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3D Printers

The CRB Makerspace has access to several Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printers.

3D printers

Hazard level

GREEN

Warning

  • Hot surfaces: nozzle (180-260°C) and heated bed (50-110°C) can cause severe burns
  • Moving parts can pinch or crush fingers
  • Risk of inhalation of ultrafine particles and VOCs during printing

Safety

  • Do not touch hotend. Print beds and nozzles can exceed 200°C. Always assume hot surfaces until printer indicates it has cooled.
  • Keep hands, hair, and clothing away from moving parts. Tie back long hair and secure loose sleeves or jewelry.
  • Use only approved materials. PLA is the default; other filaments must be approved by staff due to fumes and print settings.
  • Ensure that the first layer prints correctly before leaving.
  • Avoid using metal tools on print surfaces. They can damage the surface layer and affect adhesion. Use the provided plastic tools to remove parts and adhesives as directed.
  • If something seems wrong (unusual noises, smoke/odors, spaghetti print), pause the job and notify staff immediately.
  • Know how to pause/stop. Familiarize yourself with the emergency stop/pause on the specific printer before starting.
  • Remove parts, replace print bed, and tidy up when finished.

Printers

Device Image Resources Notes
Bambu Lab X1 Carbon Bambu Lab X1 Carbon Manual High speed FDM printing. Support for up to 4 materials with AMS (but less effiecient than Prusa XL).
Bambu Lab P1S Bambu Lab P1S Manual High speed FDM workhorse. Great for general purpose prints.
Original Prusa XL Original Prusa XL Manual Largest print volume. Multi-material support with 5 independent printheads.

Materials

Parts in the CRB Makerspace are generally printed with PLA, or polylactic acid, which is a versatile, biodegradable plastic derived from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane. Other materials are available upon request. We usually use a 0.4mm nozzle, though smaller or larger nozzles may be available if needed for specific projects. This filament guide provides a high level comparison of the properties of different FDM filaments.

Changing Filaments

Do not attempt to change or reload filaments yourself without authorization. Ask for assistance if a change or replacement is needed.

When using a refill without a spool, be sure to follow instructions carefully to prevent issues with the filament wrapping.

Guide

  • You must schedule the printer for every print job. This helps us track usage and provides contact information if there are issues.
  • Ask for assistance for changing filament.
  • Long or large prints (4+ hours) must be coordinated with Raphael.
  • Remove parts and clean the build surface when your print is done; leave the printer ready for the next user.
  • The 3D printers must be started in person. They are not connected to the network (on purpose). Set up the print with the printers software (e.g. Bambu Studio or PrusaSlicer), add the file to a microSD card or USB drive, and start the print on the device. Ensure the correct printer type, material, and build plate is selected for use.
  • Watch the first layer complete before leaving. Most failures occur on the first layer.
  • Promptly remove prints when complete. Do not use metal tools to remove parts from the print bed. Use plastic tools instead to prevent damage to the print surfaces.
  • Clean up all pieces and reinstall the build plate in the printer before leaving.
  • Report any issues to management; do not attempt to repair yourself.

Schedule Printer Time