Technical resource for FDM printing workflows, safety, and maintenance. Whether you are working on a personal project, printing functional parts for an FTC or FRC robot, you will find a ton of useful information here. All members must read the “MANDATORY SAFETY RULES” before operating any printer.
⚠️ MANDATORY SAFETY RULES (Click to Expand) ⚠️
- Hot Surfaces: The nozzle and heat bed reach temperatures over 200°C and 60°C. Never touch them while they are heating or active.
- Moving Parts: Keep hands, hair, and loose clothing clear of the belts and lead screws during operation.
- The First Layer Rule: Stay with the printer until the first 2-3 layers have successfully adhered to the bed. Most failures happen at the start.
- No Scraper Gouging: Be gentle when removing parts. If a part is stuck, let the bed cool completely or use a specialized removal tool to avoid damaging the print bed.
Nozzle Types
| Nozzle | Symbol | Use and Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Brass | [B] | Do not use with abrasive filaments (CF, GF, WF, Glow). |
| E3D Revo Brass | [RB] | Quick change. Not for abrasive filaments. |
| E3D Revo Brass HF | [RBHF] | Quick change. Not for abrasive filaments. |
| Hardened | [H] | Required for abrasive filaments (CF, GF, WF, Glow). |
| High Flow | [HF] | Optimized for Maximum Volumetric Flow |
| Obxidian High Flow | [OBXHF] | Handles all materials. |
On-Site Printers
| Printer | Nozzle | Build Size | Max Temp | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elegoo Giga (1) | 0.6-1.0 B | 800 x 800 x 1000 mm | 300C | Craft Room |
| Prusa Mk3.5s (2) | 0.6 H HF | 250 x 210 x 210 mm | 300C | Common Area |
| Prusa Mk3.5s (2) | 0.4-0.8 RB | 250 x 210 x 210 mm | 300C | Common Area |
| Bambu A1 (1) | 0.4 H | 256 x 256 x 256 mm | 300C | Robotics Room |
| Bambu A1 AMS (1) | 0.4 H | 256 x 256 x 256 mm | 300C | Robotics Room |
Alexactly Print Farm (Conditional Access)
These are not part of the general-use fleet. Access is available for specific project needs. Profiles tuned for Polymaker and 3DFuel.
| Printer | Nozzle | Build Size | Max Temp | Filament Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bambu H2C | Various Sizes | 330 x 320 x 325 | 350C | PETG/ASA/PA/TPU |
| Bambu H2D | 0.6 HF | 350 x 320 x 325 | 350C | PETG/ASA/PA/TPU |
| Bambu P1S | 0.6 H | 256 x 256 x256 | 300C | PETG |
| Bambu P2S | 0.6 H | 256 x 256 x256 | 300C | PLA/PETG |
| Bambu X1C | 0.6 H | 256 x 256 x256 | 300C | PETG |
| Prusa XL 5 Head | 0.4 OBXHF | 360 x 360 x 360 | 290C | Polymaker PETG |
| Raise 3D Pro2+ | 0.4 H | 305 x 305 x 605 | 300C |
Filaments
Bring Your Own Filament (BYOF). You are welcome to any partial spools found in the ‘Free to Use’ section on the top shelf.
Slicers
- Bambu Studio for all Bambu Printers
- Orca Slicer for Elegoo Giga, Prusa, and Bambu Printers
- PrusaSlicer for Prusa Printers especially XL.
Start Up Instructions
- Check the Bed: Ensure the print surface is clean (wipe with 90+% IPA if necessary).
- Load Filament: Use the on-screen menu to preheat and load your chosen material.
- Upload G-Code: Transfer your sliced file via SD Card or the local network.
Shut Down Instructions
- Clear the Bed: Wait for the bed to cool before removing your part.
- Retract Filament: If the printer will be idle for a long period, unload the filament and put it back in the mylar bag to prevent moisture absorption.
- Clean Up: Dispose of any “skirt” lines or plastic debris.