User:SuperBlobMonster/MakerbotProject

Welcome to my engineering portfolio!
This is where I will be updating my engineering projects through my first semester at HCC.
 * This is my work on the Makerbot, RepRap Mendel 3D printer.
 * This is my work on the Corn Starch Project

Week one
I will log 10 hours to familiarize myself with the makerbot program and find out what 3d modling programs work well with the robot.

What happened: I downloaded sculptris and spent some time learning the program, I played with ReplicatorG and am now familiar with its interface, I ensured all firmware on the makerbot is up to date, and got the robot to the point where the 3 axis move. I ran into an error caused by plugging the wrong usb into the computer, then after that was fixed, the toolhead was not recognized by the makerbot

Week two
I plan to research the error "Toolhead 0: Not found." and troubleshoot the appropriate components of the machine until the error is fixed. if I finish that project before the week is out, I will look into testing the tool head to make it extrude plastic

What happened: So far, we have found a loose wire to the tool head.

Week Four
Transfer of knowledge:

How to run the makerbot:
 * 1) Turn on the machine
 * 2) plug it into the computer
 * 3) open ReplicatorG. It should automatically connect. I usually recommend opening the control panel at this point and set the temperature to 200c as it usually takes a while to heat up.

4: To load an object, press File, Open, and then select a ‘.stl’ file

5: Generating functioinal G-code for an object:

The makerbot does not recognize the ‘E’ axis, and hangs on the code when it reaches a command that attempts to use it. If you simply remove all ‘E’ from the program, it ignores the left over numbers and runs normally. You also have to add in the line “M109 S160 T0 (Heated Platform Temperature to 160 Celsius)” under the line that prompts the tool head to heat up.

6: Printing an object: Align the print head so that it is centered a few millimeters above the build platform. slip the calibration sticky note under the print head. Slide the special calibration sticky note, keeping it under the print head while lowering the print head until the print head pinches the special calibration sticky note. Then raise the print head back up until the special calibration sticky note is free. Your print head is now properly positioned. Press the first button in the upper left hand corner of ReplicatorG and the makerbot will rise up, do a test extrusion after reaching the proper temperature, ask you to clear the crap it just made, and start printing!