Lab Members: Evelyn Sander and Chris Manon
Mathematical Sciences, George Mason University
Welcome!
We have just gotten a 3D printer: Makerbot Replicator 5th Generation to use in the calculus classroom.
In order to keep ideas in order, I will keep a blog. Initially this will be mostly technical details of how to use the printer, but it might get interesting after a while.
Makerbot in action:
Some prints:
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| Everyone's first print: Mr. Sharky |
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| Chain prints linked |
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| Queen Anne table |
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| Nut and bolt |
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| Table needed a teapot |
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| Final print from movie above |
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| Rolling knot |
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| Hyperboloid pencil holder |
Makerbot support line: If you need to call Makerbot for technical support: 347-334-6800 ext 2.
How to avoid a mothy quality in printing:
Three suggestions on how to avoid mothiness. Try in order
1. Lower temp to 225
2. Lower print speed to 80 mm/sec
3. Lower travel speed to 140 mm/sec
1. Lower temp to 225
2. Lower print speed to 80 mm/sec
3. Lower travel speed to 140 mm/sec
Software:
Have downloaded MeshLab and TopMod, but of which seem like nice open source tools. Worth trying. They are post-processors for a Mathematica generated file. So if you use the canned Mathematica polyhedra, you can for example remove faces and just leave the edges and regenerate a mesh. Still haven't tried any CAD software, but I am messing with some custom profiles to see how to modify the supports. For example, "hexagon" is only one fill option.
How to replace the blue tape on the build plate:
Replacement blue tape rectangles are called kapton tape. They sold by Makerbot, sold on Amazon, and according to the website also at any hardware store.
Posted by Evelyn Sander
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