3D Printing: Difference between revisions
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* '''Fire extinguisher location:''' ''[TO BE FILLED IN]'' | * '''Fire extinguisher location:''' ''[TO BE FILLED IN]'' | ||
* '''First aid kit:''' Near the bathroom inside the main makerspace room | * '''First aid kit:''' Near the bathroom inside the main makerspace room | ||
* '''Emergency contact:''' | * '''Emergency contact:''' Josh Fennessy — — [mailto:josh@grandrivermakerspace.org josh@grandrivermakerspace.org] | ||
* '''In case of uncontrolled fire:''' Evacuate immediately and call 911 | * '''In case of uncontrolled fire:''' Evacuate immediately and call 911 | ||
Revision as of 20:38, 14 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.
- Bambu Lab X1 Carbon — Fully enclosed, AMS multi-color/multi-material, lidar first-layer inspection. Our most automated printer; great for reliable multi-color prints. 📄 Full Machine Wiki Guide →
- Elegoo Centauri Carbon (×3) — Enclosed CoreXY workhorses; our primary everyday machines. Fast, easy to use, filtered enclosure. 📄 Full Machine Wiki Guide →
- 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 →
- 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. 📄 Full Machine Wiki Guide →
- 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. 📄 Full Machine Wiki Guide →
- Prusa MK2 — Reliable open-frame Cartesian printer; good for straightforward PLA/PETG prints. A dependable classic. 📄 Full Machine Wiki Guide →
Equipment
3D Printers
| 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 Software: Bambu Studio |
Yes — Mandatory | User Manual 📄 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 Software: ELEGOO Slicer (Orca-based) |
Yes — Mandatory | User Manual 📄 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 ⚠️ Advanced — for engineering materials and large parts Software: CreatWare (Cura also supported) |
Yes — Mandatory | User Manual 📄 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 ⚠️ Runs the custom Open OrangeStorm OS — operates differently than our stock machines. Guidance required before use. Open frame — PLA/PETG only. ⏳ GRM operating procedures still being finalized — do not run unattended or without a volunteer. 💵 A nominal usage charge for this machine may be introduced (energy use + spare-part costs) — watch for updates. Software: Orca Slicer (ELEGOO Cura profile also provided) |
Yes — Mandatory + volunteer guidance | User Manual 📄 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 ⚠️ Open frame — PLA/PETG only, no ABS/ASA/TPU Software: Orca Slicer (Cura profile also provided) |
Yes — Mandatory | User Manual 📄 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 ⚠️ Open frame — PLA/PETG/PVA recommended; supports dual-color and dissolvable-support printing Software: UltiMaker Cura |
Yes — Mandatory | User Manual 📄 Full Machine Wiki Guide |
| Open-Frame Cartesian | Prusa MK2 | 250mm × 210mm × 200mm build volume; open-frame Cartesian; single extruder; heated bed ⚠️ Open frame — PLA/PETG recommended Software: PrusaSlicer |
Yes — Mandatory | User Manual 📄 Full Machine Wiki Guide |
Support Equipment
| Item | Model | Specifications | Notes | Safety Training Required | Owner's Manual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Filament Dry Box | TBD | Keeps filament dry to prevent moisture defects | 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
| 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
| 🏆 Use the Slicer That Matches Your Machine | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
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.
|
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
| 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
| Site | Cost | Notes | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Printables | Free | Prusa-run community library; high-quality, well-tested models | printables.com |
| Thingiverse | Free | Large, long-running model library | thingiverse.com |
| MakerWorld | Free | Bambu-run library; profiles integrate with Bambu Studio | makerworld.com |
| Thangs | Free | Model search engine and community | thangs.com |
3D Modeling / CAD Tools
| Software | Cost | Notes | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tinkercad | Free | Browser-based; the easiest entry point for beginners and youth | tinkercad.com |
| Onshape | Free (hobby) | Full parametric CAD in the browser; great next step after Tinkercad | onshape.com |
| Fusion 360 | Free (personal) / Paid | Professional parametric CAD | autodesk.com |
| Blender | Free | Open-source; best for organic/artistic modeling and sculpting | blender.org |
| FreeCAD | Free | Open-source parametric CAD | 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
| 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
| 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
| Practice | Reason |
|---|---|
| Running ABS/ASA on open-frame machines | Warping/cracking and unfiltered styrene fumes — enclosed machines only |
| Operating the Orange Storm Giga without volunteer guidance | 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 — — josh@grandrivermakerspace.org
- In case of uncontrolled fire: Evacuate immediately and call 911
