Using 3D printers at Ace
We offer a 3D printing 101 class to teach you how to get a 3d model you want to print, configure PrusaSlicer to make that model into a file the printer can understand, and finally how to use the 3d printers to make an actual three-dimensional thing. Anyone wanting to use our printers must take this class first. After the class, stick around for an unstructured ‘hangout’ gathering. (see the calendar for dates). You don’t need Ace membership to join us for 3D printing night! Everybody is welcome.
The printers
We have two 3D printers available (as of 11/2022). The following asset pages have specific details about each printer as well as the status of each. The status can also be checked on Slack by using the “/asset” command.
AMT250 Prusa I3 Mk2.5 3D printer
AMT120 Prusa I3 MK2 3D printer
Where they are
The printers live upstairs along the east wall of the clean fab, #214. There is also a dedicated 3d printing computer configured with all the the software you need. For designing, you might want to use a different machine or your own laptop. Feel free to put temporary files on this machine, but know that they will get deleted during periodic cleanup. The Fileserver or your own computer is the best place for your permanent files.
Materials
Filament for member use is kept on the shelves to the right of the printers. If you have a large project, it would be a good idea to bring your own, so you don’t run out of your chosen color, etc. If you’d like to donate filament to the space we’d be very grateful. We can use 1.75mm filament only.
If you use anything other than PLA or TPU, please talk to the steward first. Some materials cause extra wear and tear that you may be required to pay for. We are currently not set up for PET (which requires a textured build surface), but are working on it.
An important rule…
We have a “no unattended printing” policy for the 3d printers. What this means: if you are printing something, you have to be in the building, and checking on it at least every 30 minutes. It’s okay if you’re in coworking, or downstairs lasering something, but please check on your print at least every half hour. This is for fire safety, and is an insurance requirement. Also, it’s just a good idea, prints can go wrong, filament can get tangled. As a practical matter, we highly recommend you stick around for the first few layers; most problems show up by then.
If you need help
Contact the steward, Ted H., @thullar on Slack. You can also post to the Slack #3dprinting channel, which may get you an even faster response from someone else in the community. If something goes wrong with the printer, notify the channel and use the /asset command on slack to update the status.
Where can I get an STL file?
The easiest place is to download one from www.thingiverse.com. But as this is a makerspace, maybe you want to create your own? Fusion360 is a popular choice and the price is right for hobbyists; be ready for the steep learning curve. OpenSCAD is a favorite for programmers, and it’s very easy to modify your design. If figures and other natural shapes is more your game, consider Blender.
My print isn’t working.
Check out this link for troubleshooting:
http://www.simplify3d.com/support/print-quality-troubleshooting/
Can you print titanium at Ace?
No, but if you’re even asking this question, please invite us to your next party. Try Craftcloud3d.com for a variety of other materials and printing technologies; it’s totally cool to get your print just right using Ace’s printers, then send the file off and have it made in nylon or whatever specialty material you desire.
