GMU:RapMan/HowTo - Revision history

Max at 18:00, 16 May 2013

2013-05-16T18:00:44Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:00, 16 May 2013
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	# Convert your 3D object		# Convert your 3D object
	# Print your converted 3D object		# Print your converted 3D object

	==Create your 3D File==		==Create your 3D File==
	===Design your 3d objects===		===Design your 3d objects===
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	* Thin solid walls must have a specific thickness, currently we are limited to 1mm, 2mm, 3mm... Any x.5mm will result in hollow walls. This is due to our extruder nozzle being 0.5mm in diameter. Above a certain thickness (I think 5mm) any value is possible, so 10.1mm walls will print just fine.		* Thin solid walls must have a specific thickness, currently we are limited to 1mm, 2mm, 3mm... Any x.5mm will result in hollow walls. This is due to our extruder nozzle being 0.5mm in diameter. Above a certain thickness (I think 5mm) any value is possible, so 10.1mm walls will print just fine.
	* When parts must fit into each other, design with some tolerance. The value of ~0.5mm seems like a good choice		* When parts must fit into each other, design with some tolerance. The value of ~0.5mm seems like a good choice

	===Choose your material===		===Choose your material===
	[[File:~~RapMan_HowTo~~-filaments.jpg~~\|right~~\|thumb\|Different filaments (ABS and PLA)]]		[[File:RapMan HowTo-filaments.jpg\|thumb\|Different filaments (ABS and PLA)]]
	Choosing the right material (also called filament) to print with is another important thing when designing your object. Different plastics have different properties that might influence your print and each plastic has its own conversion profile. 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 [[Wikipedia:Polylactic acid\|PLA]] and I recommend to stick with it.		Choosing the right material (also called filament) to print with is another important thing when designing your object. Different plastics have different properties that might influence your print and each plastic has its own conversion profile. 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 [[Wikipedia:Polylactic acid\|PLA]] and I recommend to stick with it.

	===Choose your design software===		===Choose your design software===
	You can use any 3D or CAD Software to design your objects. Due to the countless options you have here it's impossible to give a general recommendation. Nonetheless here are a few choices:		You can use any 3D or CAD Software to design your objects. Due to the countless options you have here it's impossible to give a general recommendation. Nonetheless here are a few choices:
	* [http://sketchup.google.com/ Google Sketchup] is very popular and free of charge (Mac and Linux).		* [http://sketchup.google.com Google Sketchup] is very popular and free of charge (Mac and Linux).
	* [http://www.blender.org/ Blender] another popular [[Wikipedia:Open Source\|open source]] software (Windows, Mac and Linux).		* [http://www.blender.org Blender] another popular [[Wikipedia:Open Source\|open source]] software (Windows, Mac and Linux).
	* [http://www.maxon.net/ Cinema 4d], [http://www.rhino3d.com/ Rhino 3D], [http://www.autodesk.com Autodesk software] (which is free for students) and many more.		* [http://www.maxon.net Cinema 4d], [http://www.rhino3d.com Rhino 3D], [http://www.autodesk.com Autodesk software] (which is free for students) and many more.
	* [http://www.openscad.org/ OpenSCAD] for those of you who like it more programming like. OpenSCAD is also open source and runs on Windows, Mac and Linux.		* [http://www.openscad.org OpenSCAD] for those of you who like it more programming like. OpenSCAD is also open source and runs on Windows, Mac and Linux.
	<br clear="all" />		<br clear="all" />

	==Convert your 3D File==		==Convert your 3D File==
	Converting your 3D file means:		Converting your 3D file means:
	# Export your object to [[Wikipedia:~~STL_~~(~~file_format~~)\|.stl format]]		# Export your object to [[Wikipedia:STL (file format)\|.stl format]]
	# Convert your .stl file to a file our printer can read		# Convert your .stl file to a file our printer can read

	===Export the .stl file===		===Export the .stl file===
	[[File:~~RapMan_HowTo~~-stl-meshlab.jpg~~\|right~~\|thumb\|Stl file in Meshlab]]		[[File:RapMan HowTo-stl-meshlab.jpg\|thumb\|Stl file in Meshlab]]
	Exporting the .stl file is in most packages simply choosing File->Export from the menu and then selecting .stl. If your software doesn't offer this option please refer to its manual or search for help on google which probably will come up with the right solution.		Exporting the .stl file is in most packages simply choosing File->Export from the menu and then selecting .stl. If your software doesn't offer this option please refer to its manual or search for help on google which probably will come up with the right solution.

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	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 the correct size and errors and also do minor tweaks like rotating and scaling.		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 the correct size and errors and also do minor tweaks like rotating and scaling.
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	===Convert the .stl file===		===Convert the .stl file===
	Converting the .stl file means converting the three dimensional data into a format which the printer understands. We call this format [[Wikipedia:G-code\|G-code]], which is a numerical file format containing all the movement and other control information for the printer. G-code is also used on a number of different machines like computer controlled milling machines or routers. Currently there are two software choices you have.		Converting the .stl file means converting the three dimensional data into a format which the printer understands. We call this format [[Wikipedia:G-code\|G-code]], which is a numerical file format containing all the movement and other control information for the printer. G-code is also used on a number of different machines like computer controlled milling machines or routers. Currently there are two software choices you have.
	# Skeinforge, a platform independent software solution		# Skeinforge, a platform independent software solution
	# Axon, which basically is a nice looking interface for Skeinforge but Windows only and somewhat limited		# Axon, which basically is a nice looking interface for Skeinforge but Windows only and somewhat limited

	====Skeinforge====		====Skeinforge====
	Skeinforge is at the first sight a weird and scary software with lots of different buttons and input fields. On the upside Skeinforge runs on Windows, Mac and Linux which makes this software our tool of choice. Don't worry there's only a few thing you need to know to be able to export files correctly.		Skeinforge is at the first sight a weird and scary software with lots of different buttons and input fields. On the upside Skeinforge runs on Windows, Mac and Linux which makes this software our tool of choice. Don't worry there's only a few thing you need to know to be able to export files correctly.

	First of all, go and [http://fabmetheus.crsndoo.com/ download Skeinforge] (Chose the newest package). Skeinforge comes in a .zip file which you have to extract first.		First of all, go and [http://fabmetheus.crsndoo.com download Skeinforge] (Chose the newest package). Skeinforge comes in a .zip file which you have to extract first.

	Secondly download the profiles I specially prepared for our printer and materials [https://github.com/matthiasbreuer/RapMan-3.1-Profiles here]. When using PLA (which you probably will because it's awesome) these are all you need to get great prints on our printer.		Secondly download the profiles I specially prepared for our printer and materials [https://github.com/matthiasbreuer/RapMan-3.1-Profiles here]. When using PLA (which you probably will because it's awesome) these are all you need to get great prints on our printer.

	More to come, it will get interesting now.		More to come, it will get interesting now.

	====Axon====		====Axon====
	Axon is the official software distributed be Bits from Bytes. Even though Axon is easier to use, I do not recommend to use it since it is outdated. Axon 2 is being developed right now but I would still in any case recommend Skeinforge if you are using any of our standard PLA material.		Axon is the official software distributed be Bits from Bytes. Even though Axon is easier to use, I do not recommend to use it since it is outdated. Axon 2 is being developed right now but I would still in any case recommend Skeinforge if you are using any of our standard PLA material.

	For the fearless, you find Axon and Axon 2 both [http://3dpedia.3dsystems.com/display/BFBCustTechRes/Downloads+%28software%2C+profiles%2C+firmware+and+print+files%29 here]. The download site is a bit confusing and you'll have to click ''Login'' first which will log you in as a guest.		For the fearless, you find Axon and Axon 2 both [http://3dpedia.3dsystems.com/display/BFBCustTechRes/Downloads+%28software%2C+profiles%2C+firmware+and+print+files%29 here]. The download site is a bit confusing and you'll have to click ''Login'' first which will log you in as a guest.

	==Printing your converted 3D object==		==Printing your converted 3D object==
	===Before you print===		===Before you print===
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	===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\|thumb\|Some locations where screws might loosen]]
	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.		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.

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	===Printing===		===Printing===
	[[File:~~RapMan_HowTo~~-rapman-printing.jpg~~\|right~~\|thumb\|The RapMan printing]]		[[File:RapMan HowTo-rapman-printing.jpg\|thumb\|The RapMan printing]]
	Printing is fairly easy. Copy the G-code file to the sd card, put it into the RapMan controller and power it on. Then select your file and run it. The printer will do stuff now for a while. There's a progress bar on the display which will give you a slight feeling how long you still have to wait. While the printer is working you can watch it, go get a coffee or go somewhere completely else and do whatever you like. In 99% of the cases the print will finish without any problems so you presence is not required. I've run the printer over night a few times but I still recommend to check on it once in a while.		Printing is fairly easy. Copy the G-code file to the sd card, put it into the RapMan controller and power it on. Then select your file and run it. The printer will do stuff now for a while. There's a progress bar on the display which will give you a slight feeling how long you still have to wait. While the printer is working you can watch it, go get a coffee or go somewhere completely else and do whatever you like. In 99% of the cases the print will finish without any problems so you presence is not required. I've run the printer over night a few times but I still recommend to check on it once in a while.
	<br clear="all" />		<br clear="all" />

	===After you print===		===After you print===
	[[File:~~RapMan_HowTo~~-printed-object.jpg~~\|right~~\|thumb\|The printed object]]		[[File:RapMan HowTo-printed-object.jpg\|thumb\|The printed object]]
	After your object is printed there are some steps you might want to do:		After your object is printed there are some steps you might want to do:

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	==Be nice and share==		==Be nice and share==
	Imagine you created a super cool thing you want to show to your friends. If this is the case be so kind and share it with everyone at [http://www.thingiverse.com/ thingiverse], which is also a great stop to find random (sometimes more useful than other times) things to print.		Imagine you created a super cool thing you want to show to your friends. If this is the case be so kind and share it with everyone at [http://www.thingiverse.com thingiverse], which is also a great stop to find random (sometimes more useful than other times) things to print.

	[[Category:Design]]		[[Category:Design]]

Matthias.breuer: /* Be nice and share */

2011-11-11T19:18:25Z

Be nice and share

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:18, 11 November 2011
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	==Be nice and share==		==Be nice and share==
	Imagine you created a super cool thing you want to show to your friends. If this is the case be so kind and share it with everyone at [http://www.thingiverse.com/ ~~thingyverse~~], which is also a great stop to find random (sometimes more useful than other times) things to print.		Imagine you created a super cool thing you want to show to your friends. If this is the case be so kind and share it with everyone at [http://www.thingiverse.com/ thingiverse], which is also a great stop to find random (sometimes more useful than other times) things to print.

	~~[[Category:Craftraum]]~~
	[[Category:Design]]		[[Category:Design]]
	~~[[Category:Sebastian Hundertmark]]~~
	~~[[Category:Matthias Breuer]]~~
	[[Category:Rapid Prototyping]]		[[Category:Rapid Prototyping]]
	[[Category:Modellbau]]		[[Category:Modellbau]]
	[[Category:3D]]		[[Category:3D]]

Matthias.breuer: /* Printing */

2011-07-27T19:11:56Z

Printing

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:11, 27 July 2011
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	===Printing===		===Printing===
	[[File:RapMan_HowTo-rapman-printing.jpg\|right\|thumb\|The RapMan printing]]		[[File:RapMan_HowTo-rapman-printing.jpg\|right\|thumb\|The RapMan printing]]
	Printing is fairly easy. Copy the G-code file to the sd card, put it into the RapMan controller and power it on. Then select your file and run it.		Printing is fairly easy. Copy the G-code file to the sd card, put it into the RapMan controller and power it on. Then select your file and run it. The printer will do stuff now for a while. There's a progress bar on the display which will give you a slight feeling how long you still have to wait. While the printer is working you can watch it, go get a coffee or go somewhere completely else and do whatever you like. In 99% of the cases the print will finish without any problems so you presence is not required. I've run the printer over night a few times but I still recommend to check on it once in a while.
	<br clear="all" />		<br clear="all" />

Matthias.breuer: /* Before you print */

2011-07-27T19:08:25Z

Before you print

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:08, 27 July 2011
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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: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.		Before touching the printer the first time make sure you have at least once read the manual and have contacted [[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.

	Before printing you have to check the printer for parts that might have become loose during a previous print and also check that the filament spindle unrolls easily.		Before printing you have to check the printer for parts that might have become loose during a previous print and also check that the filament spindle unrolls easily.
	<br clear="all" />		<br clear="all" />

	===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]]

Matthias.breuer at 19:06, 27 July 2011

2011-07-27T19:06:57Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:06, 27 July 2011
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	In this How-To you will learn how to print a 3d object on the RapMan 3D printer. The printing process can be roughly divided into three ~~parts~~:		In this How-To you will learn how to print a 3d object on the RapMan 3D printer. The printing process can be roughly divided into three steps:
	# Design your 3D object		# Design your 3D object
	# Convert your 3D object		# Convert your 3D object

Matthias.breuer at 19:04, 27 July 2011

2011-07-27T19:04:12Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:04, 27 July 2011
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	Removing the raft shouldn't be too hard, use a sharp knife for this task. The extruder leaves some excess filament when it does hard turns or stops for a moment. The excess material creates visible seams on your object. The best way to remove them is to use a knife and cut off anything that's big and comes off easily. Anything else must be sanded. Use sandpaper or the band sander from the workshop. Holes in your object will not have the same exact diameter as in your 3d model. Use the stand drill to re-drill any holes that must have a specific diameter. When using a drill on plastic never use high rpm or else the plastic will melt and destroy your object and possibly the drill bit.		Removing the raft shouldn't be too hard, use a sharp knife for this task. The extruder leaves some excess filament when it does hard turns or stops for a moment. The excess material creates visible seams on your object. The best way to remove them is to use a knife and cut off anything that's big and comes off easily. Anything else must be sanded. Use sandpaper or the band sander from the workshop. Holes in your object will not have the same exact diameter as in your 3d model. Use the stand drill to re-drill any holes that must have a specific diameter. When using a drill on plastic never use high rpm or else the plastic will melt and destroy your object and possibly the drill bit.

			==Be nice and share==
			Imagine you created a super cool thing you want to show to your friends. If this is the case be so kind and share it with everyone at [http://www.thingiverse.com/ thingyverse], which is also a great stop to find random (sometimes more useful than other times) things to print.

	[[Category:Craftraum]]		[[Category:Craftraum]]

Matthias.breuer: /* Choose your design software */

2011-07-27T19:01:55Z

Choose your design software

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:01, 27 July 2011
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	===Choose your design software===		===Choose your design software===
	You can use any 3D or CAD Software to design your objects. Due to the countless options you have here it's impossible to give a general recommendation. Nonetheless here are a few choices:		You can use any 3D or CAD Software to design your objects. Due to the countless options you have here it's impossible to give a general recommendation. Nonetheless here are a few choices:
	* [http://sketchup.google.com/ Google Sketchup] is very popular and free of charge (Mac and Linux)		* [http://sketchup.google.com/ Google Sketchup] is very popular and free of charge (Mac and Linux).
	* [http://www.blender.org/ Blender] another popular [[Wikipedia:Open Source\|open source]] software (Windows, Mac and Linux)		* [http://www.blender.org/ Blender] another popular [[Wikipedia:Open Source\|open source]] software (Windows, Mac and Linux).
	* [http://www.maxon.net/ Cinema 4d], [http://www.rhino3d.com/ Rhino 3D], [http://www.autodesk.com Autodesk software] (which is free for students) and many more.		* [http://www.maxon.net/ Cinema 4d], [http://www.rhino3d.com/ Rhino 3D], [http://www.autodesk.com Autodesk software] (which is free for students) and many more.
			* [http://www.openscad.org/ OpenSCAD] for those of you who like it more programming like. OpenSCAD is also open source and runs on Windows, Mac and Linux.
	<br clear="all" />		<br clear="all" />

	==Convert your 3D File==		==Convert your 3D File==
	Converting your 3D file means:		Converting your 3D file means:

Matthias.breuer at 18:59, 27 July 2011

2011-07-27T18:59:29Z

Show changes

Matthias.breuer: /* Creating 3d objects */

2011-05-30T12:55:12Z

Creating 3d objects

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:55, 30 May 2011
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	In this HowTo you will learn how to print a 3d object on the RapMan.		In this HowTo you will learn how to print a 3d object on the RapMan.
	==Creating 3d objects==		==Creating 3d objects==
	For help on what software to use please look at the [[GMU:RapMan~~#Links\|links~~]].		For help on what software to use please look at the [[GMU:RapMan/Software]] page.

	There are a few guidelines you should keep in mind when desinging objects for the 3d printer.		There are a few guidelines you should keep in mind when desinging objects for the 3d printer.

Matthias.breuer: /* Before you print */

2011-02-16T20:04:20Z

Before you print

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:04, 16 February 2011
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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: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		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, 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.		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.