LulzBot Mini
- This is a brief instruction of 3D printer LulzBot Mini in our lab.
Overview †
- LulzBot Mini is a 3D printer.
- Fused deposition modeling (FDM) type.
- Open source hardware and software.
- A range of filaments are available.
- Soft filament: NinjaFlex (Hardness A85)
- Build volume: 152mm x 152mm x 158mm
- Filament Diameter: 3mm
- Nozzle Diameter: 0.50mm
- Layer Thickness: From 0.05mm to 0.50mm
- How to control? Use Cura via USB connection.
- How to make a model? Use any 3D CAD software and export as an STL format.
Reference †
- LulzBot Mini
- Download
- Note: Use APT for installing Cura.
- Quick Start Guide
- Anatomy of LulzBot Mini
- User Manual
- Cura
- LEARN - News, Tutorials, Events, Case Studies, and More
- OHAI_ Open Hardware Assembly Instructions
Making 3D Models †
3D CAD Software †
There are many 3D CAD software including free software.
- FreeCAD is a free CAD software (I'm using FreeCAD).
- Blender is also free.
- FreeCAD vs. Blender
- Comparison of computer-aided design editors
- Top 20 Engineering CAD Software 2017
- 無料で使える3D CADのフリーソフトを比較してみました!
- Solidworks
- AudoCAD
Resource of 3D Models †
Maybe you do not have to reproduce 3D models that someone already made. Search from the following resources:
Let me know if you know resources to be listed here.
Yale OpenHand is interesting:
Hardware Setup †
(This is already done.)
Follow the instruction of Quick Start Guide.
Software Setup (Cura) †
(Installation of Cura is not necessary for users. Cura is installed on the LulzBot control PC.)
Cura LulzBot Edition is a software to control LulzBot. It read mesh data from an STL file, and converts it to 3D printing commands. It works on Linux, Mac, and Windows.
Installation: Ubuntu †
Follow the instruction.
Run:
$ wget -qO - http://download.alephobjects.com/ao/aodeb/aokey.pub | sudo apt-key add -
Add the next line to /etc/apt/sources.list
deb http://download.alephobjects.com/ao/aodeb wheezy main
Run:
$ sudo apt-get update $ sudo apt-get install cura
ERROR: Cura depends on python-wxgtk3.0 which cannot be installed on Ubuntu Trusty. Solution:
$ sudo apt-add-repository ppa:adamwolf/kicad-trusty-backports $ sudo apt-get update $ sudo apt-get install cura
It is necessary to add user to dialout group. Use usermod (a guide).
Usage:
$ sudo usermod -G GROUP-NAME USER-NAME
Check the groups before executing the command!
$ groups $ sudo usermod -g USER -G USER,adm,cdrom,sudo,dip,plugdev,lpadmin,sambashare,dialout USER
Note: Replace USER by your user account. All groups must be included in the -G option.
How to Print? †
First Print †
For the first print, follow the step-by-step tutorial of Quick Start Guide. Skip the hardware setup. Skip the filament replacement if you want to use the current filament.
Changing filament †
This instruction includes an easy-to-understand video.
Configure 3D Printing (Cura) †
For configuring 3D printing, read the User Manual where the usage of Cura is also written.
- Left click: select the object, etc.
- Right click: popup menu.
- Right drag: Rotate the view.
- Modes:
High speed ----- Standard ----- High detail Fast <---- -------- ----- Slow Coast ----- -------- ----> Fine
- Select "Overhang" view (right top) to see the contacting surface.
- Select "Layers" view to see the trajectory of the hot end.
- Use "Print support structure" when the model contains floating parts (no structure underneath).
- When you change the material, find a configuration for the material from the pull-down menu. Change "Material ease of use" and "Material".
Special Tool Head †
Special tool head (LulzBot Mini Flexystruder Tool Head) is necessary when printing a material such as NinjaFlex. We have the tool head. For replacing the tool head, read the instruction.
Running Cost †
The cost of PolyLite PLA is approx. 4,100 JPY/kg. So the cost of a 10 g object is 41 JPY. NinjaFlex is more expensive: 11,500 JPY/kg.
Sometimes we need to change the parts for maintenance.
- LulzBot Wiper Replacement Kit, 5PK, US$10.00
- Bed Leveling Washer, US$6.00
- LulzBot Mini PEI Sheet, US$25.00
- LulzBot Mini Heat Bed Kit, US$95.00
- Note: Currency conversion fee and importing fee are added.
- More parts: https://www.lulzbot.com/store/parts
Maintenance LulzBot Mini †
Read "3 Maintaining Your 3D Printer" of the User Manual. For the names of the components, refer to Anatomy of LulzBot Mini.
Also read the following articles:
- Keep Your LulzBot Mini in Tip-Top Shape
- Replacing PEI on the LulzBot Mini Workflow
- Maintenance and Repairs
Using FreeCAD †
Installation on Ubuntu †
FreeCAD on repository is out of dated! Follow this instruction.
$ sudo add-apt-repository ppa:freecad-maintainers/freecad-stable $ sudo apt-get update $ sudo apt-get install freecad freecad-doc
Usage †
cf. Reference.
How to change the mouse operation:
Edit->Preferences-->Display->3D View->3D Navigation
Reference †
Q and A †
How to bring my STL files? †
- Bring them with a USB flash memory.
- Upload them on cloud like Dropbox, Google Drive, GitHub, etc. and download them on the LulzBot PC.
- Send them to yourself by e-mail and download them on the LulzBot PC.
Can I print freely? †
No.
Make an appointment with Akihiko Yamaguchi. He will help you to print.
Can I use my own filament? †
If LulzBot is compatible with that filament, it is okay to use it. At least the filament diameter should be 3 mm. Upgrading Cura might be necessary for the up-to-date materials.
Can I use a lot of filament? †
Ask the staff who pays the filament.
Can I use the control PC for making 3D models? †
No. Use your PC to make 3D models.