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== Introduction ==
== Introduction ==
[[image:rapman-tecfa.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Rapman V 3.1. assembled at TECFA (picture taken just after assembly in January 2010)]]
'''RapMan''' was one of the first commercial kits of the [http://reprap.org/ RepRap] 3D printer sold from 2009. '''RepRap''' is short for ''Replicating Rapid-prototyper'' since it was developed in a research project on self-replicating machines. TECFA bought its kit in november 2009 and we assembled it in the end of January 2010 ([[file:Invoice490DanielSchneider.pdf|thumb|PDF]]) As of 2019, it is displayed as museum piece in our location at Uni Pignon, Geneva.
See also:
* The [[fab lab]] article for a wider perspective with respect to this kind of technology.
* [[Assembling the RapMan V3.1 3D printer]]
* [[Fabbster 3D printer]]
* [[Felix 3D printer]]
* [[First steps with the RapMan V3.1 3D printer]] and the related [[BfB Axon]] and/or [[Skeinforge for RapMan]] and/or [[Netfabb engine for RapMan]] for details about the tools that allows to generate [[g-code]], i.e. the CAM code that will drive the printer.
* [[Post processing of 3D polymer prints]]
* All my [[:Category:RapMan|RapMan related entries]].
* There is also a [[EduTech_Wiki:Books/RapMan_essentials|RapMan essentials wiki book]] and a [[EduTech_Wiki:Books/Rapman_in_education|RapMan wiki book]] (everything included) that you can download as PDF.
This 3D printer builds the parts up in layers of plastic with the help of a custom-made Thermoplast Extruder. The machine takes a 3mm diameter filament of a polymer, forces it down a heated barrel, and then extrudes it as a melt out of a fine nozzle. The resulting thin stream is laid down in layers to form the parts that RepRap makes. The extruder should work up to a temperature of 260 degrees Celsius.  It works with various polymers like ABS (Lego-like plastic) and polylactic acid. The extruder can move left/right (X axis) and forward/backward (Y axis) The printed object sits on a platform that will move down (Z axis)
Printing instructions are written in a language called G-code. A user will copy a g-code file to an SD card. This card is then inserted into a slot of the RapMan board for printing.
== Assembling RapMan V3.1 ==
Assembly of V3.1 RapMan takes at least three full days. It can be done by any person who has good reading skills, patience and some "gift" for assembly. Bits from Bytes did produce a mostly very good set of documentation.
It is very important to understand what you are going to build. E.g. it's a good idea to look at a video like this[http://awards.becta.org.uk/display.cfm?resid=41885 film made for BECTA].
You also should understand more or less the following picture:
[[image:Rapman-3-1-schema.jpg|thumb|600px|none|Rapman 3.1. schema - Source: [http://www.bitsfrombytes.com/ bits from Bytes, build manual 3.1 - printed] (reproduced without permission)]]
'''Further reading''': Our [[Assembling the RapMan V3.1 3D printer]] provides a more detailed overview of the assembly procedure. In addition, you may consult both the [http://www.bitsfrombytes.com/fora/user/index.php?board=2.0 Bits from Bytes "build" forum] and the [http://www.bitsfrombytes.com/wiki/ BFB wiki].
== First steps with RapMan V3.1 ==
If you managed to assemble you RapMan in a correct way, printing simple objects is fairly easy:
* Download an .STL file from somewhere
* Convert to [[g-code]] with [[Skeinforge for RapMan|skeinforge]] or Netfabb basic
* Print ...
See the [[First steps with the RapMan V3.1 3D printer]]. It attempts to explain all the basics.


'''RapMan''' is a commercial kit of the [http://reprap.org/ RepRap] 3D printer. “RepRap is short for ''Replicating Rapid-prototyper'' since it was developed in a research project on self-replicating machines.
See also:
* [[Skeinforge for RapMan]] for details about the tool that allows to generate [[g-code]]
* [[G-code]] CAM code that will drive the printer.
* [[Post processing of 3D polymer prints]]


This 3D printer builds the parts up in layers of plastic with the help of a custom-made Thermoplast Extruder. The machine takes a 3mm diameter filament of a polymer, forces it down a heated barrel, and then extrudes it as a melt out of a fine nozzle. The resulting thin stream is laid down in layers to form the parts that RepRap makes. The extruder should work up to a temperature of 260 degrees Celsius”. It works with various polymers like ABS (Lego-like plastic) and polylactic acid. The extruder can move left/right (X axis) and forward/backward (Y axis) The printed object sits on a platform that will move down (Z axis)
== Software tools and tool chain ==


This article has two functions:
=== Process overview ===
* It's a '''meta manual''' for '''Rapman version 3.1''': We will try to explain how RapMan works in order to help the reader understanding stages of assembly and we will point out to the most important manuals and other information sources you should read
* We will add some missing points and report some difficulties.


== Parts, manuals and workspace ==
There are three situations:
* You just want to print existing models with a minimum of hassle
* You may take existing models and adapt (or even merge parts)
* You'd like to model printable 3D objects


[[image:rapman-delivered.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Boxes from RapMan delivered on Jan 2010]].
''' (1) Modeling''':
When we ordered a Reprap it came in a fairly small plastic-wrapped cardboard box. In addition, we got some boxes with polymer filaments (6 ABS rolls and some others ...). To the left is a picture.


You may check the insides of the boxes. E.g. compare contents to the three manuals. For each on there is an "included" section in the begging.
To model, there are several options:
* Build manaual (for the "cartesian robot")
* Create a mashup (take several objects and combine them)
* Extruder manual
* Learn how to use a multi-purpose [[3D modeling]] software
* Hot End manual (pink cables were missing from both the 3.1 version ''and'' the delivered kit)
* Use some special purpose easy-to-use modeling software
* Learn how to use [[Computer-aided design and manufacturing]] software
* Scan a real object, e.g. with the low cost [[David Laserscanner]]


It's easier to reserve a lot of space for assembly. At TECFA, we used our seminar room and took about 2 x 6 meters :). See picture to the right.
''' (2) Combining meshes'''
[[image:rapma-parts-layout.jpg|thumb|right400px|none|The workspace]]


=== Overview of the manuals ===
Meshes (different objects) may be combined / merged. You can do this with the free Netfabb Studio and Meshlab programs. Creation of simple mashups with Netfabb and Meshlab is explained in the [[Meshlab for RapMan tutorial]] article.


All manuals are available at [http://bitsfrombytes.com/ Bits from Bytes]. At the time of writing they could be found in the [http://www.bitsfrombytes.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=80&Itemid=100009 downloads] section. The [ build info] section includes outdated version. So, in any case, always make sure that you get the manuals for the version you ordered, e.g. RapMan 3.1. Here is a list of the manuals:
An easier solution is to acquire the [http://www.netfabb.com/ Netfabb Professional]. It can export several objects (originally from *.STL files and other sources) as a single .STL file.
* Build Manual - Printed: This manual explains how to assemble the so-called '''cartesian robot'''. This refers to the printer (including the motors and the belts that will move the extruder in the X/Y axis and the plate up/down (Z-axis). In other words, it's all that's mechanical, except the extruder.
* 3D Build Manual part 1: As above but include 3D models that you can view in PDF. Click on a "picture" to enter 3D mode. Make sure to install the lastet PDF version and to use a PC with a decent graphics card. Also, explore the Acrobat menu to the left. You can add-remove parts for better visibility.
* 3D Build Manual Part 2: As above, part 2. Also includes writing of the motors and the controller.
* Animated Build Manual: As above, but includes animations. We didn't use this manuals
* Build Manual Videos: This manual includes three videos that show how to build some of the more difficult parts.
* Extruder Manual: Explains how to assemble the extruder, i.e. the print head that will be moved around in X/Y directions by the "cartesian robot". It will pull in the plastic filament and feed it into the so-called attached '''hot end''' which you somewhere during the assembly process. Finally it also explains how to wire the extruder to the controller.
* Hot End Manual: Explains how to assemble the hot end. The hot end will heat the plastic. It's a bit tricky to assemble since you have to wrap the heating wire around, attache a temperature probe and wrap fire cement around.
* Operations Manual: Explains how to use the printer. In particular calibrate the print head, update the firmware and use the controller interface.


'''Notice''': In some case, the newer version did not have enough information to understand the process. E.g. we looked at some 3.0 version manuals where procedures are explained in more detail. '''However''', this information needed to be adapted, '''because some parts are not the same''' and generally speaking 3.1 is '''easier''', in particular assemblying the hot end !
''' (3) Create and fix the .STL '''


=== Tools ===
In most cases, your 3D general purpose modeling or CAD program can't directly produce g-code. You first must export the
model to .STL (or another format like *.PlY).


Then you will have to buy tools. All except two can be easily found in a do-it-yourself store.
You then may need to fix your .STL model, i.e. first make sure it has the right size and the right position. But there may be more tricky issues, like repairing "holes" (use [http://www.netfabb.com/ Netfabb] for this)
'''Read''': [http://www.bitsfrombytes.com/pdfs/V3.0.0/V3Info.pdf V3Info.pdf] (this file may not sit next to the build manual).
Dictionnary (terms are in UK English):
* A '''spanner''' is called '''Wrench''' in US English, "clef à écrous" en français
* Allen key is a "hex key" or "hex head wrench"
* A Needle file is a small abrasive file. 


Easy to find tools
The coordinate system of the RapMan puts the origin in the middle. To manipulate size and coordinates, there are some options:
* 4mm Spanner 1
* 5.5mm Spanner 1
* 8mm Spanner 1
* 13mm Spanner 2
* 1.5mm Ball End Allen Key 1 (it's important to get ball ended keys, since sometimes you will "come in diagonally". We suggest to buy quality tools, because of easier fit).
* 2.5mm Ball End Allen Key 1
* 4mm Ball End Allen Key 1
* 2mm Flat Blade Screw Driver 1
* Tape Measure 1
* Soldering Iron 1
* 1/2 Round Needle File 1  (we actually suggest to buy several ones including a square-shaped one. Since these are used by modeling fans you can get handfull of various shapes for about 5 to 15 Euros (depending on quality). We got the cheap ones.
* Wire Cutters 1 (maybe not needed, since a stripper also can cut)
* Wire Strippers


The difficult ones are:
* Use skeinforge: turn on multiply plugin in skeinforge, setting the matrix to 1x1 or another value
* A good multimeter that can measure small resistance. We didn't test resistance ... ;)
* Use Netfabb for more simple resizing and moving operations (that's what I use)
* A 1/16<nowiki>''</nowiki> Allen key. We found it w/o problem in a hardwarestore that sells to professionals
Optionally, you also might acquire a key that can measure small preasure (the typical thing you get in hardware stores is just good for the nuts on car wheels). This is an expensive profesional tool. We didn't get one. (see practice run)


== The assembly procedure ==
''' (4) Create [[G-code]] '''


=== Practice run ===
Then produce the [[g-code]], e.g. with [[Skeinforge for RapMan|Skeinforge]] or with Netfabb basic.


=== Typical tool chain scenarios ===


... for beginners !


''' Reusing ready to print objects '''


== Tuning ==
* Get a model from [http://www.thingiverse.com/ Thingyverse] (or another repository for 3D printable objects. Make sure to select one that has a "rapman" or "reprap" tag on it. A fun thing to do would be printing all the [http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1983 Beco] blocks. Since they are all similar, you can vary printing parameters and learn about calibration of small simple object printing without having to look at the same object...
* You likely will find almost directly usable .STL files, but you may have to align them to x/y/z = 0. You also may find various source formats produced with various 3D modelers.
* Import to skeinforge or netfabb and generate g-code. In both cases, make sure that it sits in the right position.
* Then verify the g-code manually


== Printing ==
''' Build an easy model with an easy 3D modeler '''


=== G-code ===
* Build a model with Google sketchup
* Export to Collada .DAE
* Import to Meshlab and save as .STL
* Import to NetFabb and repair, then save as .STL again
* Import to skeinforge and produce g-code


* See [[Sketchup 3D printable objects tutorial]] for an example


=== 3d model into G-Code ===
''' Merge meshes '''


Skeinforge is a tool chain composed of Python scripts that converts your 3d model into G-Code instructions for Rapman.  
* Do as above, i.e. either build 2 or more models or grab them from somewhere.
* Download: [http://fabmetheus.crsndoo.com/ Skeinforge]
* See also the [[Netfabb Studio tutorial]] for an example on how to create easy duplo-webdings mashups
* Import all to Meshlab as "layers", flatten the layers and export as .STL
* Then as above


* Read [http://www.bitsfrombytes.com/wiki/index.php?title=Skeinforge Skeinforge]
* See [[Meshlab for RapMan tutorial]]


== In education ==
== In education ==


See [http://www.bitsfrombytes.com/wiki/index.php?title=Teaching_Resources Teaching Resources] (BitsforBytes Wiki)
See  
* [http://www.bitsfrombytes.com/wiki/index.php?title=Teaching_Resources Teaching Resources] (BitsforBytes Wiki)
* [[3D printers in education]]
 
== A last word of advice ==
 
[[image:rapman-duck2.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Duck printing is not very hard]]
* At some point you '''really''' must understand the interaction of relationship between Head speed (how fast the extruder moves on the X/Y axis) and extrusion Rate (RPM, how much plastic comes out) and how they impact Layer thickness.
 
* Always extrude 1/2 m of filament before printing. Also play with temperatures. E.g. 247 for ABS may be too much.
 
* Make sure that your .STL files have the x/y/z values set right. Minimal z value = 0. The middle of the object should roughly sit on x=0 and y=0. Get the free [http://www.netfabb.com/ Netfabb Studio] to achieve this. Also use this software to clean up bad .STL files.
 
* Then move on and try to figure out how to calibrate for different parts of objects and different kinds of objects. As we mentioned before, Skeinforge documentation is not easy to understand (in the absence of better you can wade through the forums or read [http://edutechwiki.unige.ch/en/Skeinforge_for_RapMan this] or buy the [http://www.netfabb.com/rapman_basic.php for RapMan Basic] software.
 
* '''Home print head''' with the menu in the board and '''switch it off/on''' after each printing (in particular if you print high objects or if you manually moved the extruder).
 
* Do not leave your printer unattended ! Make sure that filament wheel turns smoothly and that the pressure wheels are tight: Tighten quite a lot (without forcing), then untighten when the motor stops, i.e. you hear a loud clicking.
 
* Print some [http://www.bitsfrombytes.com/wiki/index.php?title=Spare_parts spare parts] once you figured out how to correctly print ABS (have to check it they correspond to V3.1, I thing that having a second extruder gear would quite smart.
 
'''Moving on''':
 
'''Explore other RapMan-related articles''' in the [[:Category:RapMan|category RapMan]]. You may follow the order suggested in the [[EduTech Wiki:Books/Rapman in education|wiki book]].


== Links ==
== Links ==
=== BitsfromBytes RepRap ===
* [http://www.bitsfrombytes.com/ Bits from Bytes]. Sells RepRap kits (£750 / CHF 1270).... i.e. the one we describe here. This web site also includes a forum and a wiki. You need '''both'''.
* The [http://www.bitsfrombytes.com/fora/user/index.php forum] is '''the''' place to look for advice and help.
* The [http://www.bitsfrombytes.com/wiki/ wiki] includes information that can not be found in the PDF manuals, in particular with respect to modeling and printing. E.g.
** [http://www.bitsfrombytes.com/wiki/index.php?title=Skeinforge Skeinforge]
** [http://www.bitsfrombytes.com/wiki/index.php?title=Rapman_v3.1_building_and_getting_started_overview Rapman v3.1 building and getting started overview] (On BitsfromBytes Wiki, cloned from an early version of this article on 12 March 2010)


=== Research Reprap 3D printer ===
=== Research Reprap 3D printer ===
* [http://www.reprap.org/ RepRap], a British project, is short for Replicating Rapid-prototyper. This 3D printer builds the parts up in layers of plastics. It can be assembled from parts bought in various places.
* [http://www.reprap.org/ RepRap], a British project, is short for Replicating Rapid-prototyper. This 3D printer builds the parts up in layers of plastics. It can be assembled from parts bought in various places. There exist '''many''' commercial designs derived from various RepRap versions, see [[3D printing]].
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RepRap_Project RepRap Project] (Wikipedia)
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RepRap_Project RepRap Project] (Wikipedia)
* [http://reprap.org/bin/view/Main/ShowCase Introduction to Reprap], retrieved  24 June 2009.
* [http://reprap.org/bin/view/Main/ShowCase Introduction to Reprap], retrieved  24 June 2009.
Line 109: Line 160:
* Spare parts: See [http://www.reprapsource.com/ reprapsource]. German company that sells spare parts.
* Spare parts: See [http://www.reprapsource.com/ reprapsource]. German company that sells spare parts.


=== BitsfromBytes RepRap ===
=== Polymers ===
* [http://www.bitsfrombytes.com/ Bits from Bytes]. Sells RepRap kits (£750 / CHF 1270).
 
* This web site also includes a forum an a wiki.
* We only bought ABS and PLA rolls from [http://www.bitsfrombytes.com/ Bits from Bytes]
* There are alternative solutions, e.g. [http://www.orbi-tech.com/ orbi-tech] in Germany [http://www.bitsfrombytes.com/fora/user/index.php?topic=830.0 is rumored] to have good easily printable [http://www.orbi-tech.de/shop/Plastic-Welding-Rod/PLA:::30_46.html PLA].
 
=== Tools ===
 
See [[3D modeling]] and [[Computer-aided design and manufacturing‎‎]] for two kinds of 3D modeling tools. Google sketchup is probably the easiest tool for beginners.
 
For 3D printing you then need specific tools to repair STL files and to generate the g-code:
 
; Skeinforge (a tool chain for producing g-code)
: [http://fabmetheus.blogspot.com/ The skeinforge announcement and troubleshooting blog]
: [http://fabmetheus.crsndoo.com/ download] of the software
 
; netfabb (an integrated software tailored for additive fabrication, rapid prototyping and 3D printing)
: [http://www.netfabb.com/ Official netfabb website]
: can resize, position and '''repair''' STL.
: A base version (''netfabb Studio'') is free, Netfabb professional is 700 Euros (plus VAT), educational pricing is available on demand.
: A commercial reprap plugin can generate g-code. I.e. this is an alternative to skeinforge.
 
; SolidView light (not needed)
: [http://www.solidview.com/svlite.html SolidView light] is a free program with support for SFX, STL, SolidWorks, VRML, and OBJ CAD files. I.e. it can be used to look at STL files.
 
; Pleasant3D (not needed)
: [http://www.pleasantsoftware.com/developer/pleasant3d/ Pleasant3D] Visualization of STL plus minor editing in order to be printable on MakerBots/Rapmans: Move, rotate, resize.
 
; Meshlab (not needed, to convert files to .STL and to merge .STL files)
: [http://meshlab.sourceforge.net/ MeshLab]
: See [[Meshlab for RapMan tutorial]]. Meshlab is '''the''' open source, portable, and extensible system for the processing and editing of unstructured 3D triangular meshes.
 
=== Rapman sites by users ===
 
* [http://rapman3d.savoie.info/ rapman3d.savoie] A hour's drive away from TECFA :)
 
* [http://blog.arcol.hu/ Arcol blog]
 
* [http://planet.arcol.hu/ Planet RepRap]. This is an aggregator that pulls in information from many sources.
 
* [http://www.google.com/reader/bundle/user%2F04483651751598287761%2Fbundle%2FRepRap%20RepStrap%20Aggregate%20Feed Google reader RepRap RepStrap Aggregate Feed], bundle created by nuaetius


=== Shared designs ===
=== Shared designs ===


See [[3D assets]] for a longer list
* [http://www.bitsfrombytes.com/wiki/index.php?title=Things_to_make Thing to make] (Rapman wiki)
* [http://www.thingiverse.com/ thingyverse].
* [http://www.thingiverse.com/ thingyverse].
=== Print services ===
If you like your prototype and want it printed more professionally. Several kinds of materials, including metal...
* [http://www.shapeways.com/ Shapeways]. They take STL, VRML, Collada & X3D formats with some constraints, e.g. less than 500'000 polygons, a watertight mesh, etc.
* [http://www.sculpteo.com/ Sculpteo]
=== Propaganda ===
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5Uvx__RuqI&feature=player_embedded BCC Video] / early 2010)
* [http://www.bitsfrombytes.com/wiki/index.php?title=Media Media] (BitsforBytes Wiki)
* [http://awards.becta.org.uk/display.cfm?resid=41885 A film made for BECTA] starring David White.
{{copyrightalso | Contents of this page (including pictures) are also available under [http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl.html GNU General Public licence] and Creative commons [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ Attribution-Share Alike 3.0]. E.g. companies that sells RepRap kits can take the contents ...}}


[[Category:Hardware]]
[[Category:Hardware]]
[[Category:3D]]
[[Category:3D]]
[[Category:RapMan]]
[[Category: Fab lab]]
[[Category: 3D printing]]

Latest revision as of 18:40, 1 April 2019

Introduction

Rapman V 3.1. assembled at TECFA (picture taken just after assembly in January 2010)

RapMan was one of the first commercial kits of the RepRap 3D printer sold from 2009. RepRap is short for Replicating Rapid-prototyper since it was developed in a research project on self-replicating machines. TECFA bought its kit in november 2009 and we assembled it in the end of January 2010 (File:Invoice490DanielSchneider.pdf) As of 2019, it is displayed as museum piece in our location at Uni Pignon, Geneva.

See also:

This 3D printer builds the parts up in layers of plastic with the help of a custom-made Thermoplast Extruder. The machine takes a 3mm diameter filament of a polymer, forces it down a heated barrel, and then extrudes it as a melt out of a fine nozzle. The resulting thin stream is laid down in layers to form the parts that RepRap makes. The extruder should work up to a temperature of 260 degrees Celsius. It works with various polymers like ABS (Lego-like plastic) and polylactic acid. The extruder can move left/right (X axis) and forward/backward (Y axis) The printed object sits on a platform that will move down (Z axis)

Printing instructions are written in a language called G-code. A user will copy a g-code file to an SD card. This card is then inserted into a slot of the RapMan board for printing.

Assembling RapMan V3.1

Assembly of V3.1 RapMan takes at least three full days. It can be done by any person who has good reading skills, patience and some "gift" for assembly. Bits from Bytes did produce a mostly very good set of documentation.

It is very important to understand what you are going to build. E.g. it's a good idea to look at a video like thisfilm made for BECTA.

You also should understand more or less the following picture:

Rapman 3.1. schema - Source: bits from Bytes, build manual 3.1 - printed (reproduced without permission)

Further reading: Our Assembling the RapMan V3.1 3D printer provides a more detailed overview of the assembly procedure. In addition, you may consult both the Bits from Bytes "build" forum and the BFB wiki.

First steps with RapMan V3.1

If you managed to assemble you RapMan in a correct way, printing simple objects is fairly easy:

  • Download an .STL file from somewhere
  • Convert to g-code with skeinforge or Netfabb basic
  • Print ...

See the First steps with the RapMan V3.1 3D printer. It attempts to explain all the basics.

See also:

Software tools and tool chain

Process overview

There are three situations:

  • You just want to print existing models with a minimum of hassle
  • You may take existing models and adapt (or even merge parts)
  • You'd like to model printable 3D objects

(1) Modeling:

To model, there are several options:

(2) Combining meshes

Meshes (different objects) may be combined / merged. You can do this with the free Netfabb Studio and Meshlab programs. Creation of simple mashups with Netfabb and Meshlab is explained in the Meshlab for RapMan tutorial article.

An easier solution is to acquire the Netfabb Professional. It can export several objects (originally from *.STL files and other sources) as a single .STL file.

(3) Create and fix the .STL

In most cases, your 3D general purpose modeling or CAD program can't directly produce g-code. You first must export the model to .STL (or another format like *.PlY).

You then may need to fix your .STL model, i.e. first make sure it has the right size and the right position. But there may be more tricky issues, like repairing "holes" (use Netfabb for this)

The coordinate system of the RapMan puts the origin in the middle. To manipulate size and coordinates, there are some options:

  • Use skeinforge: turn on multiply plugin in skeinforge, setting the matrix to 1x1 or another value
  • Use Netfabb for more simple resizing and moving operations (that's what I use)

(4) Create G-code

Then produce the g-code, e.g. with Skeinforge or with Netfabb basic.

Typical tool chain scenarios

... for beginners !

Reusing ready to print objects

  • Get a model from Thingyverse (or another repository for 3D printable objects. Make sure to select one that has a "rapman" or "reprap" tag on it. A fun thing to do would be printing all the Beco blocks. Since they are all similar, you can vary printing parameters and learn about calibration of small simple object printing without having to look at the same object...
  • You likely will find almost directly usable .STL files, but you may have to align them to x/y/z = 0. You also may find various source formats produced with various 3D modelers.
  • Import to skeinforge or netfabb and generate g-code. In both cases, make sure that it sits in the right position.
  • Then verify the g-code manually

Build an easy model with an easy 3D modeler

  • Build a model with Google sketchup
  • Export to Collada .DAE
  • Import to Meshlab and save as .STL
  • Import to NetFabb and repair, then save as .STL again
  • Import to skeinforge and produce g-code

Merge meshes

  • Do as above, i.e. either build 2 or more models or grab them from somewhere.
  • See also the Netfabb Studio tutorial for an example on how to create easy duplo-webdings mashups
  • Import all to Meshlab as "layers", flatten the layers and export as .STL
  • Then as above

In education

See

A last word of advice

Duck printing is not very hard
  • At some point you really must understand the interaction of relationship between Head speed (how fast the extruder moves on the X/Y axis) and extrusion Rate (RPM, how much plastic comes out) and how they impact Layer thickness.
  • Always extrude 1/2 m of filament before printing. Also play with temperatures. E.g. 247 for ABS may be too much.
  • Make sure that your .STL files have the x/y/z values set right. Minimal z value = 0. The middle of the object should roughly sit on x=0 and y=0. Get the free Netfabb Studio to achieve this. Also use this software to clean up bad .STL files.
  • Then move on and try to figure out how to calibrate for different parts of objects and different kinds of objects. As we mentioned before, Skeinforge documentation is not easy to understand (in the absence of better you can wade through the forums or read this or buy the for RapMan Basic software.
  • Home print head with the menu in the board and switch it off/on after each printing (in particular if you print high objects or if you manually moved the extruder).
  • Do not leave your printer unattended ! Make sure that filament wheel turns smoothly and that the pressure wheels are tight: Tighten quite a lot (without forcing), then untighten when the motor stops, i.e. you hear a loud clicking.
  • Print some spare parts once you figured out how to correctly print ABS (have to check it they correspond to V3.1, I thing that having a second extruder gear would quite smart.

Moving on:

Explore other RapMan-related articles in the category RapMan. You may follow the order suggested in the wiki book.

Links

BitsfromBytes RepRap

  • Bits from Bytes. Sells RepRap kits (£750 / CHF 1270).... i.e. the one we describe here. This web site also includes a forum and a wiki. You need both.
  • The forum is the place to look for advice and help.
  • The wiki includes information that can not be found in the PDF manuals, in particular with respect to modeling and printing. E.g.

Research Reprap 3D printer

  • RepRap, a British project, is short for Replicating Rapid-prototyper. This 3D printer builds the parts up in layers of plastics. It can be assembled from parts bought in various places. There exist many commercial designs derived from various RepRap versions, see 3D printing.
  • RepRap Project (Wikipedia)
  • Introduction to Reprap, retrieved 24 June 2009.
  • RepRap Official Blog
  • Spare parts: See reprapsource. German company that sells spare parts.

Polymers

Tools

See 3D modeling and Computer-aided design and manufacturing‎‎ for two kinds of 3D modeling tools. Google sketchup is probably the easiest tool for beginners.

For 3D printing you then need specific tools to repair STL files and to generate the g-code:

Skeinforge (a tool chain for producing g-code)
The skeinforge announcement and troubleshooting blog
download of the software
netfabb (an integrated software tailored for additive fabrication, rapid prototyping and 3D printing)
Official netfabb website
can resize, position and repair STL.
A base version (netfabb Studio) is free, Netfabb professional is 700 Euros (plus VAT), educational pricing is available on demand.
A commercial reprap plugin can generate g-code. I.e. this is an alternative to skeinforge.
SolidView light (not needed)
SolidView light is a free program with support for SFX, STL, SolidWorks, VRML, and OBJ CAD files. I.e. it can be used to look at STL files.
Pleasant3D (not needed)
Pleasant3D Visualization of STL plus minor editing in order to be printable on MakerBots/Rapmans: Move, rotate, resize.
Meshlab (not needed, to convert files to .STL and to merge .STL files)
MeshLab
See Meshlab for RapMan tutorial. Meshlab is the open source, portable, and extensible system for the processing and editing of unstructured 3D triangular meshes.

Rapman sites by users

  • Planet RepRap. This is an aggregator that pulls in information from many sources.

Shared designs

See 3D assets for a longer list

Print services

If you like your prototype and want it printed more professionally. Several kinds of materials, including metal...

  • Shapeways. They take STL, VRML, Collada & X3D formats with some constraints, e.g. less than 500'000 polygons, a watertight mesh, etc.
  • Sculpteo

Propaganda

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