Printrbot

Getting Started Guide

For models:
Simple
Contents

4 Chapter 1: Welcome
4 Overview
4 Support

5 Chapter 2: Your Printrbot has arrived... now what?

5 Printrbot Kits
5 Pre-Assembled Printrbots

6 Chapter 3: Building your Printrbot

6 Required and optional tools
6 Assembly instructions
6 Help during assembly

7 Chapter 4: Install Software

8 Chapter 5: Connect your Printrbot

9 Chapter 6: Configure Software

9 Configure Repetier printer settings
9 Connection
10 Behavior
10 Dimension
11 Configure Slic3r settings
11 Layers and perimeters
12 Infill
12 Skirt and brim
13 Filament
13 Cooling
14 General
14 Extruder 1

15 Chapter 7: Functional Pre-Print Test

15 Manually Set Home Position
16 Connect to the printer
16 Test the Z axis
17 Test the X axis
17 Test the Y axis
18 Test the extruder with initial burn-in temperature
18 Troubleshooting

19 Chapter 8: Printing your First 3D Model

19 Download file
19 Add .STL file

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20 Slice
20 Connect
21 Set temperatures
21 Temperature curve
21 Run
21 After the print completes
21 Congratulations

22 Chapter 9: Advanced Printing

22 Technical Forums
22 Community

23 Chapter 10: Common Issues and Troubleshooting

23 Filament is not extruding
23 Print not sticking to bed
23 Head is dragging across the print
23 Print not correct size (G-Code)
24 Other problems

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 Welcome

1
Read this guide to learn about your Printrbot, how to make your first 3D print,
and more.

Overview
The purpose of this guide is to get you printing your 3D models as soon as
possible! Whether you have a pre-assembled Printrbot or a build it yourself kit,
this guide will walk you through the necessary steps to a successful first print.
So let’s get going!

Support
If at any time you need help or get stuck, please check our FAQ page and then
open a support ticket if necessary. www.printrbot.com/support/

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 Your Printrbot has
Arrived...
now what? 2
The arrival of your bot can not only be exciting, but we realize it can be
overwhelming at first. If you have received an assembled bot, your work is
already nearly done. However, those with a kit have a little bit more work to do.
But fear not, our support team is here to help and we will make sure you are
printing in no time!

Printrbot Kits
If you have a Printrbot kit, proceed to Chapter 3: Building your Printrbot

Pre-Assembled Printrbots
If you have a pre-assembled Printrbot, please skip to Chapter 4: Install
Software

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 Building your Printrbot

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Required and optional tools
Before you begin to assemble your bot, please note that you are going to need
several tools. Below is a listing of the typical tools used for assembling a
Printrbot Plus. This list should cover you for both the LC and jr as well, however
there may be a few other items you will need to purchase depending on which
version Printrbot you have.

Required Tools Optional Tools

Phillips Screwdriver utility knife

8mm or 5/16 inch Wrench flat hand file
1/2 inch Wrench cordless drill
2.5mm Allen Wrench 7/64" drill bit
1.5mm Allen Wrench 9/64" drill bit
Hammer or Rubber Mallet 4" C Clamp
Wood or Super Glue micro cutters
slim needle nose pliers

Assembly Instructions
Download the appropriate instructions for your
model from www.printrbot.com/support/. We
recommend using a combination of both the Step
by Step Installation Guides as well as the Build
Videos. Our designs have changed slightly since
the time these instructions were originally created.
However, using these in tandem will help to clarify
the process during assembly.

Note: During the build process, some sub

assemblies (such as the extruder) are detailed in
their own build instructions.

Help During Assembly

If you get stuck during assembly, we recommend browsing our technical forum
at www.printrbottalk.com as we have several power users and moderators that
can give you quick assistance and troubleshooting help. However, if you are
unable to resolve your issues please open a support ticket at
www.printrbot.com/support/.

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 Install Software

4
Now that your bot is fully assembled, the next step is to install the printing
software on your computer so that you can actually print a 3D model. While
there are various free printing software on the market, we currently use and
recommend Repetier http://www.repetier.com/ when first getting started. It’s
easy to use and supports Windows, Mac, and Linux. Once installed, the typical
workflow is as follows:

1. Create a 3d model and export it in STL format or get it from the internet.

2. Arrange one or more models on a virtual print plate.

3. Slice the  the models into thin slices and compute a path for printer head.

This is done by a slicing software, which converts the model into g-code,

the language your printer speaks.

4. Check the created g-code for errors and printability.

5. Send the g-code to your printer or copy the code to a SD card, which you

can insert into your printer.

6. Monitor your printer.

Select your platform and download Repetier from www.repetier.com/download/

and install the software using the default configurations.

Windows users only: Download the required USB driver from http://pjrc.com/
teensy/serial_install.exe, right click on it and "Run as Administrator" to install the
INF file. It
should create a new COM port that you can then use in Repetier to connect to
the
printer. For more information please see http://printrbot.com/wp-content/
uploads/2012/04/Printrbot-Getting-Started-Guide2.pdf

Windows 8 users: If you are having trouble installing the driver, please try the
steps on http://www.nextofwindows.com/how-to-install-an-un-signed-3rd-
party-driver-in-windows-8/

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Connect your Printrbot

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1. Find a secure table or flat surface on which to print.

2. Place your printer close to your computer and plug in the power source

for your bot.

3. Plug in the mini USB cable to the back of your Printrbot and connect the

other end to a USB port on your computer.

4. You should now have the Printrbot powered on and connected to your

computer.

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 Configure Software

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The following settings are recommendations for your first prints. Over time you
can change and modify them as you get more familiar with your printer as
different 3D models often require different settings for a more accurate and
precise print. The reason for this is that your 3D printer is more like a tool than
an appliance. Every 3D model is unique and often requires a different “tool” to
get the job done. So you will find over time that certain settings work better
than others. It’s also worthy to note that the printers themselves often have
their own personalities and quirks as they have been assembled by hand. So
expect to have small issues here and there as time goes on. With that said, let’s
get your software configured!

Note: The following screenshots and settings were taken from the Mac version.
There may be slight variances when using the Windows and Linux versions.

Configure Repetier Printer Settings

Open Repetier and click on Printer Settings at the top right.

Connection
Select the port that matches your USB connection and set the Baud Rate to
250000. Click the Add button and type “Simple” into the text field that pops up.
Change the cache size to 127 and click Apply and then OK.

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Behavior
Set the extruder temperature to 195 and the heated bed to 0 degrees. Travel
Feedrate should be 500 and check the following boxes.

Dimension
Set all print area settings to 100mm. Click Apply and then OK.

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Configure Slic3r Settings
Select Slicer within Repetier and click on the Configure button

Layers and perimeters

0.3 mm is a good place to start for layer height

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Infill
Rectilinear is a good place to start for fill patterns

Skirt and brim

Set Loops to 2

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Filament
Set your diameter to 1.70

Cooling
Make sure to uncheck the cooling option as there is no fan on the Simple.

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General
Make sure your bed size is set to 100mm and 50mm center points.

Extruder 1
Standard tip size with all bots is currently 0.4 mm. Otherwise enter the
appropriate diameter to match the tip you are using.

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 Functional Pre-Print
Test
7
Before testing your first print, you need to make sure all of your axis are working
as expected on your bot. Connect your printer to your computer and make sure
both of them are powered on.

Manually Set Home Position

In order to begin print on the Simple you will need to manually home the tip of
the hot end to the front, left side of the print bed. Then in Repetier you will click
Set Home in the print panel. Then press Run once the STL file is loaded.

Note: If you are not using Repetier, type G-Code command “G92” after you have
manually homed the hot end. Do NOT click the Home All button on Print Panel.
You must manually set this position as stated above. You have to manually
move the print head and then press Set Home before every print.

This step must happen before every print: Once you've physically placed the
hot end in the front left position on the bed, type command, 'G92 X0 Y0 Z0'.  
This will set the printer to home position. Then type 'M114' and verify that all
values for X,Y,Z are 0.

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Connect to the printer
Click on the Connect button and it should turn green to indicate your are
properly connected

Test the Z axis

Click on both the 10 and -10 buttons for the Z axis. Your extruder should be
able to move up and down freely.

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Test the X axis
Click on both the 10 and -10 buttons for the X axis. Your extruder should be
able to move left and right freely.

Test the Y axis

Click on both the 10 and -10 buttons for the z axis. Your printer’s bed should
be able to move forwards and backwards freely.

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Troubleshooting tip: Commands piling up?
If you are using Repetier V0.90C, you will need to adjust disable “Reset on
Connect” in your Printer Settings.

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19
After you have disabled “Reset on Connect”, click “OK” on the Print Panel
and your commands will be executed.

Test the extruder with initial burn-in temperature

Set your Extruder temperature to 195 and click Set. View the Temperature Curve
graph and wait for the temp to reach 195 on the purple line.

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When the temp has reached 195, open the extruder latch and feed the filament
down into the hot end opening at the hobbed bolt area. For easier access, we
recommend trimming the filament at an angle.

Troubleshooting
If you encounter any movement issues with your axis or extruder, double check
the assembly instructions and check the technical forum at
www.printrbottalk.com for possible quick fix solutions. If you are unable to
resolve the problem quickly, please open a support ticket.

Printing your First 3D

Model
8
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Now that your bot is assembled, connected to your computer, and the software
installed - it’s time to run your first test print!

Download File
Go to www.thingiverse.com and find something to print.  For your first print, we
recommend either the 5mm Calibration Cube or Mr. Jaws.  Click on the big blue
Download button and select either an individual file or the entire zip file.  

Add STL File

After you have downloaded a model, open Repetier and add the .STL file

Slice
The file will drop into the print space, next click on Slice with Slic3r

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Connect
When the slice has completed, click on the Connect button.

Set Temperatures
Next up , you need to set the extruder temp.  Click on the Print Panel and scroll
down to set the temperatures (Extruder 195 for PLA and Heated bed 0) be sure

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to click the Set buttons.  Also, please note that you should now have a green
connect button to indicate that you are connected to your computer.

Temperature Curve
Now click on the Temperature Curve and watch the graph as the extruder and
heat bed rise in temp.  You need to make sure that both of them reach the
purple lines before proceeding to the next step.

Run
Once the proper temperatures have been reached, you can then click on Run to
start the print.  Please note that it may take several seconds (or longer) before
your print actually begins.  Once it does start, the printer will move to home
position (if it's not there already) and then begin to print.  The first thing it will
do is lay down a perimeter line around the area of your model and then it will
start the final print.

After the print completes

The extruder and heat bed will turn off
automatically.  Allow several minutes to
cool before you attempt to remove your
print from the bed.  Please note that the
prints can often be firmly attached to the
bed.  To remove them, you can slightly
twist the print when pulling up as this
will help to break it free.  You can also
try to leverage a thin object underneath
the print to pry it upward when lifting,
but we recommend caution with this
approach as you don't want to cut or
damage the bed with a sharp object like
an Exacto blade, etc.  

Congratulations, you have completed your first 3D print

on the Simple!

Advanced Printing

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24
Now that you have done some basic prints, where do you go from here? Well,
your journey has just begun as there are lots of advanced techniques for printing
highly precise and complex prints; such as micro sized prints and complex
objects.

Technical Forums
Please visit our technical forum at www.printrbottalk.com as we have several
power users that have pushed the limits on what is possible with a 3D printer.
They will be able to give you suggestions and advice on how to successfully print
even the most complex objects.

Community
We also suggest checking out www.reprap.org and interacting with the rest of
the 3D community. Their community portal and New Development pages have
more information on how to get involved.

Common Issues and

Troubleshooting
10
Filament is not extruding
The possible issue may be that either the hot end temp wasn't set to 15 for ABS
or 195 for PLA and/or the filament wasn't being pulled down into the extruder.  
If the filament is still in the hot end, heat up the hot end to 15 for ABS or 195 for
PLA degrees and then open the top latch on the extruder and pull the filament
out.  

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Check the small grooves in the hobbed bolt where the extruder goes into the hot
end.  The grooves may be clogged with filament as this happens when the temp
isn't hot enough and then the filament just ends up grinding against that
hobbled bolt.  Use an Exacto knife to clean out all of the grooves completely.  
Then snip off the end of the filament at an angle and push it down into the hot
end with medium pressure and you should see it extrude out the bottom.  Just
make sure that your hot end temp has reached 215 for ABS or 195 for PLA
before doing this.  You can click on the temp graph in Repetier to view the
current temps.

If you see filament coming out the bottom when manually pushing, pull out the
filament, re-trim the tip, and then feed the filament between the two long bolts
on the top latch down into the extruder hole where the hobbled bolt is.  Then
close the top latch to lock it into place.  Make sure your computer is connected
to the printer and that you are connected in Repetier.  Then click on the manual
extrude button to make sure it comes out.

Print not sticking to bed

We recommend using common masking tape when printing PLA. Be sure that
the tape is covering your desired printing surface. If the print is still not
sticking, try lightly sanding the masking tape with a fine grit sand paper.

Head is dragging across the print

If the nozzle seems to drag through the plastic of the previous layer as it is
printing then first check to be sure that the thermal wrap on the print head is
secure and is not hanging below the level of the nozzle. If it is then slide it up
slightly so that it is clear of the print surface. Be careful, if your heater is turned
on then it will be hot! Make sure there is no plastic debris on or around the
nozzle that may have been left over from a prior print -- even a small piece of
plastic stuck to the side of the nozzle can ruin a print.

Print not correct size (G-Code)

Verify values for X,Y,Z by typing command M501.  Values should be X119 Y119
Z2020 E100.  If for some reason values are not this, change with G-code
command M92 X119.  Save settings on firmware with M500 command.  Type
M501 to verify change has been made.

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Other Problems
For more in depth calibration troubleshooting, please review the Hardware
Calibration and other settings in our original Getting Started Guide - Version 1
http://bit.ly/YX8nct
For all other issues, please visit our technical forum at www.printrbottalk.com for
further assistance and troubleshooting. If needed, please open a support ticket
for all broken and faulty parts at www.printrbot.com/support/

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