Type A Machines SERIES 1 User manual

Congratulations on joining the 3D printing community! You are now the proud owner of the fast,
accurate, totally awesome, best in class Series 1 3D printer!
Your Series 1 has been 100% manufactured, assembled, and quality tested by the Type A team at our
San Francisco, California workshop. Those of us at Type A Machines have a range of reasons for being
in the 3D printing industry, but what keeps us coming in every day is the awesome stuff you make.
In this guide you’ll find all the resources you need to be up and printing in no time. Our users are doing
some pretty amazing things with their Series 1, from robots to architecture, to cookie cutters to
cannons! As the newest member of the Type A Machines community, we welcome your input and can’t
wait to see what you build. Join us at Forum.TypeAMachines.com and show us your stuff.
We think you’re awesome, and we love what you do!

1. What’s in the Box? ......................................1
2. 3D Printing with Fused Filament Fabrication..2
3. WELCOME TO YOUR SERIES 1.....................3
3.1. Winchester Tool Head/Extruder .............4
3.2. Motion System......................................5
3.3. Electronics............................................6
4. GETTING STARTED .....................................7
4.1. Unpacking and Initial Setup ...................7
4.2. Switching AC Current ............................8
4.3. Power On .............................................9
4.4. USB Connection ....................................9
4.5. Install the Build Plate ............................9
4.6. Loading Filament ................................10
5. SOFTWARE SETUP ....................................11
5.1. Mac Users ..........................................11
5.1.1. Pronterface Printer Control
Software................................................11
5.1.2. KISSlicer ......................................11
5.2. Windows Users ...................................12
5.2.1. Drivers ......................................... 12
5.2.2. Pronterface Printer Control
Software................................................12
5.2.3. KISSlicer ......................................12
6. BASIC OPERATION....................................13
6.1. .STL ................................................... 13
6.2. What file types can the Series 1 Read?.13
6.3. Slice in KISSlicer .................................13
6.3.1. Printing Resolution/Speed .............15
6.3.2. Infill.............................................15
6.3.3. Load your .STL file........................16
6.3.4. Slice!............................................ 17
7. Run A Print ............................................... 18
7.1. Connect Series 1 Via Pronterface ......... 18
7.1.1. Set Baud Rate .............................. 18
7.1.2. Set Com Port ................................ 19
7.1.3. Connect to your Series 1 ...............19
7.2. Load a GCode File ...............................20
7.3. Print an Object! ..................................21
7.4. Removing A Printed Object from the Print
Surface .....................................................22
7.5. Prepare for Your Next Print.................. 22
7.5.1. Clean the Build Surface ................. 22
8. PERIODIC MAINTENANCE..........................23
8.1. Replace the Build Surface ....................23
8.1.1. Prepare the Build Plate with pre-cut
blue squares: .........................................23
8.1.2. Prepare the Build Plate with blue
(painter’s) tape: .....................................23
8.2. Clean Out a Filament Jam.................... 23
8.3. Tension Belts ......................................25
8.4. Tighten Screws ...................................25
8.5. Clean/Lube Shafts...............................25
9. TROUBLESHOOTING ................................. 26
9.1. Z-Height Calibration ............................27
9.2. Calibrate the Build Plate ......................29
9.3. Replace the Hot End ...........................30
10. SERIES 1 SUPPORT ................................. 30
10.1. Forum.TypeAMachines.com ...............30
10.2. Support Request ............................... 30
11. 2013 SERIES 1 SPECS ............................. 31


User Manual
Quickstart Guide
3D Printed Object
Sample PLA
Power Cable
Acrylic Build Plate, taped and ready to go!
Filament Management System
Upkeep Kit containing:
7 MM wrench
2.5 MM Hex Key
2 MM Hex Key
1.5 MM Hex Key
Insulated (Ceramic) Screwdriver
Heading 1.0. 1

The Type A Machines Series 1 prints a 3D object by placing thin layers of plastic on top of each other until
a finished object is built out of the layered plastic.
To begin a 3D print, plastic is delivered to the Series 1 Tool Head in the form of “filament” (a long thin
strand of plastic, wound onto a spool). The Series 1 then heats the filament to its melting point and pushes,
or “extrudes,” the melted filament through the Extruder Nozzle. The Series 1 then moves the Nozzle in a
pattern while extruding plastic to draw a very thin cross section of the object that it is printing. The Tool
Head fan cools the newly extruded plastic, solidifying it almost instantly. After each layer is completed, the
printer moves the Build Surface down a tiny distance, and then extrudes the next cross section of melted
plastic on top of the cooled layer below.
This method of 3D printing is called Fused Filament Fabrication, or “FFF”.
Figure 2.0. 1

The Type A Machines Series 1 was developed in San Francisco, California, to be a bigger, better, and more
reliable desktop 3D printer. It features best in class build volume, an innovative modular Hot End
replacement system, the ‘Winchester’quick release for fast filament loading, fingertip Build Plate calibration,
and high precision stepper motor s to for ease of use and high resolution printing.
Figure 3.0. 1

The Type A Series 1 3D printer features the proprietary Winchester tool Head. It is unique in the 3D printing
industry. Precision designed and fabricated in the Type A Machines offices and TechShop in San Francisco,
the Winchester Tool Head is designed to allow quick release and loading of both filament and the open
source, industry standard “groove mount” Hot End. It has proven incredibly reliable and easy to service.
With this advancement, the Series 1 is capable of reliably extruding filament up to 230° C, and running for
days on end.
Figure 3.1. 1

The Type A Series 1 3D Printer is a Cartesian motion based printer system. This means it can move in 3
linear directions: the X, Y, and Z axes. It does this using precise stepper motors to drive the machine. The
X and Y axes control the motion of the Tool Head. X axis moves the tool head left and right, and Y axis
moves the Gantry forward and back. Both of these movements are made using high precision timing belts,
shafts, and motors. The Z axis moves the Build Surface up and down using a lead screw, shafts, and a
stepper motor.
The design of the Series 1 maximizes the machine area devoted to the buildable space. This results in a
minimal machine footprint with a HUGE build volume. The maximum size of object that can be built is
260mm along the X axis, 230mm along the Y axis, and 230mm along the Z axis (10”x9”x9”).
The Series 1 can produce parts with functional tolerances of 0.1 And is capable of a vertical layer height of
0.05 mm. The speeds at which the printer can move along each of these axes are among the fastest in the
industry.
Figure 3.1. 1

The Type A Series 1 features an all Open Source electronics system. It consists of an Arduino Mega, RAMPS,
and Pololu driver chips. The Arduino is the ‘brain’ of the printer. It interfaces with your computer to load
control instructions onto the printer and drive it. The RAMPS (RepRap Arduino Mega Pololu) shield serves
as the motor control and power distribution system for the Arduino. It helps transfer power and command
code from the Arduino to the motor drivers. The RAMPS also serves as the connection point for most of
the wiring in the machine. This is where the sensors and heaters in the Tool Head and the fans connect.
The last section of electronics is the motor drivers. There are 4 motor drivers per machine, one each to
drive the X,Y,Z and Extruder motors. These little chips take instructions from the Arduino and power from
the RAMPS to directly control the motors. They send hundreds of commands per second! The electronics
compartment is cooled by a fan to keep things from overheating.
Figure 3.3. 1

Time to get started! If you haven’t already, now is the time to see what your printer looks like out of the
box. Carefully remove the printer from the carton. If the printer is difficult to remove, cut open the edges
of the box. Attempting to force the printer out of the box may break it.
Remove the packing material from around the printer. The Gantry and Tool Head have been tied down to
protect it in transit. Remove the strapping and interior packaging insert between the Gantry and back of
panel of the machine. The Gantry and Tool Head should now move freely.
Check your package contents to confirm that your Series 1 shipped with all contents.
Your Type A Machines Series 1 is Factory configured to use US Standard 110 Volts AC. If you are in the
United States, you’re ready to go! If you are using your printer outside of the United State you MAY need
to switch your power supply voltage setting.
If you do not know your local voltage, review the following article to determine whether you need to switch
your voltage: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mains_electricity_by_country
Figure 4.1. 1

If you are using your printer with a Voltage other than 110 Volts you will need to switch the current setting
on the power supply. This is an easy and safe procedure as long as it is done properly.
First turn the machine around to look at the back.
Remove the small panel Marked PSU ACCESS by unscrewing the thumbscrews on the
back of the machines –it’s the one with the plug and switch in it (figure 4.2.1).
Do not disconnect any wires, there is enough slack in the cables to allow switching. Mid way down on the
power supply through the metal grating you will see a switch with numbers on it. There will also be a yellow
sticker on the power supply indicating voltage and switch positions. Your switch will be set to 115V.
Using the included hexagonal wrench, move the switch to 230V position (figure 4.2.1). You should hear a
click. Double check the switch is all the way over to 230V and not between settings. Your power supply is
now set. Replace the electronics cover.
Figure 4.2. 2
Figure 4.2. 1

Now that your voltage is confirmed it’s time to bring the printer to life. Plug the included Power Cable into
the power port on the back panel of the machine. Plug the wall end of the cable into an available socket.
Flip the switch on. When the printer is first turned on you should see a small green light turn on in the right
power supply bay behind the acrylic arrow window. The electronics bay behind the right arrow window
should light up blue. Congratulations! You’re one step closer to printing!
Mac and Linux users may now plug the USB cable into their computer. Windows users should follow the
procedure set out in section 5.2.1 BEFORE connecting the USB cable. Remember that you’ll need to install
the printer control software to operate your Series 1.
Your Build Plate comes prepared with a blue square adhered to the printable area. This blue square is your
Print Surface, for you to print directly onto. The Print Surface can be marred by oils on your fingertips, so
avoid touching the blue surface unnecessarily.
To install your Build Plate, rotate it so that the words “Type A Machines Series 1” are oriented right side up
toward you. Slot the four holes on the outside corners of the Build Surface onto the four Platform Calibration
Bolts on 1 Build Platform. Press down gently to depress the springs on the standoff, then slide the Build
Plate away from you to lock it into place. Your Build Surface is now correctly in place.
Figure 4.5. 1

Open the Winchester spring lever by resting your thumb on the left edge of Tool Head and using your index
finger to pinch the spring lever open. The top of the lever will swing left. With the lever in the open position,
you will notice a small hole in the upper surface of the Winchester Clamp Plates, in between the lever and
the pinch-wheel. This small hole is the filament loading aperture. Fully insert the free end of your PLA into
the aperture and gently release the spring lever. The PLA should now be pinched in between the pinch-
wheel and the spring lever and fully inserted into the Filament Aperture.
Please be aware that the quality of PLA can vary substantially.
High quality filament is available through the Type A Machines online
store, and for sale by other reputable 3D printing shops. Look for positive user reviews before buying PLA
from unfamiliar sources.
Figure 4.6. 1

To get your Series 1 ready and printing, you’ll first need to install the software toolchain. This consists of
drivers, a slicing engine, configuration files, and control software. We have precompiled installation
packages that are available for download on our website. Download the correct files for you operating
system.
Once your download is completed, Unzip the Mac Setup Package to an appropriate location. You will need
to be able to locate the unzipped files later.
In the unzipped folder your will see a file called 01_Mac_Pronterface. The Pronterface Application is ready
to go with no install required. You can add a shortcut to Pronterface to your dock for easy access.
In the folder that you unzipped you will see a folder called 02_KISSlicer. This folder contains the KISSlicer
application and configuration files to slice your files. Type A Machines has developed and optimized these
settings for your best possible printing.
You can add a KiSSlicer shortcut to your dock
for easy access.
Congratulations! Your software is now setup and you’re ready to slice and print!

Download the installation package for your operating system. Select either Windows 32 or 64 bit. Once
your download is completed, Unzip the installer package to an appropriate location. You will need to be
able to locate the unzipped files later.
To be able to use your Series1, your computer must have an Arduino driver installed as well as a version
of Python installed. Some users may already have one or both of these installed on their Windows computer.
Follow the instructions below to determine whether you need to install one or both of these.
As of July 2013 In order for the
Arduino driver to install properly, you will have to set Windows to permit installation of unsigned drivers.
For tips on how to do this, please visit the Forum.TypeAMachines.com.
The first folder you will see is the 00_driver folder. Open it and Install our Arduino driver. Follow the
onscreen instructions to install the Arduino driver.
Plug the USB cable into a USB port on your computer. Your computer should display a message that says
that an Arduino device has now been connected. The message may also show a COM number. This is the
port the printer will use to communicate with the computer.
Before installing the print control software you need to have Python installed. The majority of PC’s out
there already have this but if you don’t or aren’t sure we have included an installer in the download package.
Alternativly you can go to http://www.python.org/getit/.
In the unzipped file your will see a folder called 01_Pronterface. The Pronterface Application is ready to go
with no install required. You can right click pronterface.exe and create a shortcut on your desktop for easy
access later.
In the folder that you unzipped you will see a folder called 02_KISSlicer. This folder contains the KISSlicer
application and configuration files to slice your files. Type A Machines has developed and optimized these
settings for your best possible printing.
You can add a KiSSlicer shortcut to your
desktop for easy access.
Congratulations! Your software is now setup and you’re ready to slice and print!

6.1.
The first step in the process from 3D Model to 3D Print is to export your 3D model from your modeling
program as a .STL file. STL is an industry standard for 3D printing files. Your model must be a closed,
‘water-tight’ mesh. This is critical to producing a quality print. There are many software modeling tools and
Mesh Repair utilities you can use for this.
The Series 1 reads instructions about how to move the extruder and build platform, and when to extrude
filament, from a file called a GCode file. GCode is produced by ‘slicing’ software. GCode files can end
“.gcode” or “.gco.” GCode files must be made with settings specific to the printer that you want to print
the file on. The Setup Package file that you downloaded includes a few GCode files for you to get printing
right out of the gate. If you’d like to print one of these files, then you’re ready to go. If you’d like to create
your own GCode file, then you’re going to need to slice it first.
Launch KISSlicer. The first time you open KISSlicer it will not have the visualization of our print bed loaded.
To visualize the Series 1 click the ‘Printer’tab in the settings box (figure 6.3.1). Then in the bottom right
corner of the settings box click the box marked ‘…’.
Figure 6.3. 1

Open the file location where you unzipped the Type A Machines Setup Package. The Setup Package includes
a model of the Print bed for your reference. Open the file called “platform (figure 6.3.2).
KISSlicer now shows a visualization of the Series 1 Build Platform (figure 6.3.3).
Figure 6.3. 3
Figure 6.3. 2

Under settings, select the tab marked ‘Style. This tab allows you to control the resolution, and thus the
speed of your print (figure 6.3.4). There are a range of settings from ‘Draft’ through Super-Fine. At Type
A, we usually use Fine setting. It’s a balance between speed and resolution and it’s a great place to start.
From the ‘Style’ tab, you will see the Infill slider control at the bottom of the settings are. This controls the
amount of plastic filling that will support the inside of your 3D printed object. You can toggle the infill from
solid, which prints VERY slowly, but results in very strong prints, to to 2.5% infill, which prints more quickly
but has a lower finished strength (figure 6.3.5).
Figure 6.3. 4
Figure 6.3. 5

To load a .STL file, click ‘OPEN’ and then navigate to the desired STL file. To use one of the supplied Type
A Machines .STL files, open the file where you unzipped the Setup Package and open the folder called Test
Prints” select one of the included .STL files (figure 6.3.6).
Figure 6.3.7 shows a visualization of a loaded .STL file. If the file you loaded looks very small you may be
having a unit conversion problem. To fix this, right click on the image of the .STL in the upper right hand
corner (figure 6.3.7) and click “inch->mm”. This will scale your model correctly.
Figure 6.3. 6
Figure 6.3. 7

When you are satisfied with your settings click “Slice” in the upper right hand corner to slice your .STl
(figure6.3.8). The visualization will turn green when slicing is completed.
Click the ‘Models+Paths’button above the visualization to switch views. This is now a visualization of your
GCode. You can now use the slider on the right of the visualization to slide your slice through the model.
If you are satisfied that your model sliced correctly, click ‘Save’ at the upper right hand corner of the screen
and select a location to save your GCode for printing.
Figure 6.3. 8
Figure 6.3. 9

Now it’s time to get that printer moving. Confirm that the USB Cable is connected to your computer. Launch
the Pronterface application.
7.1.1.
Before beginning your first print, you will need to set the Baud rate for the connection. Confirm that your
Series 1 is connected via USB to your computer, then highlight the field left of ‘Connect’ and type in ‘230400’
(figure 7.1.1). Pronterface will remember this for future connections.
Figure 7.1. 1