LulzBot TAZ 4 User manual

Content Type: Standard Color
Paper Type: STCO19
Page Count: 130
File type: Internal
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Content Type: Standard Color
Paper Type: STCO19
Page Count: 130
File type: Internal
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TAZ 4 User Manual
Aleph Objects, Inc.
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LulzBot™TAZ 4 User Manual
by Aleph Objects, Inc.
Copyright © 2014 Aleph Objects, Inc.
Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document
under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
Public License (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Published by Aleph Objects, Inc., 626 W 66th Street, Loveland, Colorado,
80538 USA.
For more information, call [phone] or go to www.LulzBot.com and
www.AlephObjects.com.
ISBN: 978-0-9893784-5-1 4.0-201444
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Contents
WARNINGS
Safety Information · · · · · · · · ix
ReadMeFirst! ················ x
Hazards and Warnings · · · · · · · · · · · · · · x
1 3D Printer Software · · · · · · · 13
1.1 Software Overview · · · · · · · · · · · · · 14
1.2 Installing Drivers · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 14
1.3 Printrun················· 14
1.4 Using Printrun · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 17
1.5 CAD and 3D Modeling Software · · · · · · · · 21
1.6 Alternative Printer Host Software · · · · · · · · 22
2 Slic3r · · · · · · · · · · 23
2.1 Introduction · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 24
2.2 Getting Slic3r · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 25
2.3 First Print · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 26
2.4 Simple Mode · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 43
2.5 Expert Mode · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 52
2.6 Configuration Organization · · · · · · · · · · 81
2.7 Repairing Models · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 83
2.8 Advanced Topics · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 84
2.9 Troubleshooting · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 93
2.10 Slic3r Support · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 94
3 Printing with the Graphic LCD · · · · · 97
3.1 GLCD Controller or Printrun Host? · · · · · · · 98
3.2 Multiple Connections · · · · · · · · · · · · 98
3.3 Putting Print Files on the SD Card · · · · · · · 99
3.4 Printing With the Graphic LCD · · · · · · · · · 99
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CONTENTS
4 Maintaining Your 3D Printer · · · · · · 105
4.1 Overview · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 106
4.2 Smooth Rods · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 106
4.3 Threaded Rods · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 106
4.4 PET Sheets · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 106
4.5 Hobbed Bolt · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 107
4.6 Software················· 107
4.7 Belts ·················· 107
4.8 HotEnd················· 108
4.9 Electronics · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 108
5 Advanced Usage · · · · · · · · 109
5.1 Intro ·················· 110
5.2 Changing nozzles · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 110
5.3 ABS/Acetone Glue · · · · · · · · · · · · · 111
5.4 Using 1.75mm filament · · · · · · · · · · · · 111
6 Hardware and Software Source Code · · · · 115
7 3D Printer Support · · · · · · · 117
7.1 LulzBot ················· 118
7.2 Community · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 118
8 Contact Information · · · · · · · 119
8.1 Support ················· 120
8.2 Sales ·················· 120
8.3 Websites················· 120
Index · · · · · · · · · · · 121
Glossary · · · · · · · · · · 125
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List of Figures
1.1 Printrun application for 3D printer control · · · · · · 15
1.2 Printrun·················· 17
1.3 Printrun Functions · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 18
1.4 Movement Controls · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 19
2.1 Configuration Wizard: Welcome Screen · · · · · · · 28
2.2 Configuration Wizard: Firmware Type · · · · · · · · 29
2.3 Configuration Wizard: Bed Size · · · · · · · · · · 30
2.4 Configuration Wizard: Nozzle Diameter · · · · · · · 31
2.5 Configuration Wizard: Filament Diamter · · · · · · · 32
2.6 Configuration Wizard: Extrusion Temperature · · · · · 33
2.7 Configuration Wizard: Bed Temperature · · · · · · · 34
2.8 Configuration Wizard: End · · · · · · · · · · · 35
2.9 Shapesmith online CAD tool. · · · · · · · · · · · 39
2.10Plater··················· 40
2.11 Minimug model. · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 41
2.12 STL file loaded. · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 41
2.13 Preferences. · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 43
2.14 Simple Mode: Print Settings. · · · · · · · · · · · 44
2.15 An example of insufficient top layers. · · · · · · · · 45
2.16 Creating a vase from a solid model. · · · · · · · · · 46
2.17 An example of an object printed with support material. · · 47
2.18 An example of brim. · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 48
2.19 Simple Mode: Filament Settings. · · · · · · · · · 49
2.20 Simple Mode: Printer Settings. · · · · · · · · · · 50
2.21 Expert mode speed options. · · · · · · · · · · · 53
2.22 Infill pattern settings. · · · · · · · · · · · · · 56
2.23 Infill pattern: Line (344.51mm / 5m:20s) · · · · · · · 56
2.24 Infill pattern: Rectilinear (350.57mm / 5m:23s) · · · · · 56
2.25 Infill pattern: Concentric (351.80mm / 5m:30s) · · · · · 57
2.26 Infill pattern: Honeycomb (362.73mm / 5m:39s) · · · · 57
2.27 Infill pattern: Hilbert Curve (332.82mm / 5m:28s) · · · · 57
2.28 Infill pattern: Archimedean Chords (333.66mm / 5m:27s) · 57
2.29 Infill pattern: Octagram Spiral (318.63mm / 5m:15s) · · · 58
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List of Figures
2.30 Infill pattern comparison in a complex object. Left to Right:
honeycomb, line · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 58
2.31 Infill patterns at varying densities. Left to Right:
20%,40%,60%,80%. Top to Bottom: Honeycomb, Concentric,
Line, Rectilinear, Hilbert Curve, Archimedean Chords,
Octagram Spiral · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 59
2.32 Infill advanced settings. · · · · · · · · · · · · · 60
2.33 Retraction settings. · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 61
2.34 Skirt settings. · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 63
2.35 Cooling strategy. · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 64
2.36 Cooling advanced settings. · · · · · · · · · · · · 66
2.37 Support structure options. · · · · · · · · · · · · 67
2.38 Minimug model, tilted 45°. · · · · · · · · · · · · 68
2.39 Support infill pattern: Rectilinear · · · · · · · · · 69
2.40 Support infill pattern: Rectilinear Grid · · · · · · · 69
2.41 Support infill pattern: Honeycomb · · · · · · · · · 69
2.42 Example of pattern angle rotated 45°. · · · · · · · · 70
2.43 Multiple extruder options - Printer Settings Tab (General).
Note the two extruders defined in the left-hand pane. · · · 71
2.44 Multiple extruder options - Printer Settings Tab (Extruder). 71
2.45 Plater with multiple filament options. · · · · · · · · 72
2.46 Multiple extruder options - Print Settings Tab. · · · · · 73
2.47 Multiple extruder options - Tool change G-code. · · · · 73
2.48 Extrusion widths options. · · · · · · · · · · · · 75
2.49 Example model highlighting use case for variable layer heights. 76
2.50 Example with normal layer height. · · · · · · · · · 77
2.51 Variable layer height options - Info. · · · · · · · · · 78
2.52 Variable layer height options - Layers. · · · · · · · · 79
2.53 Example with variable layer height. · · · · · · · · · 79
2.54 Example print with variable layer height. · · · · · · · 80
2.55 Example with skipped layers. · · · · · · · · · · · 80
2.56 Saving a profile. · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 82
2.57 Deleting a profile. · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 82
2.58 FreeCAD part repair. · · · · · · · · · · · · · 83
2.59 Sequential printing options. · · · · · · · · · · · 84
2.60 The clearance cylinder around an extruder. · · · · · · 85
2.61 Post-processing script option. · · · · · · · · · · · 91
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List of Figures
2.62 Example post-processing script to display Slic3r environment
variables.·················· 91
2.63 Example post-processing script to print each line to output. 92
3.1 GLCD Info Screen · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 99
3.2 Main menu · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 101
3.3 Configuration Menu · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 103
3.4 Configuration Menu · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 104
vii
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WARNINGS
Safety Information
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WARNING!
Read Me First!
READ THIS MANUAL COMPLETELY BEFORE UNPACKING AND
POWERING UP YOUR PRINTER.
Hazards and Warnings
The TAZ 3D printer has motorized and heated parts. Always be aware of
possible hazards when the printer is operational.
Electric Shock Hazard
Never open the electronics case when the printer is powered on. Before
removing the electronics case cover always power down the printer and
completely turn off and unplug the power supply. Allow the power supply
to discharge for at least one minute.
Burn Hazard
Never touch the extruder nozzle or heater block without first turning off
the hot end and allowing it to completely cool down. The hot end can
take up to 20 minutes to completely cool. Never touch recently extruded
plastic. The plastic can stick to your skin and cause burns. The heated
bed can reach high temperatures that are capable of causing burns.
Fire Hazard
Never place flammable materials or liquids on or near the printer when
it is powered on or operational. Liquid acetone and vapors are extremely
flammable.
Pinch Hazard
When the printer is operational take care to never put your fingers in
any moving parts including belts, pulleys, or gears. Tie back long hair or
clothing that can get caught in the moving parts of the printer.
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HAZARDS AND WARNINGS
Static Charge
Make sure to ground yourself before touching the printer, especially its
electronics. Electrostatic discharge can damage electronic components.
Ground yourself by touching a grounded source like the metal power supply
housing or your computer case.
Age Warning
For users under the age of 18, adult supervision is recommended. Beware
of choking hazards around small children.
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3D Printer Software
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3D Printer Software
1.1 Software Overview
Aleph Objects, Inc., the maker of the LulzBot TAZ, completely supports
free/libre hardware and software. Along with the TAZ being a free/libre
hardware design, it has been tested to work with 100% free/libre software.
Our source code and design files are hosted on our development server found
at http://devel.lulzbot.com. To operate your desktop 3D printer you
will need to install a few software packages onto your PC. You will need
a 3D printer host, an .STL to .gcode generator, and optional CAD or 3D
modeling software.
All of the following free/libre software packages are available for
GNU/Linux, Windows, and Apple OS X. However, we highly recommend
using these programs on GNU/Linux.
The required software can be found in the Support/Downloads section
at LulzBot.com/support/downloads. You will also find instructions there
for installing each program onto your PC. You can also find downloads
specific to the TAZ 3D printer on the TAZ product page.
1.2 Installing Drivers
Linux and Mac OSX users will not need to install a driver to com-
municate with the TAZ 3D printer. Windows users will need to
install the following drivers. The drivers can be downloaded from
LulzBot.com/support/downloads. A visual guide showing the driver
installation process can be found in our download section as well.
1.3 Printrun
Website: http://www.github.com/kliment/Printrun
The host software, Printrun, is used to start up and control your 3D
printer (Figure 1.2, page 17). The host controls include: setting the
extruder and print surface temperatures, manual control of each axis, and
manual extrusion. The host is also where you can push print files (.gcode)
to the 3D printer or load print files from the SD card for printing out model
designs.
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1.3. PRINTRUN
Figure 1.1: Printrun application for 3D printer control
Installing Printrun
Printrun contains several different applications that can be used to con-
trol the TAZ 3D printer. It can be installed on Windows, Mac OSX
and Linux based computers. We recommend using Pronterface, the
graphical user interface for printrun, when setting up or troubleshooting
the 3D printer. Pronsole allows printing from the command line, and
can be used for scripting and some automation. Plater allows you
to arrange and combine several STL files into one. More information
on the other programs within the Printrun package can be found at
https://github.com/kliment/Printrun. Printrun can be downloaded
from LulzBot.com/support/downloads. Download the version for your
operating system and extract. You will need an archive manager to extract
the files. If you do not have one installed we recommend using 7-zip, which
can be downloaded for free at www.7-zip.org.
Windows Instructions
• Once downloaded, extract the dist folder to a location of your
choice. You can rename the dist folder if you like. Double click
pronterface.exe to run Pronterface.
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3D Printer Software
Mac OSX Instructions
• Once downloaded, extract the dist folder to a location of your choice.
Once extracted, double click the pronterface-mac-Mar2012.app file
to install.
Linux Instructions
Debian|Ubuntu
Recommended Installation
• We recommend using the stand-alone Printrun option found at
https://www.LulzBot.com/?=support/downloads. Once down-
loaded and extracted, navigate to the extracted directory. Install
the dependencies by issuing the following command in a termi-
nal: sudo apt-get install python-serial python-wxgtk2.8
python-pyglet. Once the dependencies have been installed, run
Pronterface by using the following command in a terminal: python
pronterface.py.
Installing from source
• Using Git, in a terminal issue the following command: git clone
https://github.com/kliment/Printrun.git
• Once downloaded, change to the Printrun directory. You will need to
ensure that the following dependencies are met. They are listed in the
README.md file. You can use this command to install the depen-
dencies: sudo apt-get install python-serial python-wxgtk2.8
python-pyglet python-tornado python-setuptools
python-libxml2 python-gobject python-pip avahi-daemon
libavahi-compat-libdnssd1 followed by: pip install -r
requirements.txt To install in a terminal issue the following
command: sudo python setup.py install. Run Printrun by
issuing the following command: python pronterface.py
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1.4. USING PRINTRUN
Fedora
• Use this command to install Printrun from the official sources: sudo
yum install printrun
Archlinux
• Use this command to install Printun from AUR: yaourt printrun
1.4 Using Printrun
Figure 1.2: Printrun
Printrun is used to control the printer from a computer. It is divided into
4 main parts: The buttons over the top are used to connect to the printer,
load files and start & stop prints.
The movement controls are on the left hand side, with the G-code
preview window in the center and the Log window and Terminal command
entry box on the right hand side (Figure 1.2, page 17).
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3D Printer Software
Connecting to the TAZ 3D Printer
To start up the printer, first you will need to connect to the printer with
Printrun. Make sure you have connected the USB cable from your PC
to the printer before launching Printrun. If not, close Printrun, connect
the USB cable, and relaunch Printrun. To connect to the printer, select
the correct port by using the drop down arrow and selecting the active
port, generally /dev/ttyACM0). On other operating systems the port may
be named such as COM1 or tty.usbserial-USB-ID. The Port button will
refresh the Port listing. Once selected choose the default 115200 buad rate
and press Connect. Pronterface will open a connection to the printer and
display firmware information in the Log window.
In the text output window you will see multiple return lines. If you see
Printer is now online you have successfully connected to the printer.
The printer control buttons on the left will also darken and become click-
able after connecting. If nothing is displayed in the Log window verify you
have the correct port and connection speed selected. When you need to
disconnect the printer simply press the Disconnect button.
Figure 1.3: Printrun Functions
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