How to use the Reprap. (The two programs you need are in the upper right corner of the desktop)
Preparing your file for printing:
Open Slic3r72b → Set settings accordingly (fill, perimeters, etc) → Make sure the temperatures correspond to the material temperature settings described below. → Click “File” → Select “Slice and Save As” (Opens window, should currently be in “reprap” folder)
The next step is to open your stl file. → Click “stl” folder → Choose your stl file → Click “Open”
It will now ask you to save as gcode. It is best to keep the naming consistent. → Click “reprap” folder → Click “gcode” folder → Click “Save”
Now it will process & say “....successfully sliced.....” → Click “OK”
You are now done with Slic3r. Each time you wish to change your settings, you most go through the steps above. *Please, always follow the saving methods above, as the computer can easily get cluttered when files are saved in the wrong folders.
Printing:
Plug in the Reprap (plug the cord into the back of the power box)
Open Pronterface
→ Click “Connect” (near top of screen)
Now you will choose temperature settings for your appropriate filament material. → If using PLA, choose PLA temperatures for heater & bed (185, 60) → Click “Set” next to heater & bed. → If using ABS, choose ABS temperatures for heater & bed (230, 110) → Click “Set” next to heater & bed. * Failure to set the temperature correctly can result in burnt plastic, not being melted enough, and several other issues with the printer, make sure you know your material before starting.
→ Click “Load File” → Click “reprap” folder → Click “gcode” folder → Click on your file → Click “Open” The screen on the right side will show you estimated duration in hr:min:sec, amount of filament used, etc.
→ Click “Check Temp” next to temperature settings to see what your current temperature is. *Bed temperature takes longer to heat than extruder, so it is better to set that one first.
→ Click “Print”
*If you have problems getting the first layer to stick, try cleaning the bed using ethanol & a cloth wipe. → Click “Pause” → Click “Z+ 10” → Click “Motors Off” → Adjust settings in Slic3r OR → Clean bed using ethanol & cloth wipe
*PLEASE! DO NOT adjust things on the actual reprap unless you know what you're doing.