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The Makerpi's used in the BME department are customized. They run using Klipper firmware.
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The Makerpi's use FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication) technology which extrudes molten plastic layer by layer forming a part.
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Any questions or issues that arise should be directed to the BME Lab Director.
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Log onto the BME laptop closest to the Makerpi printers using credentials provided at the top of the screen.
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Open "PusaSlicer" as the slicer software of choice.
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PrusaSlicer has great documentation which can be found here.
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Upload the ".stl" file(or other compatible file type) by selecting the box icon.
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If exporting from Onshape or other CAD software, make sure to select "millimeter" as the unit. If this is not done, the part will not be the correct size.
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Verify "Makerpi" is selected under "Print settings"
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Select the correct filament type.
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If you are printing in the simulation lab (ACET 236), the only filament type is "PETG Generic".
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A tutorial going through commonly used filament types is found here.
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Select the printer's name using the drop down menu as shown under "Physical printers".
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i.e. Makerpi - 1 or Makerpi - 2.
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The printers name can be found underneath the LCD screen of the printer itself.
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User interface basics for PrusaSlicer can be found here as needed.
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Use the object manipulation tools for positioning, scaling, orientation and so forth as discussed in the Object Manipulation tutorial.
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Placing an object perfectly flat on a build plate is necessary to avoid generating support material or printing difficult angles. More information can be found here.
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Modify the support material options which can be found below the printer selection as seen in the 2nd image. If in doubt, select "Everywhere".
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For further information on support material and why it is needed, refer to the Support Material tutorial
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Once you are satisfied with the orientation of the part, select the "Slice now" button on the bottom right of the window.
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Verify that the part on the screen is what you wanted.
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Layer cross section can be viewed by clicking and dragging the orange slide bars on the right side of the window as shown.
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If further changes are needed, select the 3D box icon on the bottom left of the screen.
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Once the file looks ready to print, select the "G" button in the bottom right of the window.
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If the "G" button does not appear, the printer may have been selected incorrectly.
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Rename file to something easily recognizable.
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Select "Upload" to transfer the file to the printer automatically.
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Once the file looks ready to print, select the "G" button in the bottom right of the window.
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If the "G" button does not appear, the printer may have been selected incorrectly.
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Rename file to something easily recognizable.
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Select "Upload" to transfer the file to the printer automatically.
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Clear off build plate on the printer from any material from previous prints.
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The following steps can be skipped if printing in the Sim Lab (ACET 236). Otherwise continue with the steps below.
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Load the correct filament type into the printer. A tutorial for changing filament is found here.
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Note that flexible filament requires additional setup when loading and unloading filament.
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Verify that the build plate matches the filament type being used. A tutorial on filament type and its compatible built plate type is found here.
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Clear off build plate on the printer from any material from previous prints.
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On the printers LCD screen, select "Print".
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Navigate to find the uploaded file.
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Date and refresh buttons may help.
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If the file is not found. It may have been uploaded to the wrong printer. Check to make sure the correct printer has been selected within the slicer software.
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Select print.
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After verifying the selected file is correct, select print again to start the print.
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Wait until the first layer prints correctly before leaving.
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