Makerpi

The Makerpi's used in the BME department are customized. They run using Klipper firmware.

The Makerpi's use FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication) technology which extrudes molten plastic layer by layer forming a part.

Any questions or issues that arise should be directed to the BME Lab Director.

Log onto the BME laptop closest to the Makerpi printers using credentials provided at the top of the screen.

Open "SuperSlicer" as the slicer software of choice.

Because SuperSlicer is a fork of PrusaSlicer, there is good documentation on how to use as well as many basic tutorials that can be found online.

Upload the ".stl" file(or other compatible file type) by selecting the box icon.

If you are 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 scaled correctly.

Verify that the printer that you intend to print on is not currently in use.

Select the printer's name using the drop down menu as shown under "Physical printers".

Verify that the correct filament type is selected.

If you are printing in the simulation lab (ACET 236), the correct filament type selected is named "Greengate3D PETG".

Verify that "Simple" has been selected for setting options.

User interface basics for SuperSlicer can be found here.

Use the object manipulation tools for positioning, scaling, orientation and so forth as discussed in the Object Manipulation tutorial.

Placing an object perfectly flat on a build plate is necessary to avoid unnecessary support material or printing difficult angles. More information can be found here.

Modify the support material options which can be found below the printer selection as seen in the third image.

For further information on support material and why it is needed, refer to the Support Material tutorial.

Once you are satisfied with the orientation of the part, select the "Slice now" button on the bottom right of the window.

Verify that the part on the screen is what you wanted.

Layer cross section can be viewed by clicking and dragging the blue arrows on the right side of the window as shown.

In order to return to editing settings, part orientation and so forth, select the 3D view tab.

Select the "G" button in the bottom right of the window.

Select "Upload" to transfer the file to the printer automatically.

On the printer select "Print".

Navigate to find the uploaded file.

Date and refresh buttons may help.

Select print.

After verifying the selected file is correct, select print again to start the print.

Wait until the first layer prints correctly before leaving.