My Journey into 3D Printing

[project510]

Before yesterday, my experience with 3D printing was searching Thingiverse for files to send to my brother to print for me. Well, the time for that is over and it is now my turn to learn and print on my own.
My brother recently upgraded to a fancy Bamboo unit so he did what brothers do, and handed me down his older unit. I have wanted to get into this for a while, but its difficult getting into a new hobby. Money, time, learning time.. but I finally made the plunge.
Plan is to post my experience here, success, failures & Prints.

My main goal aside from saving some money printing my own shop tools and supplies, is I want to learn Fusion360 and to create my own designs. I want to eventually upgrade to a better unit like the Bamboo and have more materials available at higher quality.

Specs:
Creality Ender 3 S1 Pro 
Runs Klipper off Linux via a Raspberry Pi tablet - Remote capabilities so I can print from phone/PC or Tablet
X & Y axis have bearing raised linear rails
Bed has been upgraded to a 6mm cast alloy bed (Much flatter than oem bed)
All Metal Extruder including gears.
Dual 5015 Cool side fans with direct shroud to increase cooling
40mm Nochua fan for hot end
Upgraded hot end with bi-metal heat break

All these upgrades decrease print time, its about 5x faster than stock



Future plans/upgrades: Not many if at all

Dust proof cover - My garage is a 3D printers nightmare due to the woodworking. I just ordered a dust proof cover that allows it to print fully enclosed.


Anyways, thanks for checking this out. Follow along if you feel like it. If you have experience in 3D printing, feel free to provide input. This can be a learning experience not just for myself but for anyone else reading.

[keavdog]

Should be fun to watch. Not ready to jump in but curious for sure. And I really like the after market printed stuff.

[stikpusher]

[project510]

The first lesson I learned, which was yesterday during our install was mesh bed leveling. It kind fo scares you the first time you see this rendering, because its pretty wavy haha. But, when you realize its measuring to like a thousandth of a mm or whatever, its pretty damn flat.
Its a semi lengthy process but a necessary one. Anytime you move the machine, change or remove the bed, all of it. Have to do it all over again. The idea here is you want your first/base layer as perfectly flat as possible to give yourself the best outcome on the full print.




After we were leveled, I learned how to insert the material and we were ready to start test prints.

Like I mentioned before we started with the base layer, making several prints to get the base layer height spot on. It took me 4 attempts to get it locked in. You can see the two photos below give you a basic idea of what we were doing.

 

After we got our base layer locked in, we moved to our first real test print. Just a simple cube. But it allowed us to check the infill, edges, and general quality. Now that I mentioned infill, I forgot what my brother told me as far as what we are using so I will have to ask him. But there are SEVERAL different types of infill prints depending on what you are making. Our cube turned out really good.



After the cube, we were ready to make a real print, and of course my first print ever had to be a Pokémon character for my son. So we printed Mew.

This was actually a good first print, as I had to use the software so create a support for the tail during printing. I should have recorded it, so I will print another and record the process of doing that. Plus, I already forgot how to do it fully haha. You can see the left over bits from that support that you have to clean off. Its the same stuff you see on 3D printed resin parts for our models. Those irritatingly tiny little support parts holding the piece you have to ever so gently clip apart. Uhgg.. Anyways, as you can see black filament is not the best for fun things, and for photographing them. But this was mainly bought for testing prints and for shop stuff. Ill be ordering color filament soon.

 

So after this, I was confident the printer was fully dialed in so I went to work. My first print for myself was a Sprue holder. The main reason for this printer aside from being a learning tool is for stuff I need in the work shop. The sprue holder was tool numero uno!


 



See ya next time!

[kyledehart5]

Good stuff James. I’ll be following along. I’ll likely not get a printer myself anytime soon but I do enjoy seeing what guys print. Endless possibilities.

[TJ]

I wish I had a chance to get a hand me down printer.

[406 Silverado]

You lucky DOG!!! I've been wanting a 3D printer for a LONG while now but haven't had the extra money to buy one with OR the extra time in which to learn and/ or set up the proper area for one. This is just great news for you buddy.

[Steve Zuleski]

Wow, you ain't kiddin, learning a new technique takes time, trial and error. Mastering this will be a major bonus to your bench. I must say, dust in the wood shop is a bugger, especially when laying down resin or finishes. No matter how long you let that air cleaner run, there's always going to be a speck showing up somewhere. Good call on the cover, at least minimizing the dust will be a big help.

[handiabled]

Definitely following along with you on this. It looks like your getting a grasp on it pretty quick

[project510]

Aug 5, 2024 3:47:23 GMT -5 kyledehart5 said:

Good stuff James. I’ll be following along. I’ll likely not get a printer myself anytime soon but I do enjoy seeing what guys print. Endless possibilities.

Yea, there are a lot of options. Lots of useful things to print besides toys for the kid!

Aug 5, 2024 3:51:21 GMT -5 TJ said:

I wish I had a chance to get a hand me down printer.

Its a safe and affordable way to get into it. Cheaper also!

Aug 5, 2024 4:22:53 GMT -5 406 Silverado said:

You lucky DOG!!! I've been wanting a 3D printer for a LONG while now but haven't had the extra money to buy one with OR the extra time in which to learn and/ or set up the proper area for one. This is just great news for you buddy.

Yea I understand. I wouldn't have been able to buy new, let alone one with all the upgrades. I paid my brother $150 which is a fair value for it, but not counting all the upgrades, and spare parts, and the raspberry pie he spent 5x that for sure. Plus I have free 24 hour tech support haha.

Aug 5, 2024 6:55:36 GMT -5 Steve Zuleski said:

Wow, you ain't kiddin, learning a new technique takes time, trial and error. Mastering this will be a major bonus to your bench. I must say, dust in the wood shop is a bugger, especially when laying down resin or finishes. No matter how long you let that air cleaner run, there's always going to be a speck showing up somewhere. Good call on the cover, at least minimizing the dust will be a big help.

Yea, assuming the reviews are correct on the cover I bought, it shouldn't be an issue once it gets here (tomorrow) because its a self contained unit. I can store and print with it inside the cover. When working with wood, I will add a plastic bac over the cover for additional protection. Either way, this isnt a 3D printing business haha so as long as I am happy.. there ya go!

Aug 5, 2024 8:14:46 GMT -5 handiabled said:

Definitely following along with you on this. It looks like your getting a grasp on it pretty quick

Thanks! The setup and printing wasn't hard, since I had my brother with me guiding me through. The software has a bazillion options and things to click and screw up so that's the real learning area. We will see tonight, hopefully I will do my first print solo.

[brandonk]

This is certainly changing our hobby. I see more and more incredible work done solely due to the ability to print 3D parts and figures. The next decade will be one to stay tuned for. Now you can make some money by selling your inventions to the MSC members.

I was looking at your sprue holder and I know I saw a piece fall off. I think sprues molt naturally.

[chromdome35]

I've considered adding a "3D Printing for Modeling" subboard to the forums; what does everyone think of this idea?

I bought my 1st 3D Printer this year, and there are a lot of modeling-related use cases. The resin printers are capable of quality as good as any sprue you'll find in a kit. The FDM Printers (Like Project 501's and mine) can also print models, but with less fidelity. They are great for printing modeling accessories like 501's Sprue holder.

[project510]

Aug 5, 2024 9:53:58 GMT -5 brandonk said:

This is certainly changing our hobby. I see more and more incredible work done solely due to the ability to print 3D parts and figures. The next decade will be one to stay tuned for. Now you can make some money by selling your inventions to the MSC members.

I was looking at your sprue holder and I know I saw a piece fall off. I think sprues molt naturally.

hahah I don't think I lost any pieces.. but I will check. It will be fun the next few years for sure!

Aug 5, 2024 11:48:36 GMT -5 chromdome35 said:

I've considered adding a "3D Printing for Modeling" subboard to the forums; what does everyone think of this idea?

I bought my 1st 3D Printer this year, and there are a lot of modeling-related use cases. The resin printers are capable of quality as good as any sprue you'll find in a kit. The FDM Printers (Like Project 501's and mine) can also print models, but with less fidelity. They are great for printing modeling accessories like 501's Sprue holder.

I KNEW you had posted something. I searched for like an hour but could not remember exactly who had recently posted about buying one. I think there is enough interest for its own section. We are not the only ones printing things. I've seen a few others. And with a new section I'm assuming that would only grow to more and more people over time. Also, I would LOVE to get into resin printing. Specially since I am already getting set up in the garage.

[chromdome35]

Aug 5, 2024 12:26:31 GMT -5 project510 said:

Aug 5, 2024 9:53:58 GMT -5 brandonk said:

This is certainly changing our hobby. I see more and more incredible work done solely due to the ability to print 3D parts and figures. The next decade will be one to stay tuned for. Now you can make some money by selling your inventions to the MSC members.

I was looking at your sprue holder and I know I saw a piece fall off. I think sprues molt naturally.

hahah I don't think I lost any pieces.. but I will check. It will be fun the next few years for sure!

Aug 5, 2024 11:48:36 GMT -5 chromdome35 said:

I've considered adding a "3D Printing for Modeling" subboard to the forums; what does everyone think of this idea?

I bought my 1st 3D Printer this year, and there are a lot of modeling-related use cases. The resin printers are capable of quality as good as any sprue you'll find in a kit. The FDM Printers (Like Project 501's and mine) can also print models, but with less fidelity. They are great for printing modeling accessories like 501's Sprue holder.

I KNEW you had posted something. I searched for like an hour but could not remember exactly who had recently posted about buying one. I think there is enough interest for its own section. We are not the only ones printing things. I've seen a few others. And with a new section I'm assuming that would only grow to more and more people over time. Also, I would LOVE to get into resin printing. Specially since I am already getting set up in the garage.

I created a new sub board for 3d printing and moved this thread to it.

[brandonk]

Aug 5, 2024 11:48:36 GMT -5 chromdome35 said:

I've considered adding a "3D Printing for Modeling" subboard to the forums; what does everyone think of this idea?

I bought my 1st 3D Printer this year, and there are a lot of modeling-related use cases. The resin printers are capable of quality as good as any sprue you'll find in a kit. The FDM Printers (Like Project 501's and mine) can also print models, but with less fidelity. They are great for printing modeling accessories like 501's Sprue holder.

Honestly, I would love to see a subboard for 3D resin printing and resin casting. It would be nice to discuss these things in this group rather than search the web for other threads with peeps you don't know. I'm just starting the casting journey and I think the two compliment each other.

[project510]

Aug 5, 2024 13:11:01 GMT -5 chromdome35 said:

Aug 5, 2024 12:26:31 GMT -5 project510 said:

hahah I don't think I lost any pieces.. but I will check. It will be fun the next few years for sure!

I KNEW you had posted something. I searched for like an hour but could not remember exactly who had recently posted about buying one. I think there is enough interest for its own section. We are not the only ones printing things. I've seen a few others. And with a new section I'm assuming that would only grow to more and more people over time. Also, I would LOVE to get into resin printing. Specially since I am already getting set up in the garage.

I created a new sub board for 3d printing and moved this thread to it.

Thanks Brian! Maybe this will inspire others to post their stuff!

Aug 5, 2024 13:58:03 GMT -5 brandonk said:

Aug 5, 2024 11:48:36 GMT -5 chromdome35 said:

I've considered adding a "3D Printing for Modeling" subboard to the forums; what does everyone think of this idea?

I bought my 1st 3D Printer this year, and there are a lot of modeling-related use cases. The resin printers are capable of quality as good as any sprue you'll find in a kit. The FDM Printers (Like Project 501's and mine) can also print models, but with less fidelity. They are great for printing modeling accessories like 501's Sprue holder.

Honestly, I would love to see a subboard for 3D resin printing and resin casting. It would be nice to discuss these things in this group rather than search the web for other threads with peeps you don't know. I'm just starting the casting journey and I think the two compliment each other.

Thats the goal, to get to resin printing and 3d modeling my own parts. Maybe instead of drooling over a $150 Hobby Designs resin wide body kit ill be able to print my own. LOL

[project510]

So because I am new to 3D printing, that means I am also new to the programs used to work with it. So far, since I am not creating m own designs I am working with three. 

The printer originally came with this control panel. To get files into the printer they needed to be transferred via SD Card. 



My brother (Gene) being the tech lover that he is, quickly removed this and added the Klipper firmware, which as two components. The firmware on the printer, and also standalone computer that connects to the printer. 



So printer runs Klipper firmware, but web interface for the computer is called Fluid. This shows you everything that is happening with he print/printer. 



Before these files get input here, they are first uploaded to a separate Slicer program called SuperSlicer. Slicer takes your STL file that you have downloaded say from Thingiverse or Printables and converts it into a gcode file. This is where my knowledge ends haha. 
According to my brother gcode is a cnc programming language used by the entire cnc ecosystem as well as 3D printers. Here you can scale up or down your prints, add supports to the files for printing, and also add multiple items to print at the same time which I hope to learn soon. 

[kyledehart5]

Pretty cool stuff.

[keavdog]

I'm sure there's a lot to learn.

[floki]

That's a nice looking rig, not much of anything left of the original Ender 3 there. I recently got rid of both of my Enders and got a Bambulab P1S with AMS system. If you need any help with Fusion360 send me a message I've been working with it and printers for about 6years now

[project510]

Aug 6, 2024 19:52:59 GMT -5 floki said:

That's a nice looking rig, not much of anything left of the original Ender 3 there. I recently got rid of both of my Enders and got a Bambulab P1S with AMS system. If you need any help with Fusion360 send me a message I've been working with it and printers for about 6years now

Ill be sure to do that floki, thanks!

[project510]

Well, we made our first mistake tonight. I am 3 hours into a 11 hour rpint, so I am going to ride it out and see what happens haha.




In more positive news, we got our dust cover.

[handiabled]

Oops! Does It seem to be effecting it where it's noticeable already?

[project510]

Aug 7, 2024 2:17:28 GMT -5 handiabled said:

Oops! Does It seem to be effecting it where it's noticeable already?

So I mistakenly thought that was to keep the filament like in line with extruder or something, but its actually a runout sensor of some kind. If the filament roll ends it knows, and pauses your print. It printed totally fine!


 

[project510]

Attempting my first multiple item print this morning. SuperSlicer makes copying items so you can print more than one at a time pretty simple.

[chromdome35]

Aug 7, 2024 11:05:44 GMT -5 project510 said:

Attempting my first multiple item print this morning. SuperSlicer makes copying items so you can print more than one at a time pretty simple.

Since I'm in the Bambu ecosystem I use Bambu's slicer; however, it is a branch of Orca Slicer which I also use and really like. Orca is generic to printer brands so it would probably work with your printer.

There is a LOT to learn with 3D printing:

1) 3D design via 3D modeling software
2) How to slice a model for printing
3) Your particular printer

If you just buy your models online you can skip #1, but you have to learn 2 & 3.

[project510]

Aug 7, 2024 11:22:57 GMT -5 chromdome35 said:

Aug 7, 2024 11:05:44 GMT -5 project510 said:

Attempting my first multiple item print this morning. SuperSlicer makes copying items so you can print more than one at a time pretty simple.

Since I'm in the Bambu ecosystem I use Bambu's slicer; however, it is a branch of Orca Slicer which I also use and really like. Orca is generic to printer brands so it would probably work with your printer.

There is a LOT to learn with 3D printing:

1) 3D design via 3D modeling software
2) How to slice a model for printing
3) Your particular printer

If you just buy your models online you can skip #1, but you have to learn 2 & 3.

Yup! Ill be posting my experience soon. Im learning about adding supports in SuperSlicer. Once I get all the basics of printing down, Ill move onto to learning how to create my own models. For now, free ones online is enough for me.

[project510]

Another fun, and useful print tonight.

[handiabled]

Sweet! It looks like your workspace is getting even more upgrades

[TJ]

Now I think I know what I want Santa to bring me