LulzBot TAZ 5 User manual

LulzBot TAZ 5 User
Manual
Aleph Objects, Inc.

LulzBot®TAZ 5 User Manual
by Aleph Objects, Inc.
Copyright © 2016 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: 978-0-9893784-7-5 5.0-20160120

Contents
WARNINGS
Safety Information · · · · · · · · vii
Read Me First! ················ viii
Hazards and Warnings ············· viii
1 3D Printer Software · · · · · · · 11
1.1 Software Overview ············· 12
1.2 Software Types ·············· 12
1.3 Installing Drivers ············ 13
1.4 Cura ·················· 13
1.5 Quick Print Settings ··········· 15
1.6 View Options ··············· 19
1.7 Starting Your First Print ········· 23
1.8 Removing Your First Print ········· 26
1.9 Full Settings ·············· 26
1.10 Basic Tab Options ············· 27
1.11 Advanced Tab Options ··········· 31
1.12 Plugins ················· 34
1.13 Start and End Gcode Settings ········ 35
1.14 Expert Settings ············· 36
1.15 Retraction ··············· 36
1.16 Skirt ·················· 37
1.17 Cool ·················· 38
1.18 Support ················· 39
1.19 Black Magic ··············· 40
1.20 Brim ·················· 40
1.21 Raft ·················· 40
1.22 Fix Horrible ··············· 42
1.23 Dual Extrusion ·············· 43
iii

CONTENTS
1.24 Printrun ················ 48
1.25 Using Printrun ·············· 50
1.26 CAD and 3D Modeling Software ········ 54
1.27 Alternative Printer Host Software · · · · · · 55
2 Slic3r · · · · · · · · · · 57
2.1 Introduction ··············· 58
2.2 Getting Slic3r ·············· 59
2.3 First Print ··············· 60
2.4 Simple Mode ··············· 77
2.5 Expert Mode ··············· 86
2.6 Configuration Organization ········· 115
2.7 Repairing Models ············· 117
2.8 Advanced Topics ············· 118
2.9 Troubleshooting ············· 131
2.10 Slic3r Support ·············· 136
3 Printing with the Graphic LCD · · · · · 139
3.1 GLCD Controller, Cura or Printrun Host? · · · · 140
3.2 Multiple Connections ··········· 140
3.3 Putting Print Files on the SD Card · · · · · · 141
3.4 Printing With the Graphic LCD ········ 142
4 Maintaining Your 3D Printer · · · · · · 145
4.1 Overview ················ 146
4.2 Smooth Rods ··············· 146
4.3 Lead Screw Drive Rods ··········· 146
4.4 PEI Surface ··············· 146
4.5 Hobbed Bolt ··············· 147
4.6 Belts ·················· 147
4.7 Hot End ················· 147
4.8 Electronics ··············· 147
5 Advanced Usage · · · · · · · · 149
5.1 Intro ·················· 150
5.2 Changing nozzles ············· 150
5.3 Bed Adhesion ··············· 150
5.4 Using 1.75mm filament ··········· 151
6 Hardware and Software Source Code · · · · 153
iv

CONTENTS
7 3D Printer Support · · · · · · · 155
7.1 LulzBot ················· 156
7.2 Community ················ 156
8 Warranty Information · · · · · · · 157
8.1 Warranty ················ 158
9 Contact Information · · · · · · · 159
9.1 Support ················· 160
9.2 Sales ·················· 160
9.3 Websites ················ 160
Index · · · · · · · · · · · 161
Glossary · · · · · · · · · · 165
v

List of Figures
1.1 Quick Print Settings · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 15
1.2 Options after selecting model · · · · · · · · · · · 17
1.3 Rotating your Model · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 18
1.4 Scaling your Model · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 19
1.5 View in Normal Mode · · · · · · · · · · · · · 20
1.6 View in Overhang · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 20
1.7 View in Ghost · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 21
1.8 View in Xray · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 21
1.9 View in Layers · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 22
1.10 Viewing Cumulative Layers · · · · · · · · · · · 22
1.11 Viewing Specic Layers · · · · · · · · · · · · · 23
1.12 Control Screen · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 24
1.13 View in Full Settings · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 27
1.14 Dierences in Layer Height · · · · · · · · · · · 28
1.15 Support Types · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 30
1.16 Cuto Example · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 33
1.17 View of Plugins · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 35
1.18 View Expert Settings · · · · · · · · · · · · · 36
1.19 Before Merge · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 46
1.20 After Merge · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 47
1.21 Printrun application for 3D printer control · · · · · · 48
1.22Printrun·················· 50
1.23 Printrun Functions · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 52
1.24 Movement Controls · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 52
2.1 Conguration Wizard: Welcome Screen · · · · · · · 62
2.2 Conguration Wizard: Firmware Type · · · · · · · · 63
2.3 Conguration Wizard: Bed Size · · · · · · · · · · 64
2.4 Conguration Wizard: Nozzle Diameter · · · · · · · 65
2.5 Conguration Wizard: Filament Diameter · · · · · · 66
2.6 Conguration Wizard: Extrusion Temperature · · · · · 67
2.7 Conguration Wizard: Bed Temperature · · · · · · · 68
2.8 Conguration Wizard: End · · · · · · · · · · · 69
2.9 Shapesmith online CAD tool. · · · · · · · · · · · 73
vi

List of Figures
2.10Plater··················· 74
2.11 Minimug model. · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 75
2.12 STL le loaded. · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 75
2.13 Preferences. · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 77
2.14 Simple Mode: Print Settings. · · · · · · · · · · · 78
2.15 An example of insucient top layers. · · · · · · · · 79
2.16 Creating a vase from a solid model. · · · · · · · · · 80
2.17 An example of an object printed with support material. · · 81
2.18 An example of brim. · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 82
2.19 Simple Mode: Filament Settings. · · · · · · · · · 83
2.20 Simple Mode: Printer Settings. · · · · · · · · · · 84
2.21 Expert mode speed options. · · · · · · · · · · · 87
2.22 Inll pattern settings. · · · · · · · · · · · · · 90
2.23 Inll pattern: Line (344.51mm / 5m:20s) · · · · · · · 90
2.24 Inll pattern: Rectilinear (350.57mm / 5m:23s) · · · · · 90
2.25 Inll pattern: Concentric (351.80mm / 5m:30s) · · · · · 91
2.26 Inll pattern: Honeycomb (362.73mm / 5m:39s) · · · · 91
2.27 Inll pattern: Hilbert Curve (332.82mm / 5m:28s) · · · · 91
2.28 Inll pattern: Archimedean Chords (333.66mm / 5m:27s) · 91
2.29 Inll pattern: Octagram Spiral (318.63mm / 5m:15s) · · · 92
2.30 Inll pattern comparison in a complex object. Left to Right:
honeycomb, line · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 92
2.31 Inll patterns at varying densities. Left to Right:
20%,40%,60%,80%. Top to Bottom: Honeycomb, Concentric,
Line, Rectilinear, Hilbert Curve, Archimedean Chords,
Octagram Spiral · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 93
2.32 Inll advanced settings. · · · · · · · · · · · · · 94
2.33 Retraction settings. · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 95
2.34 Skirt settings. · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 97
2.35 Cooling strategy. · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 99
2.36 Cooling advanced settings. · · · · · · · · · · · · 100
2.37 Support structure options. · · · · · · · · · · · · 102
2.38 Minimug model, tilted 45°. · · · · · · · · · · · · 103
2.39 Support inll pattern: Rectilinear · · · · · · · · · 103
2.40 Support inll pattern: Rectilinear Grid · · · · · · · 103
2.41 Support inll pattern: Honeycomb · · · · · · · · · 104
2.42 Example of pattern angle rotated 45°. · · · · · · · · 104
vii

List of Figures
2.43 Multiple extruder options - Printer Settings Tab (General).
Note the two extruders dened in the left-hand pane. · · · 105
2.44 Multiple extruder options - Printer Settings Tab (Extruder). 105
2.45 Plater with multiple lament options. · · · · · · · · 106
2.46 Multiple extruder options - Print Settings Tab. · · · · · 107
2.47 Multiple extruder options - Tool change G-code. · · · · 108
2.48 Extrusion widths options. · · · · · · · · · · · · 109
2.49 Example model highlighting use case for variable layer heights. 110
2.50 Example with normal layer height. · · · · · · · · · 111
2.51 Variable layer height options - Info. · · · · · · · · · 112
2.52 Variable layer height options - Layers. · · · · · · · · 113
2.53 Example with variable layer height. · · · · · · · · · 113
2.54 Example print with variable layer height. · · · · · · · 114
2.55 Example with skipped layers. · · · · · · · · · · · 114
2.56 Saving a prole. · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 116
2.57 Deleting a prole. · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 116
2.58 FreeCAD part repair. · · · · · · · · · · · · · 117
2.59 Sequential printing options. · · · · · · · · · · · 118
2.60 The clearance cylinder around an extruder. · · · · · · 119
2.61 Post-processing script option. · · · · · · · · · · · 125
2.62 Example post-processing script to display Slic3r environment
variables.·················· 125
2.63 Example post-processing script to print each line to output. 126
2.64 Extrusion Width. · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 127
2.65 Bridging lament shape. · · · · · · · · · · · · 128
2.66 Extrusion shape. · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 129
2.67 No path overlap · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 129
2.68 Holes made through polygonal segments. · · · · · · · 132
2.69 Z wobble changing layer stacking. · · · · · · · · · 133
2.70 Variable lament diameter changing layer stacking. · · · 133
3.1 GLCD Info Screen · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 141
3.2 MainMenu ················· 143
viii

WARNINGS
Safety Information

WARNING!
Read Me First!
READ THIS MANUAL COMPLETELY BEFORE UNPACKING AND
POWERING UP YOUR PRINTER.
Hazards and Warnings
Your LulzBot®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 o 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 rst turning o
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 ammable materials or liquids on or near the printer when
it is powered on or operational. Liquid acetone and vapors are extremely
ammable.
Pinch Hazard
When the printer is operational take care to never put your ngers 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.
x

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 your computer case.
Age Warning
For users under the age of 18, adult supervision is recommended. Beware
of choking hazards around small children.
Modications and Repairs Warning
At Aleph Objects, Inc.®we respect your freedom to modify your LulzBot®
desktop 3D printer. However any modications or attempted repairs that
cause damage are not covered under the Warranty. Questions? Contact
Technical Support by emailing [e-mail], or by calling +1-970-
377-1111.
Federal Communications Commission Statement
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy
and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of
this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference
in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his
own expense.
This device complies with part 15 class A of the FCC Rules. Operation
is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference and
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interfer-
ence that may cause undesired operation.
xi

WARNING!
FCC Warning: Changes or modications not approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the users authority to operate the
equipment.
xii

3D Printer Software

3D Printer Software
1.1 Software Overview
Aleph Objects, Inc., the maker of the LulzBot®TAZ 3D printer, completely
supports Free/Libre software and hardware. Along with the LulzBot TAZ
3D printer being a Free/Libre hardware design, has been tested to work
with 100% Free/Libre software. Our source code and design les 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.
1.2 Software Types
Printer Hosts
Printer Host software is used to control the 3D printer. The program
not only allows you to manually move the printer along all the axes,
but set temperatures manually, send commands, and receive feed-
back/error messages from the onboard electronics. We recommend
that new users start with Cura as it includes a slicing engine as well.
Common Printer Hosts:
• Cura
• Printrun (Pronterface)
• MatterControl
• OctoPrint
• BotQueue
Slicers
These programs take the 3-Dimensional model (typically
STL/OBJ/etc) and determine the 3D printer toolpath based
on the options selected. The slicing engine uses the nozzle diameter,
movement speeds, layer height, and other variables to determine the
coordinates where it needs to move, and the rates at which it will do
so. This information is exported out of the program as a gcode le.
The gcode le is a plain-text le with a series of text-based codes and
a list of the complete X,Y, and Z axis coordinates used for printing
14

1.3. INSTALLING DRIVERS
the 3D model. We recommend that new users start with Cura as it
includes the printer host as well.
Recommended Slicers:
• Cura
• Slic3r
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 nd instructions there
for installing each program onto your PC. You can also nd downloads
specic to the LulzBot TAZ 3D printer on the LulzBot TAZ product page.
1.3 Installing Drivers
Linux and Mac OSX users will not need to install a driver to communicate
with the LulzBot TAZ 3D printer. Windows users will need to install
the drivers. Using Cura as your printer host and slicing software is
recommended, as the drivers will automatically be installed during the
Cura installation process. The drivers can also be downloaded from
LulzBot.com/support/downloads. A visual guide showing the driver
installation process can be found in our download section as well.
1.4 Cura
Setup Cura
Cura is available for download on our website at
http://LulzBot.com/cura. When installing, it is recommended to
uninstall any previous versions of Cura you may have been using. When
rst opening Cura, you will be prompted to go through the First run
wizard. This will consist of selecting your printer, hot end type, extruder
type, and nally your nozzle diameter.
It is important to select the correct printer, hot end, tool head, and
nozzle diameter as Cura uses custom proles and machine settings based
15

3D Printer Software
upon which printer, hot end, tool head, and nozzle you have.
• Download the appropriate installer for your computer operating
system. Instructions on installation for each operating system are
available at http://LulzBot.com/cura.
• Install Cura by double clicking on the installer.
• Click through the install wizard until it completes.
• Start Cura by launching it from your list of installed applications.
If this is the rst time that Cura has been used the “Conguration
Wizard” window will open.
• Select LulzBot®TAZ 4 or 5, then select Next.
• Select Stock TAZ 5 (PEI and V2). Press Next.
• Choose the correct nozzle size for your machine. Your TAZ 5 comes
with a 0.5mm nozzle standard.
• Select nish.
16

1.5. QUICK PRINT SETTINGS
1.5 Quick Print Settings
Figure 1.1: Quick Print Settings
After setting up Cura for the rst time, you will be shown the main interface
screen. (Fig. 1.1, page 15):
Selecting a Quick Print Profile
The print quality settings can be found in the top left-hand corner of the
window. For most laments, there will be Standard, High Speed, and High
Detail options. Some of the more exotic laments may only have a Standard
prole.
High Detail
Designed to give greater detail and ner objects. This will have a
smaller layer height, which will make each layer thinner, so that curves
seem more natural and walls seem less noticeable. This setting will
also require more layers to be laid down, increasing overall print time.
Standard
Designed to give a medium resolution by increasing the layer height
17

3D Printer Software
and print speeds. This will make the organic curves slightly more
step-like than the ne setting, but it will reduce printing time.
High Speed
Designed for the fast prints, where overall model nish is not of
concern. Most commonly used for quick iteration of designs found
in rapid prototyping.
Material Selection
We have the dierent laments separated by ease of use. From the ease
of use drop down, select "all" to have access to all our pre-loaded lament
proles. The TAZ ships with a 1 meter sample of ABS, that should be used
in your rst print.
Printing Support Material
The LulzBot®TAZ 3D printer is able to print models that have angles
and overhangs, even without support material. This will depend on the
overhang distance and angle of your particular model le. Turn this option
on if your model could benet from support material.
Brim
Brim is used to increase surface area of the part you’re printing, thereby
ensuring proper part adhesion. This will print a single layer high edge
around the base of the part, helping rst layer adhesion and minimizing
warping.
Load Model File
Select the STL model you would like to print. Either use the Load Model
button or select File >Load Model. Once the le has been loaded, you
will see a 3D rendering of your object on the build platform. Select the
model to see the various options.
18

1.5. QUICK PRINT SETTINGS
Model Orientation
Move your model to change where it is printed on the build plate. Do this
by left clicking on the model and dragging it to the desired location. The
black outlined corner of the 3D print bed view represents the front left
hand corner of the build plate on your printer. By holding down the right
mouse button and dragging, you can view your model from dierent angles.
Figure 1.2: Options after selecting model
Rotate
The Rotate button will give you the ability to orient your model in along
all three axes. Once you click the rotate button, three circles will surround
your model. The red circle will allow you to rotate around the Z axis. The
Yellow circle will rotate around the Y axis. The Green circle will rotate
around the X axis. Cura defaults to 15 degree increments. Hold Shift to
rotate by One Degree Increments.
19

3D Printer Software
Figure 1.3: Rotating your Model
Lay Flat
The Lay Flat button will ensure that the at portion of your print is
securely attached to the bed. It is highly recommended to use this option
after rotating your model in the Z direction, as it will help prevent adhesion
issues during the print.
Reset
The Reset button will return your model to the original orientation as
dened by the CAD program used to create the model.
Scale
The Scale button displays the model dimensions, along with the ability to
scale along the X Y or Z axes. Anything below the number 1.0 will reduce
the objects size, while anything above the number 1.0 will increase the
objects size. As a default, it will be set to uniform scaling. This will cause
the X Y and Z axes to be scaled by the same amount when you make a
change to any of them. To disable this, select the lock in the lower section
of the scaling window.
20