Prusa

Getting started with 3D printing on the Prusa i3 mk3

Our Prusa i3 mk3 has a multi material upgrade. It is our only printer capable of printing in multiple materials. At Sonen this is restricted to printing in different colors of PLA.

Guidelines

• Do not use the printer unless you know how to use it.
• Print only in 3Dnet or polymaker 1.75 PLA filament.
• Only use this printer if you need multi material printing. Else make use of our Ultimaker or Creality printers.
• Do not leave the printer before the first layer is completed. Most errors arise during this stage and in 2020 this destroyed a printer.
• If you want instruction, have trouble with the printer or we are running low on materials, contact the engineer here.

Workflow

The workflow in any prototyping using 3D printers is:

1. Retrieving/creating a 3D model: You can fetch files from creator spaces such as Thingiverse or model them your self, using a CAD tool such as Fusion360, SolidWorks or Blender.
2. Generate paths for the 3D printer: The tool for generating paths for 3D printers is called a slicer. For the Prusa we use PrusaSlicer.
3. Setting up the hardware: Make sure that the build plate is clean, the machine is calibrated, and when you start your print please make sure the first layer turns out as expected.

PrusaSlicer

Guides for using PrusaSlicer with the MMU can be found here.

Version

As a rule of thumb, we recommend using the latest version of PrusaSlicer.

Setting up the hardware

The standard nozzle size is .4 mm.

Before pressing start

Make sure the build plate is clean. Use lukewarm flowing water to get rid of leftover materials, glue, or dirt. After starting the print, make sure that the first layer turns out as expected. Most errors arise during this stage of the print job.

When print is finished

When the print is finished clean the plate again. If the object is stuck, you may use a scraping tool. However, make sure you don't harm the print bed. Hence use scraping tools with care.

Errors

If a print goes wrong, do the accordingly:

1. Check setup in PrusaSlicer and on the printer.
2. Rewash the bed level.
3. Calibrate bed level. The Prusa i3 mk3 has automatic bed leveling. Here you can find a guide on how to start automatic bed leveling.

If this does not help, please notify the engineer here.

Clog

Clogging of the nozzle typically occurs when the workpiece has tilted due to overhang, wrong settings in PrusaSlicer, or wrong filament type. A solution to clogged nozzle is using the Atomic Method