RepRap printing protocol: MOST

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 Slic3r93

→ Drag stl file into drop area.

→ Choose saved settings

→ Print Settings = General_Setting

→ Filament = pick a PLA or ABS setting

→ Printer = MaplePrusa or General Setting

→ Adjust any specific settings accordingly under Print Settings or Filament Settings (fill, perimeters, temperature, etc)

→ Make sure the temperatures correspond to the material temperature settings described below.

→ You can save as a new setting so you don't have to change it, but only do this if you'll be using the same settings multiple times.

Settings

Slic3r has many different settings, the ones that are changed the most often are:

Under Print Settings

For a detailed description of all/most settings on this tab of Slic3r See: Descriptions of Print Settings (1/3 way down page)

Layer height (mm): This should be set to 0.2, 0.3, or 0.4mm. This setting will determine the thickness of each layer and is directly related to print time. The larger the layer height, the shorter the print time. The smaller the layer height, the better the print as it is a thinner layer and cools faster. Layer Height tips with Slic3r 93 [1]

Perimeters: Provides structural support. Standard value is 1 perimeter, if you decrease fill density and want to keep your part structurally sound, increase this value to 2 and very rarely 3.

Solid layers: This is usually set to 1. If the fill density is low, increase this value.

Fill density: 100% fill = 1. 50% fill = 0.5. If you want to save time on your print or use less material, reduce fill density. Typical low density is around 0.2, with low fill densities, you may have to increase perimeters to get the strength desired.

Fill angle: Typically 45 degrees. You can change this if you want a different angle.

Print speed: various settings..

See links shown. Higher speeds for a large simple objects. Lower speeds are better for details, bridges, small perimeters, etc, because it gives the filament time to cool.

Travel (mm/s) : Speeds up your print during non-print moves.

Under Filament Settings

For a detailed description of all/most settings on this tab of Slic3r See:Descriptions of Settings under Printer and Filament

Filament Diameter : Effects how much filament you're laying down. Measure with calliper for accuracy. This number is between 2.5-3mm for RepRaps usually.

Temperature/First Layer Temperature : PLA 185, ABS 230 (Some people raise the first layer temp by a few degrees to get a better stick)

Bed Temperature/First Layer Bed Temperature : PLA 60, ABS 110

Printer Settings

Keep everything the same.

Saving your file

Two ways.

→ Click "Export G-code" under the Plater Tab.

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”

→ Wait for the progress bar to finish (bottom of Slic3r)

OR

→ Click “File”

→ Select “

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.