3DLab

Note: You must have either taken 3D101 or performed the 3DLab Accelerated Assessment to use the 3D printers.

Guidelines and rules are subject to change at any time. A notice will be published if they have and if required, must be signed off on.

General Guidelines

Printers may be used only for lawful purposes. Members are not permitted to use the 3D printers to create material that is:

  • prohibited by local, state or federal law.
  • unsafe, harmful, dangerous or poses an immediate threat to the well-being of others.
    • This includes weapons or life-like replicas, parts of weapons, ammunition, and defensive as well as offensive weapons. If you aren’t sure what constitutes a weapon, please consult the FabLab Area Lead.
  • obscene or otherwise inappropriate for our working environment.

Rules

DO

  • DO inspect the 3D printer for any damaged wiring and safeguards.
    • Do not use the printer if problems are found.
  • DO report to the FabLab Area Lead if there are equipment issues, concerns, incidents and near-misses.
  • DO inform the FabLab Area Lead if equipment or common tools are missing from their home.
  • DO review product Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) for material specific safety information before using anything in the 3D printer.
    • Any consumables provided for use by Chatt*Lab will have the information documented and available for Member viewing.
  • DO perform a cold pull after every use.
    • This prevents unnecessary and avoidable clogged hot ends.
  • DO clean up after yourself.
  • DO clean work surfaces with the wet method (IPA and microfiber cloth).
    • Sweeping and other dry methods will create airborne particles.

DON'T

  • DON'T use the 3D printers unless you have been trained.
  • DON'T leave materials or tools laying out, near or on the 3D printers.
    • Such as filament spools inside the 3D printers, scraps from failed prints, support material.
  • DON'T attempt to modify or perform repairs on any equipment.
    • Only the FabLab Area Lead, and those approved, are allowed to do so.
  • DON'T use any tapes, adhesives, “goops”, glues, hair spray, etc. on the build plates.
    • This practice is no longer required like it was in the early days of 3D printing. You should be able to print straight onto clean, flat glass without any adhesion issues. If there is problems with being able to do so, reach out to the FabLab Area Lead for more assistance.
  • DON'T use material that is brittle or water logged.
    • To test if material is brittle or water logged, bend a piece of the filament in half with your fingers. If it yields but does not break, you should be good to use it. If it snaps, do NOT use it. You must dry the material before use. This prevents unnecessary and avoidable clogged hot ends.
  • DON'T use any material not approved for use.
    • Any materials not approved must be documented, reviewed and approved for use by the FabLab Area Lead.

Equipment

3D Printers (FDM)

Name Status Manufacturer/Model 110/220 Power Training/Qualification Required Inventory Tag Owned/Donated/Loaned
Archer Down Creality/Ender 3 V2 110 300W Yes Currently Unassigned Owned / Chatt*Lab Makerspace
Lana Down Creality/Ender 3 V2 110 300W Yes Currently Unassigned Owned / Chatt*Lab Makerspace
Cyril Up Creality/Ender 3 V2 110 300W Yes Currently Unassigned Owned / Chatt*Lab Makerspace
Kreiger Up Creality/Ender 3 V2 110 300W Yes Currently Unassigned Owned / Chatt*Lab Makerspace
Malory R&D Use Only Creality/Ender 3 V2 110 300W Yes Currently Unassigned Owned / Chatt*Lab Makerspace

2022/11/22 00:11 · bradley_madaris

Materials

Approved

  • PLA
  • HTPLA
  • PETG

Not Approved

  • ANY material that includes additives such as carbon fiber, glass fiber, etc.
    • This list is NOT exhaustive. If you're unsure, consult with the FabLab Area Lead.
  • ANY high temperature material, requiring above 240°C (464°F).
    • Our printers are not capable of high temperature materials and could cause caustic off-gassing. Any use of high temperature material is subject to immediate privilege loss.
  • ABS
    • Currently under progress, enclosure absolutely required.
  • PC

FAQ

Question Answer
Can I use the 3D printers without having to take the 3D101 introductory course? I have previous 3D printing experience. Yes — however, you must be able to perform and pass the 3DLab Accelerated Assessment to do so. This is necessary to prevent damaged equipment and personal injury. You must also acknowledge and sign off on the rules for 3D printer use.
Can I use “X” type of material? Refer to the Materials section.
Can I use more than one printer at a time? No, each Member is to only use one printer at a time to allow other Members to use the printers as well.
I have a model of “X”, can I print that? Refer to the General Guidelines section.
If I use material provided for use by Chatt*Lab, how much does it cost per print? Cost of materials is measured by weight, not print. This includes both successful and failed prints, as well as support material. Material, unless otherwise stated, is 10¢/gram. You can use the scale located in the FabLab Supply Locker to weigh for your cost.
How do I perform a “cold pull”? To perform a successful cold pull, heat the nozzle 5-10°C above the normal temperature used for your material. Allow it to heat up and then extrude a moderate amount of filament, about 30-50mm to ensure there is filament in the nozzle. After that has been performed, lower the nozzle temperature to 90-100°C, this may take several minutes. Once it reaches the temperature designated, depress and hold the extruder arm and firmly pull on the filament. You should feel it release with a gentle pop and feel pressure on it as you continue to pull it. If you performed a successful cold pull, the tip of the filament should be in a conical shape like the inside of the nozzle. You should most likely also see thin wisps of filament surrounding it. If there is another color(s) other than the one you're using, perform a cold pull again, as this indicated there may be a partially clogged nozzle.

If you're unsure of how to perform this and have taken either the 3D101 or the 3D Printing Accelerated Assessment, contact the FabLab Area Lead for assistance.
What do I do if I attempted to perform a cold pull, but it was unsuccessful? Attempt to perform a cold pull once more. If it still fails, leave a tail of the filament, about 12“, sticking from the extruder. Alert the FabLab Area Lead of the issue and discontinue use of the printer.