In this section we have compiled some common issues that can occur when using a 3D printer and how to solve them. You will find different categories based on the printer component causing the issue. Please contact our technical support team if you cannot find the right solution and they will help you as soon as possible. Find the FAQs listed below.
What is a 3D printer?
A 3D printer is a machine that is used to produce a tangible object from a digital mock-up of the object itself, created using 3D modeling software.
The three-dimensional printing of an object is achieved through the process of additive manufacturing of material, i.e. the layering of different materials; it is the reverse procedure to that used in traditional manufacturing systems (subtractive manufacturing), in which the object is created by cutting and drilling operations on a block of material.
The vast majority of 3D printers are inspired by the RepRap Project, an experiment started in 2005 with the aim of creating a 3D printer that could produce its own components. However, all work carried out within the framework of this project has been published under Open Source licences, which has enabled its dissemination and development.
What materials can be used by Kentstrapper 3D printers?
The materials used are thermoplastic polymers among which the most popular are ABS, Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, a thermoplastic material that can be printed either by injection or extrusion. It is more resistant than PLA, but requires a higher temperature for extrusion (240-250°C). These characteristics make it more appropriate than PLA for the production of small parts of an item. This material is typically used to build impact-resistant and wear-resistant items. ABS is the material from which Lego blocks are made. PLA, Polylactic Acid, a biopolymer derived from corn starch and completely biodegradable. It is more resistant than PTFE and it melts at a lower temperature (180-220°C). Among the advantages that PLA has over ABS is that it is available in many more colours and has a greater elasticity, which means it can be used to create such items as springs and so forth. Nylon, Pet, Laywood, Laybrick and Flex can also be used
Which software can be used for 3D modelling?
In order to design the three-dimensional model that you wish to print, you can use a great variety of software, ranging from free to paid ones: the only thing that matters is to have the 3D model exported in the .stl or .obj format, since these are the formats the conversion software recognises..
A list of some three-dimensional modelling software is given below.
Blender is without doubt the best Open Source software for 3D modelling, rendering and 3D animation. It can import and export files in multiple formats, including .obj and .stl, which are the most common extensions to be found on the Internet.
It is a free and Open Source parametric 3D modeling software. It can process various formats. It can be mastered in a short time, and it is the ideal tool for those who want to start modelling basic items. For Windows, MacOS and Linux.
Software that creates three-dimensional models by processing a set of photographs taken from different angles of an object. For Windows XP (Service Pack 3 or above), Windows 7 and Apple mobile devices (iPhone and iPad). The software can also be used online, with no installation, using Google Chrome as a browser and registering on the Autodesk website (or, alternatively, logging in with a social network account)..
From the same software series as 123D Catch, this program is used for the digital modeling of 3D models. Moreover, it is also possible to order three-dimensional prints of the models created on the website. For Windows 7, Mac (Mac OS X, 10.7 version or higher, with 64-bit Intel processor) and for iPad.
3D modeling, animation and 3D rendering software developed and distributed by Autodesk. Available for Windows XP (Service Pack 3 or higher) and Windows 7.
Fee-paying software developed by the Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corporation, it is specifically used for the designing and construction of mechanical devices. Only available on Windows OS.
- The first layer did not properly adhere to the printing plate due to incorrect settings
- The distance between the plate and the extruder has not been properly set
- The printing plate was not properly coated with lacquer or adhesive.
- During the printing process, it is recommended to set the speed of the first layer slower than that of the other layers and we advise you to set it below 20 mm/s. In this way, the first layer will adhere better to the printing plate since it has been deposited slowly. If the items you are going to print have a fairly small surface area, you can activate the brim or raft from your conversion software to improve printing.
- If the distance between the plate and the extruder has not been properly set in the centre and at the corners of the plate, the first layer may not be deposited evenly and may not adhere correctly to the printing plate in those areas, so check the calibration of the printing plate and make the necessary corrections.
- Every time you print, the layer of lacquer or adhesive product on the plate wears off, so before starting a new print you should reapply the coating.
- Filament: The plastic filament has not been loaded correctly, the filament used is of poor quality, it does not have the same diameter in all spots, or the filament temperature setting is improper: try increasing the temperature by 5/10 degrees centigrade.
- Print bed-to-extruder distance: The extruder is too close to the print bed, so the thrust plastic cannot flow out of the tip as it does not physically have room to move out: try to check if the calibration has been carried out correctly, and if so, increase the print bed-to-extruder distance
- Extruder jam: a filament jam may have happened inside the extruder, which may be caused by the two above-mentioned reasons: cleaning is required to fix the problem.
