Lulzbot Taz Workflow Computation + Construction Lab Iowa State University

Lulzbot Taz Workflow Computation + Construction Lab Iowa State University

3D Printing on the Lulzbot Taz - Guidelines - The following steps that will guide the user on how to 3D print using the Lulzbot Taz 5.

Lulzbot Taz 5

Software Design Setup - Rhino3D - A range of software can be used to setup an STL File Cura Printing - Printing with an SD card -put SD into computer > Select file > Save Gcode and choose the SD card location to save your Gcode to your SD card. Insert SD Card into the Graphical LCD Controller on printer. - Print directly from a computer using the USB cable

Printing from SD Card (not as reliable) Setting Temperature Turn on the heated bed and hot end by using the Graphical LCD controller and Navigate to: Temperature > Select Filament type. If you are using other materials you can set your desired temperatures by going to Temperature > Custom Temp > Nozzle/ Bed. WAIT FOR THE 3D PRINTER TO REACH SPECIFIC TEMPERATURE! Start Print Once at the desired temperature begin your print through your graphical LCD controller by navigating to: Print from SD > Desired File.

Using Cura or Printing from a USB (more reliable) Open Cura and connect computer to USB cable Import File Load Model (box in upper left corner) Make Sure that Material ease of use is beginner Material: PLA (Village Plastics)

Platform Size Restrictions If an object is too big or off the platform it will turn grey as seen in the image to the right. Try to move or scale the object until they fit using the following command. Manipulating Objects Click on Object. Then three squares will appear in the bottom left corner which will allow you to rotate, scale and mirror your object. Click any of the three squares to get more options and to use the command. In the upper right corner is a box that reads normal. If you click on this you will get a variety of viewing options.

Control Settings + Setting TemperatureWW Select the Control button at the top of the 3D viewing window. This will bring up to the Pronterface user interface. You will not be able to send any commands until the window title changes to Operational. Once it is operational, you will need to set your filament specific temperatures. 1. Set Temperature to 240 Degrees Celsius 2. Set Bed Temp to 110 Degrees Celsius The temperature box heats the hot end, while the bed temp sets the temperature. Your current temperatures will be listed in the top of the control box. 3. Move the hot end/z up or down with the blue arrows 4. Extrude or retract the filament with the green arrows 5. Once your hot end and bed are heated, select Print. 1 5 3 4 2

Removing your Print After your first print has finished, you need to wait fot he part to cool down. Your parts will be easier to remove if you allow your heated bead to cool down to optimal temperature. This will allow the plastic to contract, making it easier to remove. Once your heated bed as cooled, use the blue handled knife show in the photo to remove the item. Carefully insert the blade of the knife between your print and heated bed. Once underneath the part rotate the blade lifting with the sharp edge into the part, to gently pop the piece off your plate.

Basic Tab Options Layer Height The thickness of each printed layer is known as the Layer Height. The smaller the layer height, the smoother curves will appear. Larger layer heights are better for bridging and overhangs. Smaller layer heights will also increase print time, as it will take more layers to complete the object. IMAGE? Shell Thickness This defines the number of vertical walls that comprise the outside of your nozzle width. The TAZ 3D printer is equipped with a 0.5mm nozzle. Bottom/Top Thickness (mm) Also known as Surface Layers this will determine how thick the top and bottom layers are. A larger number here will create a thicker top and bottom which can be helpful for strength, bridging, and quality purposes. We recommend keeping this number as a multiple of your layer height. Fill Density This number is expressed as a percentage. 0% will give a completely hollow print, while 100% will give you a completely solid object. 20% to 40% fill density is functional for most prints. Fill Density Perimeters Before Infill This option will toggle in what order the infill and perimeters are printed. It is recommended to leave this toggled.

Print Speed (mm/s) Your overall printing speed can be adjusted here. If no other speeds are determinded in the later sections your printer will automatically default to this speed. This speed will be different, depending on what type of filament you are using. Recommended Temperatures Printing Temperature It is recommended to leave this temperature setting to 0). If you set your temperature in this section your printer will not begin printing until it reaches the EXACT temperature. It is recommended to set the printing temperatures through the Printer Interface, or though the LCD. Bed Temperature It is recommended that this temperature setting be left at 0. If you set the temperature in this section your printer will not begin printing until it reaches the EXACT temperature. It is recommended to set the bed temperatures through the Printer Interface or through the LCD.

Touching Buildplate This causes the support material t build un inbetween the heated bed and the object. The red example is Touching Buildplate. Everywhere This prints suport material between the heated bed and object as well as between the oject itself. The green example is Support Everywhere. Platform Adhesion Type Some models have a small surfeace area contacting the plate. This can create adhesion issues causing your part to pop off at some point during the print. To fix this, use either Brim or Raft. Raft is better used when a model has small heated bed contact and overhangs. Brim Brim will create a single layer of filament, contacting and surrounding your model. This will increase the surface area of the part contacting the build platform thereby preventing it from popping off the heated bed. Brim will also help in situations where you are seeing corner lift. Brim settings can be adjusted in the Expert Settings options. Raft Raft will generate a layer of material underneath your object. Raft was more often used before the addition of heated plates to increase surface area. Raft settings can be adjusted in the Expert Settings options.

How to Change the Filament 1. First, preheat the extruder to 200-230 degrees celsius. 2. Unlatch the lock so that you are able to pull the filament from the hot end. 3. Remove the remaining filament. Be sure to take any excess filament from the hot end with it. 4. Push the existing filament back through the translucent feeder tube. 5. Then reroll it back onto the spool. Be careful not to tangle it. 6. Remove the spool from the side mount. 7. Place a new spool of filament onto the side mount. 8. Feed the loose end of the filament into the translucent feeder tube. 3 4 + 8

9. Trim the end of the filament on an angle so that it can easily enter the hot end of the 3D printer. If there are any loose ends be sure to pick them off. 10. Put the filament into the hot end. When the filament has gone through it will begin to leak from the nozzle. 11. The filament will initially be the last color of filament used. It will slowly turn into the new color. Be sure to purge all of the last color of filament from the nozzle before beginning your print so that you get a consistent color for your next print. You can push it out manually or use Cura. 12. Use the latch to lock the filament. 9 10 11