ReplicatorG User Manual
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This is only for the ReplicatorG 34+ versions. For older versions please go to ReplicatorG User Manual - pre34 |
ReplicatorG is an easy-to-use program in which you can load up 3D designs of the STL and DAE format. The program allows you to do the following:
- position, scale and rotate the part, and
- to convert it into printing instructions (called GCode)
- send printing instructions to the machine (and in doing so, printing your object!
- control your machine (position the head, set the temperature's, etc.)
- upload new firmware to your machine's Arduino Mega.
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Make sure you've followed the ReplicatorG Installation Guide first! |
Your first 3D print
This is an example of a work flow to get yourself your first printed object.
Step 1: Download a design from Thingiverse
- Go to the website Thingiverse.com and find yourself a nice object. It's a good idea to start with something small and do larger, and more complicated prints later on.
- This is a nice object to start with: A twisted box by Wizard23. There are many shapes available. For this tutorial we're choosing this one: you can also click here to download it.
Step 2: Start ReplicatorG
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If ReplicatorG fails to connect and shows an "please upgrade" error, disconnect the machine first before starting ReplicatorG, and then try to upgrade to the latest firmware. ReplicatorG can cause lockups when connecting with 5D firmware. |
- ReplicatorG automatically connects to your machine at startup, using the last com port that was selected. Make sure your printer is connected to the computer's USB port and that the cable is connected to the Arduino Mega.
- If you've downloaded it to a folder, find the folder and click on the executable (e.g. replicatorg.exe or ReplicatorG.app). You can also create a shortcut, so that you can add the icon to your desktop or start menu.
Step 3: Open the downloaded file
- Select "File" from the menu, and click "Open...". Then, locate the file you've just downloaded, and click "Open". The file name extension usually is .STL.
Step 4: Preview and re-position the object
- After opening the object you should be returned to the preview menu where you see the object. It should be within your build volume, which is depicted as a cube with a grid in its base.
- If the object is not already centered in the build platform, it is usually a good idea to do this. You can move the object using the "Move" mode in the Preview screen. You can move it by dragging it to where you want it, or by pressing "Center". It's also a good idea to make sure that it's on the platform, and not floating somewhere or that it's too low. You can do this by pressing "Put on platform" (also in the "Move" mode of the Preview).
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When using Slic3r, it will automatically center the print. You dont have to center the print first. |
- If you want to, you can rotate the object, rescale it and perform other operations. For this object this is not needed.
Step 5: Heat up the extruder
You can set the temperature to a certain value. If you've just set up your printer, check if it heats up properly and stops. Turn off the power switch if it does not approach the temperature you set it to and stabilize. If this is the case, check the temperature regulation. Don't start printing too fast after the measured temperature reached the desired one. Remember, the measured temperature is the temperature just next to the heater. That doesn't mean that every part is equally warmed up, specially the nozzle could be relative cold. Just wait a few minutes, then start printing.
Step 6: Generating the "G-Code" printing instructions
ReplicatorG includes programs that will create printing instructions from the design that you've opened. The popular choice of these program's is "Skeinforge", but support for others may be added too. Want to understand these codes? Please have a look at "What is 'G-Code'?"
Step 7: Printing it!
When you're done with generating the printing instructions, go to the "GCode" menu and press build!
Step 8: Removing the object
(To Be Done)
