JCU Library Experience Procedures

Downloading the software from the Prusa site. 

• Download the latest version of Prusa Slicer from the website currently it is: Prusa Slicer 2.4 software

Please note if you are downloading the file to a JCU owned computer you make need to Make Yourself Admin 

Making yourself admin. 

• Go to the Search bar on your tool bar and type in "Make me Admin"

• Click on "Grant me Administrator Rights" 

Installing the Software. 

• Open the Installer

• Put in your log in details to start the installer
• Select the destination for where you want the program to install to, and then click Next

•  Make sure that the printer is the Prusa i3 MK3 +MMU2s, select the PrusaSlicer 2.4.2 and Utilities

• Click Next to call the file Prusa 3D and to create a shortcut to your desktop

• Check the installation details are correct and then click Install. Once it has been installed click Finish.

Setting up the printer in PrusaSlicer

• When you open the software for the first time it will ask you to set up your printer
• Scroll down until you see the MK3 Family → Select the Original Prusa i3 MK3S & MK3S+ MMU2S by checking the 0.4mm Nozzle

• Keep clicking Next until you get to Filament. 
• Set Up the Filament Profile:
  • Printer: Original Prusa i3 MKs & MK3S+ MMU2S
  • Type: PLA
  • Vendor: Generic
  • Profile: Generic PLA
• Click next

• On the Automatic updates page; check that you want the software to check for updates and to update built-in presets automatically 

• Keep clicking Next until you reach the Files Association page; check the associate .STL and .3mf files to PrusaSlicer box 

• Click Next

• In View mode select Expert Mode 

• Click Finish

• You are now able to Slice files using the PrusaSlicer → Step 2: Slicing the file

The G-Code Viewer

• The viewer should be automatically included when you download PrusaSlicer. 
• You will need to associate the G-Code files with the viewer
• Find a G-Code file
• Right-Click and select properties
• Click on Change in the Opens With section
• Find where your PrusaSlicer program files are kept
• Look for a file called prusa-gcodeviewer.exe
• Select that program to associate the files

Step 1: Processing the LibAnswer Ticket

Students and staff will submit their 3D printing requests through the JCU website, this will generate a ticket in LibAnswers.

• Click on the ticket to claim it.
• Click on the Question Actions icon then Edit to update the following details:

• Question – Enter: 3D Print Job TVL/CNS – Short description of job
• Asked by – Student / staff name/ Alumni
• JCU Email – Student / staff JCU email address (ensure they provide their JCU email and not a personal one such as Gmail/Hotmail as this service is only available to JCU students and staff). If they have not provided their JCU email address respond in the ticket asking them to provide it and check ALMA to ensure that they are student, staff or Alumni, before continuing. 

• In the 3D Prints for Clients spreadsheet, fill in the the following details from the LibAnswer Ticket:
  1. Date the request was received
  2. Ticket number
  3. Patron Campus
  4. Name of the Patron
  5. Whether they are a Staff/Student/ Alumni
  6. Whether it is for a class.
     1. If yes: Fill in the subject code field with the code
     2. If no: Leave Blank
  7. File name
  8. Total number of files to be printed
  9. Colour filament to be used 

• Fill in the following columns using their respective drop down boxes (note these might not  be the same campus as the requester's campus)
  • Campus handling ticket (CNS/TSV)
  • Staff member name who is going to print the request 

• Check the link provided by the client to see if there are any known issues or special requirements for the file/s, if there are fill in yes in the column and give details in the notes column at the end. 

Step 2: Slicing the file

• Download the STL file from the LibAnswer ticket or Thingiverse
• Open the file with the PrusaSlicer software (ideally you should have it set to be the default to open STL files)
• If the file is showing the orange triangle error symbol click it to automatically repair the item

• Make sure that the file still looks printable
• Check the file:
  • If it needs to flip, to print flat,
    • You can use the Place on Face [F] option and click on the side you want to flip it on (PrusaSlicer will automatically generate optimal spots for you select and adjust the file to.

• You can also manually adjust the angle of the file by selecting Rotate [R] and rotating the file.

• If the file needs supports make sure that you select Supports: Everywhere and check the Brim box on the right hand side menu

• You can check generated supports by clicking CTRL + 6

• If the file is larger than the print bed you will need to resize it. You can do this in the Object manipulation field on the bottom of the right hand side menu, you can decrease the size until it fits comfortably on the print bed. (If you adjust either the X, Y or Z sizes it should automatically adjust the other sizes as well)

• Add a raft layer to ensure that the print it sticking to the plate, go to Print Settings at the top of the screen → Select Support Material → And add at least 1-2 raft layers.

• Click export G-Code to export it to the SD Card.

• If you are only doing one colour click export G-Code to export it to the SD Card (If you are doing Multiple colour see notes section)
• Save it as name of file_estimated_print_time_of_file.gcode. This helps with the quoting process.

Step 3: Quoting the print request

• Once slicing has completed it will go back to the print screen. Use the time shown here to generate a cost for the client.

• Use the Pricing Quote tab in the 3D prints for clients spreadsheet to calculate the total print time and costs: R:\LIS_IRS\Library Operations\3D Prints\Prints for clients\3D Prints for clients.xlsx (See Using the price quote tab on the spreadsheet for instructions) 

• Note the total times in the Estimated Print time and Quoted cost columns on the spreadsheet

• Respond to the client with the Error Free -File ready to print macro, with the cost of the job and ask them if they wish to proceed.

  • Pricing guide: $5.00 for the first 5 hours + $0.50 for every additional hour

  • e.g. 3 hour print job = $5.00

  • e.g. 9 hour print job = $5.00 (first 5 hours) + $2.00 (other 4 hours @ $0.50/hr) = $7.00

  • (Please make sure to round to the nearest 50c e.g. $10.63 = $11 or $14.25 = $14.50)

• Change the Macro sent column to Error free – file ready to print

• Once the quote has been accepted fill in yes in the Quote accepted? column, and start to print the file. 

Please note we do not accept pre-payment of print jobs in case it does not print correctly.

Using the Price Quote tab on the spreadsheet.

Fill in the name of the files Fill in the estimated hours for slice. Round the print to the nearest quarter of an hour e.g. 3:15 = 3.25 or 6:45 =6.75 5:30 = 5.5 The total in hours columns will automatically fill. (See Formulas below if it doesn't automatically fill) Fill in how many copies for each file from the LibAnswer ticket in the How many of each print column which will update the Total in hours column. The Total time for print job, Time: less 5hrs, Cost: hours x $1, Total cost and Cost to Quote columns should automatically fill. (Formulas for each column can be found below) Send the estimated time in the Total time quote column and price in Cost to Quote column to the client in the LibAnswers ticket. (The Cost to quote column should automatically round up the price to the nearest $1, please make sure it has before sending it to the client)

Formulas for 3D print cost master

Printing Notes:

Feeding the filament into the 3D Printer: 

Download and view the video for Loading the filament into the MMU2s ^

This is what the filament buffer looks like, make sure you are putting in the filament to the correct tube, this is a mock up of which tube leads to which part of the MMU2s. (Please note there are no numbers on the actual filament buffer)

Step 4: Printing the Request - On the machine

• Turn on the printer from the switch at the back on the machine.
• Put SD Card into the slot on the side of the printer. 
• Place the filament on the corresponding number tray (if you are doing a multicolored print)
• Thread the filament through the Filament buffer into the Multi material Unit → See video for instructions if you aren't sure how to do it. 
• Before you print you need to load the filament before you print:
• From the menu select Load Filament

• You will then have the option to load all, or each individual filaments.
  • If you are only using between 1 - 4 filaments it is better for you to load each filament individually. Use the black dial to scroll and select each filament to load it.
  • If you are using 5 filaments you can select Load all.

• Once you have selected the filament to load, it will display this message while it is loading.
• Once the filament has successfully been loaded, go back to the main menu and scroll until you see Load to Nozzle, click on it

• Select PLA 215/60 to heat up the machine.
• Select the filament to load that you are using to print with (if you are a doing a multi-colour print select then the first colour that you are going to print with)

Once the machine has heated up it will load the filament to the Nozzle and extrude filament

• It will then display a message asking: Nozzle extruding with correct filament?
  • If it is select Yes → continue to step 8
  • If it does not select No and it will try to extrude it again. IF it still does not extrude click the orange X button below the dial and see the troubleshooting guide for what to do next.
• Press black dial to return to the menu, scroll until you see Print from SD Card,

• Select that and then scroll until you find the file you are printing.

• It will then bring up the Info Screen, which will tell you how long the print has remaining, as well as how hot the Nozzle and the Print bed are and start printing the file.

INSERT IMAGE

• Keep an eye on the print job for the first 5minutes to make sure that the raft, test layers and first layers of the print request are sticking to the print base. 
• Continue to check on the print as it prints. 

• Once you have finished printing the request, put Done in the Done column on the spreadsheet and change the Macro column to Object ready for collection

• When the print job is finished let the plate cool down before you remove it from the plate. 
• To remove it from the plate lift up the metal sheet and light bend it so that it comes away from the plate.

• Place the plate back on matching it to the sides of the plate.

Step 4: Printing the Request - spreadsheet

• In the spreadsheet mark the date you start printing the request

• Update how many files you have printed in the How many files printed column

• Once you have completed all files then put the end date in the column and fill in yes in the Done? column

Contacting the Client

Once the job has been completed, contact the client via their ticket in LibAnswers to let them know it is ready to be collected and paid for:

• Log in to LibAnswers and locate the ticket
• Apply the macro Object ready for collection and edit the details as required.
• Add the tag 3D: Print Successful
• Select Reply as Closed

When the client collects the request and processing their payment via SMS 

When the client comes to collect and pay for their 3D print job 

• Confirm the details of the request
  • Check the patrons name (they should have their student/ staff card) 
  • How many files they are collecting
  • Price they have been quoted matches what is on the laminated slip
• Process the payment via SMS (See Using SMS for further instructions on processing payments in SMS)
  • Log in to SMS
  • Click Receipt tab > Enter Batch Reference > and Set up the printer
  • Enter the details for 3D Printing paid for at Client Services
  • Enter the amount paid and Click Save and Clear to print the receipt
  • ** GIVE CLIENT RECEIPTS FROM SMS AND EFT CUSTOMER COPY **

In TSV: When you hand the request item over remove the laminated sheet, write down the Receipt (SMS) number and place in the 3D PRINT PAID AND COLLECTED Tray in the CS area. (On Kait's Desk) 

In the Spreadsheet 

• 3D print team to fill in Yes in the Paid & Collected column and fill in the receipt number from SMS

Multi-Colour Printing: By Layer: 

If you are doing multi- colour printing by layer follow the steps below:

• Click on the Layer button on the bottom right

• Click on when you want to change colours on the timeline on the right, Click on the + symbol to add in a change and click on Change extruder to change which colour to use. You can do this as many times as you want to change colour. (It doesn’t matter what colour you put as the extruders as it will print with whatever colour is in the filament holders)

Multi-Colour Printing: By painting 

If you are doing multi-colour print that you want specific sections to be specific colours see below:

• Click on Multimaterial painting [N] 

• You can either paint with Brush, Smart fill or Bucket fill.  
  • Brush: Works similar to a paint brush, it is limited to what you colour in. 
  • Smart fill: Works as a drop fill option  (like the paint buck in MS paint) and will only fill specific sections if they are not connected
  • Bucket fill: Work similar to the option above except it will fill anything that is the previous colour

• You do not need to change the colours of the First colour and Second colour for it to print on the machine it will use whatever filament is in the machine regardless.
• First Colour is applied by left clicking on the mouse the file, Second colour is applied using right clicking. You are not limited to those two colours to switch to Extruder 3, 4, or 5 click on the arrow next to the Extruder and change it to the other extruder. Please make note of which file you switched to so that you are using the correct mouse button. 
• This is an example of using three colours;

Creating a Slicing profile:

• You can create a slicing profile which will automatically apply printing settings like raft layers and/ or snug supports automatically.
• Go to Print Settings --> Support materials  
• Select Generate Supports
  • Select what type of supports want to generate e.g. Snug/Grid
  • Add rafts (recommend 2 layers)
• ← Click the save button next to your current profile
• Select how you want it to be named

• Click OK, now when you slice a new file you can select the profile to automatically apply supports and rafts. 

PrusaSlicer Keyboard Shortcuts.

Almost every function of PusaSlicer can be accessed via a keyboard shortcut. In addition to that, many functions have an alternative mode that can be accessed with a modifier key. They are a great time-saver and we suggest learning keyboard shortcuts at least for the most commonly used tools, such as the Move M, Rotate R and Scale S tools.

The list of all keyboard shortcuts can be displayed in the Help – Keyboard shortcuts window (or by pressing Shift+?).

Alternatively, you can hover over a tool icon and the keyboard shortcut will be displayed after a short delay.

On macOS, the Command (⌘) key is used instead of the Ctrl key.

All information taken from; 

Prusa Research (2021). Keyboard Shortcuts. Prusa. https://help.prusa3d.com/article/keyboard-shortcuts_1764

Pausing the print Job mid print 

(Useful for troubleshooting MMU loading issues)

1. To pause the print job while its printing press the back button and scroll down until you see Pause Print
2. Select that option with the black button
3. Select Yes to confirm it.
4. Once you have fixed the issue select resume Print to continue

Stopping the print Job mid print

(Use when prints start to go wrong; e.g. start to pull off the plate, filament no longer extruding properly etc...) 

1. To cancel the print job while its printing press the back button and scroll down until you see Stop Print
2. Select that option with the black button
3. Select Yes to confirm it.

Only use the emergency option below if you have no other option ( if it is smoking, or making concerning noises etc...) As it will stop the print and won't eject any filament in the machine.

Prints not sticking to the plate?

Can usually be fixed by adding a raft or a brim

https://forum.prusaprinters.org/forum/original-prusa-i3-mk3s-mk3-assembly-and-first-prints-troubleshooting/pla-not-sticking-to-pei-sheet/

Make sure that you are also Cleaning the plate to ensure this isn't the 

Z-Leveling:

Follow the steps on this page

(TSV) When you are doing a First Layer Z-Layer make sure that it is calibrated for -1.200 not -1.500

Unscrewing the extruder

• Unscrew the screw on the back and left hand side of the extruder this will allow you to open the door and see if there is a blockage. (see images→ →) 
• Try and remove as much of the filament as possible using pliers and wire cutters 
• You can also unscrew the two screws on the top to get better access to the top if you access from within the extruder (Note you should only do this part as a final action)
• Once you have removed all the filament screw everything back together.
• Follow the steps in Step 4: Printing the Request to load the filament to the Nozzle to make sure that it is extruding properly. 

PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU ARE CAREFUL AS THERE IS A SMALL NUT ON THE RIGHT HAND THAT CAN EASILY FALL OUT AND BE LOST.

Cleaning the Machine

Cleaning the sensor on the extruder

• Unscrew, screws on the back and side

• Remove any filament build up by cleaning it using a toothbrush or paint brush
• Re-screw the parts back together and retry.

None of the filament is going through the nozzle

If none of the filament is going through, then most likely, your hotend got clogged. In order to fully clear it, please follow these instructions:

1. Heat up the nozzle to 250 °C for PLA or 270°C for ABS jams.

2. Wait 3-5 minutes and then go to LCD Menu - Load filament. If you cleared the clog and the filament went through, simply lower the temperature to normal and re-do load filament again.

3. If the filament loads successfully, you can resume printing.

If the filament can be loaded and unloaded without any problem, yet it still causes trouble during the print, clean the inside of your hotend using the Cold pull technique. Follow the guide at help.prusa3d.com

If the steps above do not fix the issue and filament is still clogged in the Nozzle, you can heat it up and then remove the clear tubing and push filament through to unclog it.

If too much filament is going through the Nozzle the sensor might be too tight!  See here: https://forum.prusa3d.com/forum/original-prusa-i3-mk3s-mk3-assembly-and-first-prints-troubleshooting/after-filament-load-it-don-t-stop-extruding-even-if-not-printing./

Other Knowledge base articles:

Infill patterns: https://help.prusa3d.com/article/infill-patterns_177130

Contacting Rising Sun.

Email Zak Martin-Taylor (support@risingsunfpv.com.au) give as much detail as possible about the issue. If in TSV it may have to be taken over to their Garbutt shop if large parts need to be replaced as they can do testing as well. 

The invoice will then be sent once it is all fixed.