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README.md

Ender3 3D Printer Standard Operating Procedure

Last updated on 3 January 2022

This is the Standard Operating Procedure for the Machine Agency Ender3 3D printers. For questions about this machine, contact the machine manager.

  • Author: Blair Subbaraman
  • PI: Nadya Peek
  • Shop Safety Coordinator: Kellie Dunn
#1 Process (if applicable) Extrudes plastic
#2 Equipment 3D Printer
#3 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) None
#4 Environmental/Ventilation controls If printing with ABS or other requisite materials, open a window and point a fan out the window. Alternatively, run a HEPA air filter next to the machine.
#5 Required training or approval No required training
#6 Inspection requirements before use N/A
#7 Safe operating procedures or precautions Do not leave the machine unattended until you have ensured that the first layer has adhered properly to the print bed. See detailed instructions below
#8 Chemicals/ spill procedures/waste disposal Deposit all failed prints in the appropriate waste receptacle.

General Information

Machine Manager: Blair Subbaraman, b1air@uw.edu

Description: The Ender3 is a 3D printer. Machine Agency has 4 Enders in Sieg 118.

Who can use the machine: Any Machine Agency member or affiliate.

How to get access: No specific access necessary; if you have questions or would like a walk through of using the printer, contact Blair via email or Discord!

How to get your access revoked: Repeatedly breaking the rules.

Rules

  1. Watch the first layer to make sure things are running smoothly! If the first layer is successful, the printer can be left running unattended/overnight.
  2. Leave the machine how you found it! If there’s residue on the bed after you print, use the scraper to remove it or use isopropyl alcohol/soap + water to more thoroughly clean. If you remove the glass bed, level the bed afterwards.
  3. If printing with ABS, open a window and turn on a fan on low and point it towards the window and machine. Alternatively, turn on a HEPA air filter next to the machine.

Important Information and Safety

  1. Hot things are hot! The nozzle gets to ~200°C and the bed can be upwards of 70°C. Don’t touch either while the printer is running.
  2. Do not reach inside the printer while it’s moving.

Terms

There are lots of 3D printing words, here’s an example list! Some terms used in this SOP:

  • First layer: the initial layer of material which adheres to the 3D printer’s build plate
  • PLA: Polylactic Acid, one of the most popular 3D printing materials.

Materials

If you have questions about acceptable materials, contact the machine manager. They can add additional materials to this list if needed.

Acceptable Materials

  • 1.75mm PLA/ABS

Contact the machine manager if you’re interested in alternative materials.

Every lab Ender has a 0.4mm nozzle. Contact the machine manager if you would like to change nozzle diameter.

Step-by-step Instructions

Before printing, you’ll need...

  1. a model that you want to print. You can design a model in CAD or source one online from e.g. Thingiverse, a popular model repository.
  2. to slice your model using a slicer (e.g. Cura) and save the .gcode file to an SD card (there are SD cards in each of the printers which can be used).
  3. enough time to watch the first layer of your print, to ensure there are no immediate problems If you have these things, you can skip ahead to Before Using the Machine! If not, the steps below briefly walk through slicing a model in Cura.

Slicing in Cura

  • If you don’t already have a model, download this calibration cube. Unzip it, and in the files directory you will find an xyzCalibration_cube.stl file. This is the model!
  • Download Cura using these steps. You will add a ‘non-networked printer’, then select ‘Creality Ender-3 Pro’ under the ‘Creality3D’ drop-down.
  • Click the folder icon in the top left, and select your model. You should see the model placed in the viewport:

  • You can change various settings in the settings panel. There are lots to explore!
  • When you’re ready, press ‘slice’. After a moment, Cura will give you a time estimate and the option to save to a file; with an SD card plugged into your computer, save the file to the SD card and eject!
  • For more info, here’s a video which walks through some of the particulars.

Before Using the Machine

  1. Ensure that the build plate is clear and clean.
  2. Turn the printer on using the red switch on the right-hand side.
  3. Insert the SD card into the slot on the left-side of the front panel.
  4. Check that there is filament loaded. (And if you're printing a large object, make sure there seems to be enough filament_).

While Using the Machine

  1. Using the LCD screen, select ‘Print from SD’ and select your file name to print! You’ll see the LCD screen reading out the bed and nozzle temperature as they heat up.
  2. Make sure the first layer adheres to the bed before walking away. If the first layer fails, cancel the print by selecting "Stop Print" from the LCD panel. Then, try your print again using different settings. You can leave this machine on unattended/overnight after the first layer adheres.

When you have finished using the machine

  1. Leave the machine how you found it! If there’s residue on the bed after you print, use the scraper to remove it or use isopropyl alcohol/soap + water to more thoroughly clean. If you remove the glass bed, level the bed afterwards.
  2. Turn the printer off.

Additional Information

Useful tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ