl data to G-code using Axon or Skeinforge | # Convert the stl data to G-code using Axon or Skeinforge | ||
It's wise to use software like [http://meshlab.sourceforge.net/ Meshlab] to check your exported stl file for errors and do minor tweaks. | It's wise to use software like [http://netfabb.com/basic.php Netfabb] or [http://meshlab.sourceforge.net/ Meshlab] to check your exported stl file for errors and do minor tweaks like rotating and scaling. | ||
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====Using Skeinforge==== | |||
Skeinforge is a collection of Python scripts that slice the model and create toolhead paths. Skeinforge runs on Linux, Mac and Windows machines but is somewhat hard to use. If you are new to our 3d printer I recommend to use BfB Axon which is described below. | |||
====Using BfB Axon==== | ====Using BfB Axon==== | ||
Axon is a Skeinforge | BfB Axon is a fancy frontend to Skeinforge supplied by Bits from Bytes. It comes with great profiles for PLA, ABS and ABS/PLA mix but only runs on windows. Since we have a dedicated windows machine in the printer room you should use Axon unless you know how to use Skeinforge. | ||
===Checking the printer and filament spindle=== | ===Checking the printer and filament spindle=== | ||
[[File:RapMan_HowTo-loose-screw-locations.jpg|right|thumb|Some locations where screws might loosen]] | [[File:RapMan_HowTo-loose-screw-locations.jpg|right|thumb|Some locations where screws might loosen]] | ||
During the printing process parts might become loose. | During the printing process screws of moving parts might become loose. Since the whole printer is jerking around sometimes this could be anywhere. Some places you should always check are the screws of the x- and y-stepper motor pulleys and the screws of the extruder gears. Also check if the belts are tight enough. Loose screws of motors and gears will make your print look ugly. | ||
Also don't forget to check that the filament spindle unrolls easily. If this isn't the case the filament | Also don't forget to check that the filament spindle unrolls easily. If this isn't the case the filament might get entangled and you have to manually disentangle it which of course will most likely spoil your print if you notice too late. | ||
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