User manual

13 User Manual
Arduino Materia 101
will not print. If you are working on a STL
downloaded from the internet or given to
you by a client, there is free software for
checking and correcting STL-files, such
as Netfabb. The “slices” are printed in a
specific format (called G-code). This format
is nothing more than a set of instructions
for moving the instrument (cutter, laser
or extruder head) along a path (X, Y, and Z
axes). Each slice contains the commands
to move the extruder on the x and y-axis
and extrude the molten plastic to create
one layer after another and finally make
a whole object. At the end of each layer,
the G-code tells the machine to lower the
z-axis just enough to add a new layer.
Every 3D object can be transformed
with the process of slicing in a variety
of G-code files, each different from
the others depending on the slicing
parameters being used. For example:
the slices have the inside full, empty or
partially empty, or the walls are made
with one, two, three or more passes.
Even the thickness of each layer is one of
the parameters. The same object can be
printed full, empty, with 100 or 200 slices
and more or less robust and stiff despite
all versions having a similar appearance.
PRINTING FILE
The G-code files containing instructions for
moving the various mechanical parts of the
printer according to the specific parameters
and settings have a limited compatibility
between different printers. The STL file of
the template can be used by anyone with a
3D printer to create a printing G-code. The
G-code file works for the printer for which
it was created, but could be unusable with
other printers. G-code files found on the
internet might not be compatible with your
Materia 101 3d printer and might damage
the printer if you try and print them.
The file also sets temperatures for the
extruder and the heated printing bed,
tying the file not only to the printer
but also to the material being used.
As you shall see in the following pages,
with the LCD Panel, it is possible to modify
some parameters when printing. Arduino
Materia 101 offers you the possibility to
edit the G-code in order to adapt it to
different materials without having to redo
the process of slicing. See table on page 17.
STORING THE FILES
The process consists of the stages:
modeling, creation of STL files, slicing into
a G-code file and print. Save the original
file of the 3D modeling program you use,
so as to keep any primitives (mathematical
descriptions of shapes) that compose
the object. Similarly, the STL files should
be stored in order to slice with different
settings. Save the G-code, even in different
versions for the same model, so you can
repeat a print with specific features used
in that particular G-code file, of which
you already know the final results.