3D Printing: Difference between revisions

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* '''[[Anycubic_Kobra_Max|Anycubic Kobra Max]]''' — Large-format open-frame Bowden printer (400×400×450mm). GRM's go-to for oversized single PLA prints. Open frame — PLA/PETG only. 📄 [[Anycubic_Kobra_Max|Full Machine Wiki Guide →]]
* '''[[Anycubic_Kobra_Max|Anycubic Kobra Max]]''' — Large-format open-frame Bowden printer (400×400×450mm). GRM's go-to for oversized single PLA prints. Open frame — PLA/PETG only. 📄 [[Anycubic_Kobra_Max|Full Machine Wiki Guide →]]


* '''[[Ultimaker_3_extended|Ultimaker 3 Extended]]''' — Open-frame dual-extrusion printer with swappable print cores and auto nozzle-lifting. Great for two-color prints and PVA dissolvable supports. Open frame — best for PLA/PETG/PVA. 📄 [[Ultimaker_3_extended|Full Machine Wiki Guide →]]
* '''[[Ultimaker_3_extended|Ultimaker 3 Extended]]''' — Open-frame dual-extrusion printer with swappable print cores and auto nozzle-lifting.
 
* '''[[Prusa_MK2|Prusa MK2]]''' — Reliable open-frame Cartesian printer; good for straightforward PLA/PETG prints. A dependable classic. 📄 [[Prusa_MK2|Full Machine Wiki Guide →]]
 
----
 
== Equipment ==
 
=== 3D Printers ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Item !! Model !! Specifications !! Safety Training Required !! Owner's Manual & Resources
|-
| '''Enclosed CoreXY (Multi-Color)''' || Bambu Lab X1 Carbon || 256mm × 256mm × 256mm build volume; fully enclosed CoreXY; AMS 4-color system; direct drive, hardened nozzle; 300°C hotend, 110°C bed; lidar first-layer inspection; auto bed leveling<br><br>'''Software:''' Bambu Studio || Yes — Mandatory || [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1irkQntl_V_j8eFZK8WT2dy20r_2Aw3ii?usp=sharing User Manual] <br> [[Bambu_Lab_X1C|📄 Full Machine Wiki Guide]]
|-
| '''Enclosed CoreXY''' || Elegoo Centauri Carbon (×3) || 256mm × 256mm × 256mm build volume; fully enclosed CoreXY; direct drive, hardened steel nozzle; 320°C hotend, 110°C bed; auto bed leveling (121-point) + auto Z-offset; filtered enclosure; dual-sided PEI plate<br><br>'''Software:''' ELEGOO Slicer (Orca-based) || Yes — Mandatory || [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1irkQntl_V_j8eFZK8WT2dy20r_2Aw3ii?usp=sharing User Manual] <br> [[Elegoo_Centauri_Carbon|📄 Full Machine Wiki Guide]]
|-
| '''Large-Format Enclosed (Dual Extruder)''' || CreatBot F430 || 400mm × 300mm × 300mm build volume; fully enclosed steel body; heated chamber up to 70°C; dual extruders (260°C left / 420°C right); auto bed leveling (25-point); HEPA-filtered; power-outage recovery<br><br>⚠️ ''Advanced — for engineering materials and large parts''<br><br>'''Software:''' CreatWare (Cura also supported) || Yes — Mandatory || [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1irkQntl_V_j8eFZK8WT2dy20r_2Aw3ii?usp=sharing User Manual] <br> [[CreatBot_F430|📄 Full Machine Wiki Guide]]
|-
| '''Massive-Format Open-Frame (Multi-Nozzle Capable)''' || Elegoo Orange Storm Giga || 800mm × 800mm × 1000mm build volume; open-frame flying-gantry Cartesian; direct-drive dual-gear extruder; chrome-zirconium-copper nozzle to 300°C w/ 60W ceramic heater; 0.6mm nozzle standard (0.4/0.8/1.0mm available); four independent 410×410mm magnetic PEI beds to 100°C; 100-point auto-leveling + manual; filament sensor; power-loss recovery; 1.75mm filament<br><br>⚠️ ''Runs the custom '''Open OrangeStorm''' OS — operates differently than our stock machines. Guidance required before use. Open frame — PLA/PETG only.''<br><br>⏳ ''GRM operating procedures still being finalized — do not run unattended or without a volunteer.''<br><br>💵 ''A nominal usage charge for this machine may be introduced (energy use + spare-part costs) — watch for updates.''<br><br>'''Software:''' Orca Slicer (ELEGOO Cura profile also provided) || Yes — Mandatory + volunteer guidance || [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1irkQntl_V_j8eFZK8WT2dy20r_2Aw3ii?usp=sharing User Manual] <br> [[Elegoo_OrangeStorm_Giga|📄 Full Machine Wiki Guide]]
|-
| '''Large-Format Open-Frame''' || Anycubic Kobra Max || 400mm × 400mm × 450mm build volume; open-frame Bowden extruder; glass plate over heated bed; auto-leveling (16-point); filament sensor; outage recovery<br><br>⚠️ ''Open frame — PLA/PETG only, no ABS/ASA/TPU''<br><br>'''Software:''' Orca Slicer (Cura profile also provided) || Yes — Mandatory || [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1irkQntl_V_j8eFZK8WT2dy20r_2Aw3ii?usp=sharing User Manual] <br> [[Anycubic_Kobra_Max|📄 Full Machine Wiki Guide]]
|-
| '''Open-Frame Dual Extruder''' || Ultimaker 3 Extended || 215mm × 215mm × 300mm build volume (single nozzle) / 197mm × 215mm × 300mm (dual material); open-frame; dual-extrusion print head with auto nozzle-lifting and swappable AA/BB print cores; heated glass bed (20–100°C); active bed leveling; 280°C max nozzle; 2.85mm filament<br><br>⚠️ ''Open frame — PLA/PETG/PVA recommended; supports dual-color and dissolvable-support printing''<br><br>'''Software:''' UltiMaker Cura || Yes — Mandatory || [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1irkQntl_V_j8eFZK8WT2dy20r_2Aw3ii?usp=sharing User Manual] <br> [[Ultimaker_3_extended|📄 Full Machine Wiki Guide]]
|-
| '''Open-Frame Cartesian''' || Prusa MK2 || 250mm × 210mm × 200mm build volume; open-frame Cartesian; single extruder; heated bed<br><br>⚠️ ''Open frame — PLA/PETG recommended''<br><br>'''Software:''' PrusaSlicer || Yes — Mandatory || [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1irkQntl_V_j8eFZK8WT2dy20r_2Aw3ii?usp=sharing User Manual] <br> [[Prusa_MK2|📄 Full Machine Wiki Guide]]
|}
 
=== Support Equipment ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Item !! Model !! Specifications !! Notes !! Safety Training Required !! Owner's Manual
|-
| '''Filament Dry Box''' || TBD || Keeps filament dry to prevent moisture defects || style="background:#fff3cd;" | Store hygroscopic filaments (Nylon, PETG, TPU) in a dry box when not in use. Ask a volunteer if you're unsure whether your material needs drying. || No || —
|}
 
=== Post-Processing Tools ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Item !! Notes
|-
| '''Flush Cutters''' || For clipping supports and filament ends
|-
| '''Needle-Nose Pliers''' || For removing supports and brims
|-
| '''Deburring Tool / Hobby Knife''' || Cleaning up edges and seams — cut away from body
|-
| '''Scrapers / Spatula''' || For removing prints from beds — use carefully, away from hands
|-
| '''Digital Calipers''' || For measuring parts and verifying dimensions
|-
| '''Sandpaper / Files''' || Surface finishing — wear a dust mask when sanding
|}
 
----
 
== Software & Design ==
 
=== ⭐ Recommended Slicing Software ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; border: 2px solid #f0a500;"
|-
! style="background:#f0a500; color:white; font-size:115%;" | 🏆 Use the Slicer That Matches Your Machine
|-
| style="padding:10px;" |
A '''slicer''' converts your 3D model (STL, OBJ, 3MF) into the G-code the printer follows. Each machine at GRM has a recommended slicer with pre-tuned profiles — '''always start with the profile that matches your machine.''' All of these slicers are free.
 
{| style="width:100%;"
|-
| style="width:50%; padding:8px; vertical-align:top;" |
'''Bambu Studio''' — for the '''Bambu Lab X1 Carbon'''<br>
Handles the AMS multi-color system and lidar features.<br>
[https://bambulab.com/en-us/download/studio Download Bambu Studio]
| style="width:50%; padding:8px; vertical-align:top; background:#fff8e7; border-left: 3px solid #f0a500;" |
'''ELEGOO Slicer''' — for the '''Centauri Carbon''' machines<br>
Orca-based; ships with tuned Centauri Carbon profiles.<br>
[https://www.elegoo.com/pages/download Download ELEGOO Slicer]
|-
| style="width:50%; padding:8px; vertical-align:top;" |
'''Orca Slicer''' — for the '''Anycubic Kobra Max''' and '''Orange Storm Giga'''<br>
GRM profiles available — ask a volunteer or check Discord.<br>
[https://github.com/SoftFever/OrcaSlicer/releases Download Orca Slicer]
| style="width:50%; padding:8px; vertical-align:top;" |
'''PrusaSlicer''' — for the '''Prusa MK2'''<br>
Prusa's own slicer with built-in MK2 profiles.<br>
[https://www.prusa3d.com/p/prusaslicer/ Download PrusaSlicer]
|-
| style="width:50%; padding:8px; vertical-align:top;" |
'''UltiMaker Cura''' — for the '''Ultimaker 3 Extended'''<br>
Auto-detects print cores and materials; handles dual-extrusion and PVA supports.<br>
[https://ultimaker.com/software/ultimaker-cura/ Download UltiMaker Cura]
| style="width:50%; padding:8px; vertical-align:top;" |
'''CreatWare''' — for the '''CreatBot F430'''<br>
CreatBot's proprietary slicer for the F430's dual-extruder / high-temp setup. Cura is also supported.<br>
[https://www.creatbot.com/en/download/ Download CreatWare / CreatBot Software]
|}
|}
 
''Tip: If you already know a slicer like Orca or Cura, most of these machines can be added to it manually — but the machine-matched slicer above is the fastest way to get a known-good result.''
 
=== Slicer Basics — Tutorial Videos ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Video !! Description !! Link
|-
| '''3D Printing Slicer Basics for Beginners''' || General walkthrough of what a slicer does and the key settings — good first watch || [PLACEHOLDER — Tutorial Link]
|-
| '''Bambu Studio Beginner Guide''' || Setup and first print with the X1 Carbon and AMS || [PLACEHOLDER — Tutorial Link]
|-
| '''Orca / ELEGOO Slicer Walkthrough''' || Covers the Orca-based interface used by ELEGOO Slicer and Orca Slicer || [PLACEHOLDER — Tutorial Link]
|}
 
=== 3D Model Sources ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Site !! Cost !! Notes !! Link
|-
| '''Printables''' || Free || Prusa-run community library; high-quality, well-tested models || [https://www.printables.com/ printables.com]
|-
| '''Thingiverse''' || Free || Large, long-running model library || [https://www.thingiverse.com/ thingiverse.com]
|-
| '''MakerWorld''' || Free || Bambu-run library; profiles integrate with Bambu Studio || [https://makerworld.com/ makerworld.com]
|-
| '''Thangs''' || Free || Model search engine and community || [https://thangs.com/ thangs.com]
|}
 
=== 3D Modeling / CAD Tools ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Software !! Cost !! Notes !! Link
|-
| '''Tinkercad''' || Free || Browser-based; the easiest entry point for beginners and youth || [https://www.tinkercad.com/ tinkercad.com]
|-
| '''Onshape''' || Free (hobby) || Full parametric CAD in the browser; great next step after Tinkercad || [https://www.onshape.com/ onshape.com]
|-
| '''Fusion 360''' || Free (personal) / Paid || Professional parametric CAD || [https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360 autodesk.com]
|-
| '''Blender''' || Free || Open-source; best for organic/artistic modeling and sculpting || [https://www.blender.org/ blender.org]
|-
| '''FreeCAD''' || Free || Open-source parametric CAD || [https://www.freecad.org/ freecad.org]
|}
 
----
 
== Safety & Usage ==
 
=== General Safety Rules ===
* Complete mandatory training before using any printer
* Sign in on the equipment log
* '''Never leave the first layer unattended''' — it's the most common failure point
* Check in on long prints periodically
* Report jams, failures, and maintenance issues
* Clean the bed and remove scraps when you're done
 
=== Operating Procedures ===
# Complete mandatory training before use
# Sign in on the log sheet
# Load your model in the machine's recommended slicer, using the matching profile
# Verify the correct filament is loaded and the correct plate/surface is installed
# Confirm the bed is clean and (where applicable) adhesion aid is applied
# Start the print and watch the first layer
# Stay reachable during the print; check in periodically on long jobs
# Allow parts to cool before removing from the bed
# Clean the bed and remove supports/scraps
# Sign out on the log sheet
 
=== FDM Printer Safety ===
* '''Hot surfaces''' — nozzles reach 250°C+ (up to 420°C on the F430) and beds reach 110°C+
* Do not touch the nozzle or heated bed during or immediately after printing
* Do not touch the nozzle or bed during auto-leveling
* Allow parts to cool before removing from the bed
* Use scrapers and cutters carefully — cut and scrape away from your body
* Keep flammable materials away from printers
* Do not reach into a machine while it is running — moving parts can pinch or injure
* Ensure adequate ventilation, especially for ABS/ASA (use enclosed machines only)
 
=== Fume Safety ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Material !! Fume Risk !! Ventilation / Machine Requirement
|-
| PLA || Low || Recommended; any machine
|-
| PETG || Low–Medium || Recommended; any machine
|-
| TPU / Flexible || Low–Medium || Use a direct-drive machine (X1C, Centauri, F430); not the Bowden Kobra Max or the Ultimaker 3 Extended
|-
| ABS / ASA || High — styrene fumes || '''Enclosed + filtered machine only''' (X1C, Centauri, F430); never on open-frame machines
|-
| Nylon || Medium — may emit irritants || Enclosed machine; keep dry
|-
| PC (Polycarbonate) || High || '''Enclosed, heated-chamber machine only (F430)''' — requires approval
|-
| PVA (dissolvable support) || Low || Ultimaker 3 Extended (paired with PLA); keep dry
|}
 
=== Approved Materials by Machine ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Material !! X1 Carbon !! Centauri Carbon !! CreatBot F430 !! Orange Storm Giga !! Kobra Max !! Ultimaker 3 Ext. !! Prusa MK2
|-
| '''PLA''' || ✅ || ✅ || ✅ || ✅ || ✅ || ✅ || ✅
|-
| '''PETG''' || ✅ || ✅ || ✅ || ✅ (with care) || ✅ (with care) || ✅ (CPE/PETG) || ✅
|-
| '''TPU / Flexible''' || ✅ || ✅ || ✅ || Caution — direct drive, tune paths || ❌ (Bowden — jams) || ❌ (Bowden — jams) || ❌ (not recommended)
|-
| '''ABS / ASA''' || ✅ (enclosed) || ✅ (enclosed) || ✅ (enclosed) || ❌ (open frame) || ❌ (open frame) || ❌ (open frame) || ❌ (open frame)
|-
| '''Nylon''' || Caution — keep dry || Caution — keep dry || ✅ (heated chamber) || ❌ || ❌ || Caution — keep dry || ❌
|-
| '''PC (Polycarbonate)''' || ❌ (no chamber heat) || ❌ (no chamber heat) || ✅ (with approval) || ❌ (no chamber heat) || ❌ || ❌ (no chamber heat) || ❌
|-
| '''PVA (dissolvable support)''' || ❌ || ❌ || ✅ || ❌ || ❌ || ✅ (BB core) || ❌
|-
| '''Carbon-Fiber filled''' || ✅ (hardened nozzle) || ✅ (hardened nozzle) || ✅ (hardened nozzle) || ❌ (nozzle not hardened) || ❌ || ❌ (nozzle not hardened) || ❌ (nozzle not hardened)
|}
''When in doubt about a material/machine combination, ask a volunteer before printing. Open-frame machines (Orange Storm Giga, Kobra Max, Ultimaker 3 Extended, Prusa MK2) cannot hold the ambient temperatures ABS/ASA need and should not run them. The Ultimaker 3 Extended is a Bowden machine — avoid flexibles. The Orange Storm Giga requires volunteer guidance before any use.''
 
=== Prohibited / Restricted Practices ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Practice !! Reason
|-
| style="background:#ffe4e4;" | '''Running ABS/ASA on open-frame machines''' || style="background:#ffe4e4;" | '''Warping/cracking and unfiltered styrene fumes — enclosed machines only'''
|-
| style="background:#ffe4e4;" | '''Operating the Orange Storm Giga without volunteer guidance''' || style="background:#ffe4e4;" | '''Runs the custom Open OrangeStorm OS and differs from stock machines; procedures still being finalized — guidance required'''
|-
| '''Running TPU/flexible through the Kobra Max or Ultimaker 3 Extended''' || Bowden tube causes flexibles to buckle and jam — use a direct-drive machine
|-
| '''Abrasive (CF/GF) filament in a non-hardened nozzle''' || Wears out brass nozzles quickly — hardened-nozzle machines only
|-
| '''Leaving the first layer unattended''' || Most failures happen in the first layer — stay present
|-
| '''Printing unknown/unlabeled filament''' || Unknown melt temps and fumes — verify material before printing
|}
 
=== Material Storage ===
* Keep filament dry — store hygroscopic materials (Nylon, TPU, PETG) in sealed containers with desiccant or in the dry box
* Label spools clearly with material type
* Return shared filament and tools to their storage location when done
 
=== Waste Disposal ===
* Failed PLA prints and supports — regular trash
* Failed ABS/PETG/other prints — check local recycling options
* Keep scraps off the floor and out of machine rails
 
=== Emergency Procedures ===
* '''Fire extinguisher location:''' ''[TO BE FILLED IN]''
* '''First aid kit:''' Near the bathroom inside the main makerspace room
* '''Emergency contact:''' Josh Fennessy —  — [mailto:josh@grandrivermakerspace.org josh@grandrivermakerspace.org]
* '''In case of uncontrolled fire:''' Evacuate immediately and call 911

Latest revision as of 14:28, 19 July 2026

3D Printing Area

⚠️ SAFETY GLASSES REQUIRED WHEN REMOVING SUPPORTS OR POST-PROCESSING ⚠️

⚠️ NEVER LEAVE THE FIRST LAYER UNATTENDED — CHECK LONG PRINTS PERIODICALLY ⚠️

📋 Before You Print — Member Checklist

A few quick steps every time you start a print — please don't skip these:

  • 🏷️ Label your print with a sticky note. Write your name (and a phone number and/or email if you can) on a sticky note and attach it to the printer you're using. If a print fails or there's an issue, we need to know whose job it is and how to reach you.
  • ⚖️ Write down the filament weight. Note the weight the slicer estimated (in grams) on your sticky note. This is how we track material use for paying for filament — jot it down before you walk away.
  • 👀 Don't hit print and leave. Stay for the first few layers and make sure they're going down cleanly with good bed adhesion. The first layer is where most prints fail — catching a bad start here saves your whole print (and everyone's filament and time).

💵 Paying for Filament

Once you know your print's weight, pay for the material you used. There are three easy ways:

  • Deposit bucket — drop your payment in the deposit bucket inside the 3D printing room
  • Scan the QR code — posted in the 3D printing room
  • Pay online — use the links below for the material you printed with
Material Pay Online
PLA Pay for PLA →
ABS / ASA / TPU Pay for ABS / ASA / TPU →
Polycarbonate Pay for Polycarbonate →

3D Printers

  • Enclosed CoreXY Printers — Fast, versatile machines good for most work. Enclosure allows ABS/ASA in addition to PLA and PETG.
  • CreatBot F430 — Large-format, fully enclosed, heated chamber (70°C) with dual extruders reaching 420°C. For engineering materials (Nylon, PC, CF) and large industrial parts. ⚠️ Advanced machine — training required. 📄 Full Machine Wiki Guide →
  • Elegoo Orange Storm Giga — Massive-format open-frame printer (800×800×1000mm) with four independent heated PEI beds. Upgraded to the custom Open OrangeStorm operating system — it runs differently than our stock machines. ⚠️ Guidance required — see a volunteer before use. 📄 Full Machine Wiki Guide →
  • Ultimaker 3 Extended — Open-frame dual-extrusion printer with swappable print cores and auto nozzle-lifting.
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