Holy Cow - I just won a 3D printer from @THRE3D
I cannot wait to get started here in the community and start printing some super cool things!
Thre3D seems to be a company to pay attention to, as they plan on a lot of cool things on their reddit-like 3D printing site. Post some of your projects over there - I’m sure they’d love to see what you are working on.
Obviously I’ll do some searching and browsing in here to see what’s already been posted - but do you know of any resources that really stand out from the rest? I am an ME graduate, and know SolidWorks, and a few other 3D drafting/design, but as far as getting into 3D printing - this will be a first.
Congratulations, then I hope you have fun with the Printrbot, and I’ll be keen to see what you think of the whole assembly and learning curve process, because I’ve been recommending the Printrbot to a few people lately (entirely on price).
I’m new to 3D printing as well, and also using the PrintrBot Simple. Two tips: buy some ‘stiff’ zip ties (the kit ones stretch a little) and make them as tight as you can without breaking. Also, attach a piece of glass to the bed; makes a world of difference. I can post links to upgrades to print, if you like.
Oh, and buy more PLA; you’re going to run out quickly, once you get started!
It’s something I only recently discovered. I bought a glass bed for my R2, and found the plastic wasn’t sticking to it. A bit of research told me it sticks well to a heated bed, but not an unheated one.
You can also try using a normal glue stick like used in school on an unheated bed. I’ve use the purple one so it’s easier to see, but used much and my parts were hard to pull off. I normally use a heated bed, but was hoping to reduce warm up time.
Since you know solid works, using anything else will be downright painful for you. But try out different slicers. I’ve used slic3r and kisslicer. I’m still getting used to kiss, but the tool paths seem better.
I also use repeteir host but have used pronterface before. Repeteir host is much easier to use but is a resource hog. I have yet to try cura, but I’m still tinkering with a raspberry pi and octoprint, so I can my PC while I print.
Welcome and good luck. It’s a great learning experience and eventually a lot of fun
I hope you have fun with the Printrbot, and I’ll be keen to see what you think of the whole assembly and learning curve process, because I’ve been recommending the Printrbot to a few people lately (entirely on price).