Category:LulzBotMini - Revision history

Nostromo: /* Removing the Print from the Build Plate */

2015-04-13T02:23:41Z

Removing the Print from the Build Plate

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:23, 13 April 2015
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	* Wait for the build plate to fully cool down		* Wait for the build plate to fully cool down
	** In the Cura Control interface the display at the top of the window should show Temperature <35 and Bed <35		** In the Cura Control interface the display at the top of the window should show Temperature <35 and Bed <35
	* ~~Using~~ the knife from the LulzBot Mini kit remove the part by sliding it under and carefully prying it loose (careful not to scratch the build platform).		* The part will probably just slide off when you touch it
			** If not make sure you waited for the build plate to completely cool
			** Otherwise gently use the knife from the LulzBot Mini kit to remove the part by sliding it under and carefully prying it loose (careful not to scratch the build platform).

	===Please Clean up for Others===		===Please Clean up for Others===

Nostromo at 02:19, 13 April 2015

2015-04-13T02:19:45Z

@@ Line 51: / Line 51: @@
 ===Monitoring the Print===
-Now that the cube has started printing it's important to keep an eye on it.  If at any time you see an issue please cancel the print by hitting the "Stop" button on the display.  Here are some things that are cancel worthy:
+Now that the Mini has started printing it's important to keep an eye on it.  If at any time you see an issue please cancel the print by hitting the "Motors Off" button on Cura control interface.
 ===Removing the Print from the Build Plate===
 You're almost done now it's time for the last step.  Removing the print from the build plate.
-* Above all be careful when doing the steps below.
+* Wait for the build plate to fully cool down
-**  You'll be applying pressure to thin sharp pieces of glass.
+** In the Cura Control interface the display at the top of the window should show Temperature <35 and Bed <35
-**  You may want to wear safetly gloves which are located in the safety equipment bin
+* Using the knife from the LulzBot Mini kit remove the part by sliding it under and carefully prying it loose (careful not to scratch the build platform).
 ===Please Clean up for Others===
 Please do the following procedure so the next person can use the machine
-* Wash/dry the build plate/mirrored glass in the sink and put back on the machine
+* Clean the bed with an alcohol swab
-* Put all the tools back in their storage box
+* Turn off the printer
-* Make sure you shut off the printer by holding down the button for several seconds (''Very Important'')
+* Turn off and stow the laptop
 ===Operators Log===
 Please provide feedback on our print in the operators log for this printer
-[[Cube_Operators_Log]]
+[[Mini_Operators_Log]]
 ==Bed Leveling==
-''I level the bed once a week so you really shouldn't need to do this procedure''
+''LulzBot Mini does this automatically YAY!!''

Nostromo: /* Start the Print */

2015-04-13T02:11:52Z

Start the Print

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:11, 13 April 2015
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	===Start the Print===		===Start the Print===
	# ~~Eject the USB Key marked "Cube Firmware" from the Laptop and attach to the cube on the right hand side~~		# The Cura Control interface (Target looking thing) should have come up when you hit print in the Cura Slicer
	~~# Navigate though the LCD menu and find the file you uploaded~~		# Hit the print button to begin
	~~# Select it and your print~~ should ~~start~~		#* Don't worry about setting the temps etc.. That is handled automatically by the slicer.
	~~#* If~~ you ~~see a message about there not being enough filament just ignore it and continue the~~ print ~~(We reload~~ the ~~cartridges so the cartridge capacity indicator is off)~~
	# ~~After about 10? seconds~~ the print ~~head will move~~ to ~~about 1/2" above the build plate~~
	# ~~It will now begin heating up~~ the ~~extruder~~.
	~~# Use with the tweezers to remove any filament that comes out as it heats up~~ the ~~extruder for about 30? seconds~~.
	~~# When the head starts moving again remove your hands and tweezers as it's about to start printing~~
	~~# Now watch the magic begin :-)~~

	===Monitoring the Print===		===Monitoring the Print===

Nostromo: /* Before You Start The Print!! */

2015-04-13T02:09:40Z

Before You Start The Print!!

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:09, 13 April 2015
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	===Before You Start The Print!!===		===Before You Start The Print!!===
	~~Make sure you have the following items:~~
	* Elmer's Washable School Glue Stick (Purple Glue Stick)
	* Tweezers (Need this to remove the extruder drippings just before the print starts)

	====Prep the Print Bed (IMPORTANT)====		====Prep the Print Bed (IMPORTANT)====

	~~# Remove the glass build plate from the cube (Held on with a magnet so it should~~ just ~~pop off)~~		* For PLA/ABS/HIPS just clean the bed using an alcohol swab (Should be one in the LulzBot Mini Kit)
	~~# Undo~~ the ~~binder clips to remove the mirrored piece of glass~~ (~~Remember where the binder clips are positioned)~~		* For more exotic filaments you may have to apply PVA Glue Stic (Refer to the manual)
	~~# Wash/dry the mirrored glass~~ in the ~~sink (Be careful as it's fragile and the edges are sharp~~)
	#* if you ~~break the glass don't fret we~~ have ~~replacements. Just make sure to let someone know and record it in the operators log so we know to replace it :-).~~
	~~# Do a final clean of the mirrored glass using glass cleaner and a paper towel~~
	~~# Use the glue stick~~ to apply ~~a thin layer of glue to the entire surface of the mirrored glass THOROUGHLY~~ (~~This is so the plastic will stick but will still be removable when done)~~
	~~# Reattach the mirrored glass~~ to the ~~build plate with the binder clips~~
	~~#* Make sure that the clips wont obstruct the movement of the build plate~~
	~~#* Best place for the clips are on the right side (Front and Back~~)

	===Start the Print===		===Start the Print===

Nostromo: /* Powering on the Cube */

2015-04-13T02:05:43Z

Powering on the Cube

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:05, 13 April 2015
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	# File/Print to complipe the gcode and sent to the Cura Control Program		# File/Print to complipe the gcode and sent to the Cura Control Program

	===Powering on the ~~Cube~~===		===Powering on the LulzBot Mini===
	# Make sure the ~~Cube~~ is ~~located~~ on ~~a level surface and~~ the ~~filament feed tube isn't being bent~~ (~~By a~~ shelf etc..)		# Make sure the LulzBot Mini is on it's marks on the table (Beside the shelf next to the door etc..)
	# Make sure the power ~~brick~~ is plugged in ~~all~~ the ~~way~~		# Make sure the power cord is plugged in on the back of the unit
	# Press the button ~~just below the screen (Screen~~ should ~~wake~~ up)		# Make sure the power strip is turned on
	# ~~You~~'~~re almost ready~~ to ~~print~~		# Press the beg red button and it should light up
			#* I know this is super obvious but it's in the boilerplate so now you have directions to feed your robot on how to turn on the LulzBot ;-).

	===Before You Start The Print!!===		===Before You Start The Print!!===

Nostromo: /* 3D File Preparation */

2015-04-13T02:02:30Z

3D File Preparation

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:02, 13 April 2015
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	===3D File Preparation===		===3D File Preparation===
	The ~~cube~~ uses ~~proprietary~~ slicer software to convert a ".stl" ~~file~~ to a ".~~cube~~" file which is what the ~~cube~~ printer understands.		The LulzBot Mini uses custom slicer software (Cura) to convert a ".stl" files to a ".gcode" file which is what the LulzBot Mini printer understands.

	# Power on the Laptop labelled "~~THE LAPTOP FOR THE CUBE~~"		# Power on the Laptop labelled "LulzBot Mini Computer"
	# Open the "~~Cube~~ Software"		#* Track pad is disabled so use the eraser head
			# Open the "Cura Software"
	# Import your .stl file		# Import your .stl file
	# Settings		# Settings
	::* ~~Raft~~: ~~Isn't needed as the bed is pretty level~~		#* Quickprint profile:
	::* ~~Print Mode~~		#** High quality print: ???
	::** ~~Hollow: (Quick) The software will print~~ the ~~walls of your model but put only enough infill to keep~~ the ~~model together. Not to be used for structural components~~.		#** Normal quality print: ???
	::** ~~Strong~~: ~~the software will calculate and print your model to withstnd a moderate amount of stress (arbitrary)~~. ~~The print will have enough infill to fulfill this "strong" requirement~~		#** Fast low quality print: ???
	::** ~~Solid~~: ~~Printer will print your model~~ with ~~100% infill. Will take the longest amount of time.~~		#* Material
	~~# Heal ''~~(~~This corrects any missing of difficient triangles in the model so the software can calculate the actual shape of the model)~~'		#** HIPS is probably what's loaded. Make sure by reading the label on the spool.
	~~# Center~~		#* Other
	~~# Build (This will create the the .cube file in the same directory as the .stl file~~)		#** Print support structure: If you have overhangs or levitating parts etc..
	# ~~Attach the USB Key and save~~ to the ~~root folder of the thumbdrive~~		#** Print Brim: Helps with stickage issues (Haven't needed it yet)
			# File/Print to complipe the gcode and sent to the Cura Control Program
	~~At this point a .cube file has been generated~~ and ~~you're ready to move on~~ to the ~~next step.~~

	===Powering on the Cube===		===Powering on the Cube===

Nostromo: Created page with "Category:3D_Printing Category:Equipment Category:3D_Printers HacDC's LulzBot Mini 3D Printer. right ==Current Machine Stat..."

2015-04-13T01:51:27Z

Created page with "Category:3D_Printing Category:Equipment Category:3D_Printers HacDC's LulzBot Mini 3D Printer. thumb|upright=4|right ==Current Machine Stat..."

New page

[[Category:3D_Printing]]
[[Category:Equipment]]
[[Category:3D_Printers]]
HacDC's LulzBot Mini 3D Printer. [[File:LulzBotMini.jpg|thumb|upright=4|right]]
==Current Machine Status==
Operational --[[User:Nostromo|Nostromo]] ([[User talk:Nostromo|talk]]) 18:51, 12 April 2015 (PDT)

==General Info==
Model: LulzBot Mini

==Printing Procedures==
'''''Everything below this is just a boilerplate copy of the cube wiki and doesn't apply until I edit it'''''--[[User:Nostromo|Nostromo]] ([[User talk:Nostromo|talk]]) 15:44, 11 February 2015 (PST)

===3D File Preparation===
The cube uses proprietary slicer software to convert a ".stl" file to a ".cube" file which is what the cube printer understands.

# Power on the Laptop labelled "THE LAPTOP FOR THE CUBE"
# Open the "Cube Software"
# Import your .stl file
# Settings
::* Raft: Isn't needed as the bed is pretty level
::* Print Mode
::** Hollow: (Quick) The software will print the walls of your model but put only enough infill to keep the model together. Not to be used for structural components.
::** Strong: the software will calculate and print your model to withstnd a moderate amount of stress (arbitrary). The print will have enough infill to fulfill this "strong" requirement
::** Solid: Printer will print your model with 100% infill. Will take the longest amount of time.
# Heal ''(This corrects any missing of difficient triangles in the model so the software can calculate the actual shape of the model)'
# Center
# Build (This will create the the .cube file in the same directory as the .stl file)
# Attach the USB Key and save to the root folder of the thumbdrive

At this point a .cube file has been generated and you're ready to move on to the next step.

===Powering on the Cube===
# Make sure the Cube is located on a level surface and the filament feed tube isn't being bent (By a shelf etc..)
# Make sure the power brick is plugged in all the way
# Press the button just below the screen (Screen should wake up)
# You're almost ready to print

===Before You Start The Print!!===
Make sure you have the following items:
* Elmer's Washable School Glue Stick (Purple Glue Stick)
* Tweezers (Need this to remove the extruder drippings just before the print starts)

====Prep the Print Bed (IMPORTANT)====

# Remove the glass build plate from the cube (Held on with a magnet so it should just pop off)
# Undo the binder clips to remove the mirrored piece of glass (Remember where the binder clips are positioned)
# Wash/dry the mirrored glass in the sink (Be careful as it's fragile and the edges are sharp)
#* if you break the glass don't fret we have replacements. Just make sure to let someone know and record it in the operators log so we know to replace it :-).
# Do a final clean of the mirrored glass using glass cleaner and a paper towel
# Use the glue stick to apply a thin layer of glue to the entire surface of the mirrored glass THOROUGHLY (This is so the plastic will stick but will still be removable when done)
# Reattach the mirrored glass to the build plate with the binder clips
#* Make sure that the clips wont obstruct the movement of the build plate
#* Best place for the clips are on the right side (Front and Back)

===Start the Print===
# Eject the USB Key marked "Cube Firmware" from the Laptop and attach to the cube on the right hand side
# Navigate though the LCD menu and find the file you uploaded
# Select it and your print should start
#* If you see a message about there not being enough filament just ignore it and continue the print (We reload the cartridges so the cartridge capacity indicator is off)
# After about 10? seconds the print head will move to about 1/2" above the build plate
# It will now begin heating up the extruder.
# Use with the tweezers to remove any filament that comes out as it heats up the extruder for about 30? seconds.
# When the head starts moving again remove your hands and tweezers as it's about to start printing
# Now watch the magic begin :-)

===Monitoring the Print===
Now that the cube has started printing it's important to keep an eye on it. If at any time you see an issue please cancel the print by hitting the "Stop" button on the display. Here are some things that are cancel worthy:

* You hear a ticking sound coming from the extruder (Extruder is jammed SEE BELOW)
* The extruder is hitting the binder clips (Clips weren't positioned correctly)
* The extruder is bumping over some plastic that hardened in the wrong place
* The print has obviously failed (Help us save plastic and prevent a mess)
* Anything else that may damage the printer or waste plastic
* When the print finishes please turn off the printer ''(Hold down the button until the cube powers off)''

===Removing the Print from the Build Plate===
You're almost done now it's time for the last step. Removing the print from the build plate.

* Above all be careful when doing the steps below.
** You'll be applying pressure to thin sharp pieces of glass.
** You may want to wear safetly gloves which are located in the safety equipment bin
* Remove the build plate and wash off the glue with warm water from the sink (Takes a while but it does get warm)
* Try to loosen the part from the glass by twising and flexing (Without breaking the part)
* Use a utility knife to GENTLY get under the part and pop it off.

===Please Clean up for Others===
Please do the following procedure so the next person can use the machine
* Wash/dry the build plate/mirrored glass in the sink and put back on the machine
* Put all the tools back in their storage box
* Make sure you shut off the printer by holding down the button for several seconds (''Very Important'')
* If you we're happy with your experience please consider putting a buck or 2 in the tip jar :-)

===Operators Log===
Please provide feedback on our print in the operators log for this printer
[[Cube_Operators_Log]]

==Bed Leveling==
''I level the bed once a week so you really shouldn't need to do this procedure''
* The bed can be leveled through the software.
* There is no need to mechanically level the bed.
* Use a index/business card when going through the leveling procedure.
* You should feel a slight bit of resistance when moving the card in-between the bed and extruder.

==Z Axis Height Adjustment==
This should allow a index/business card to slide freely underneath it without feeling like it's dragging.

==Notes==
===Refilling the Cartridge===
The cartridge is a 2 part circular container for the filament. It is held together with 2 snapping clips. Gently depress them to separate the cartridges hemispheres.
Loosely wind the filament to be used so that the filament can freely exit the cartridge. Visually, this means when you wind it, the end of the filament should be on the same side as the exit tube. Carefully snap the hemispheres back together with roughly 7cm out of the "exit". Be mindful of the guides on the inside of the cartridge when snapping together.
Will post a video later

===Resetting A Cartridge To Full===
====Normal Cartridge Operation====
'' This is just for some insight so you can see what we're going to do ''
# ''''Before Print'''' Printer reads the remaining capacity of the cartridge.
# ''''During Print'''' Printer calculates, using a rotary encoder, the amount of filament used.
# ''''After Print'''' Printer subtracts the amount of filament used and writes it back to the cartridge.

====Reset Cartridge Hack====
Resetting the cartridge means writing the full/nearly full cartridge capacity back to the empty cartridge. Essentially resetting the empty cartridge.

'''I haven't personally verified this yet so it's experimental right now'''
# Load cartridge labelled "Printing Cartridge" (Follow the cube instructions including feeding the filament etc..).
# Remove the "Printing Cartridge" from the cradle while still keeping the filament attached to the cube.
# Plug the cartridge labelled "Recharge Cartridge" into the cradle while keeping the "Printing Cartridge" filament attached.
# read the next couple of steps ahead of time, timing is critical.
# Start a new print and wait for the actual print to start (Not just the heat up).
# Once the new print starts immediately swap the cartridges ("Printing Cartridge" should wind up in the cradle")
#* You'll have about a 7 second window to do the swap. If you see an error about "Hot Swap" don't worry. Just swap the "Recharge Cartridge" back and wait for the error to go away and then repeat the last step.
# Cancel the print (This is optional since you're already using the "Printing Cartridge" filament).
#* Sometime during the cooldown it programs the Cartridge with the remaining filament capacity. Takes about 90 seconds.
# Now check the "Cartridge Status" and you should have a reset cartridge.

'''These are the old directions just until I verify the new procedure works'''

To do this,
1.Load a full cartridge into the printer
2. Start new print
3. Once new print starts (not just heating up put starting to print)
4. "Hot Swap" the empty cartridge. This must be done within about 7 seconds, but should not be a problem. If the message "please insert cartridge" message pops up, you must put in the full cartridge back in and start back at the "Hot Swap" once the message disappears.
5. Press the stop button on the touchscreen
6. The print will cancel and proceed to the cool down process. WAIT! This usually take about 90 seconds. At some point during the cool-down, I believe the printer is writing back to the cartridge.
7. When it is done cooling, you can go into the menu and select "Cartridge Status" and the chips capacity should be represented by a "black" horizontal bar. If the bar is "white" then you must repeat the process. FWIW, we have not seen this process fail necessitating doing the process again.
8. Follow the steps for "Loading a New Cartridge" if necessary with the newly "full" cartridge.

===Wifi Doesn't Work===
We had to restore an old firmware to enable us to use our own filament and as a result the Wifi access doesn't work. Your better off just transferring the .cube file to the usb key and printing via the LCD menu.

===Hacks that Make This Thing Work===
Firmware is hacked to ignore filament cartridge life (aka you can refill cartridges)
It is important that the firmware is not altered upgraded or borked.

===Firmware Updates===
Please don't because we'll lose the hack that lets us refill the filament.