Heated Build Plate

Posted on September 29, 2013 by flackmonkey

I received the heated build plate I order for my replicator 2 (http://bctechnologicalsolutions.com/hbp/index.html) and I must say that it is great. Bottleworks really did a fantastic job making a professional product. Installation was easy and there was no modification to my Replicator 2 for the installation. Everything works as designed.

I generally use Makerware for prints and there is a modification to the device definition required to force Makerware to allow configuration of the platform temperature for a build. Thanks to Guidozelf for figuring this out (Makerbot Operators). Basically it involves modifying three section in the in C:\Program Files (x86)\MakerBot\MakerWare\s3g\profiles\ Replicator2.json related to the heated platform. These sections are copy and pasted from Replicator2X.json in the same directory for reference.

This is my file that is working (no mods from the default except the HBP sections):

Replicator2

One thing I noticed when testing the heat is that the stock z-arms sag quite significantly when the build plate is heated. I was planning on buying his aluminum z arms http://www.bctechnologicalsolutions.com/arm-upgrade/index.html I just didn’t expect to buy them so soon. Oh well they are on order and hopefully I will get them soon. No worries printing with PLA does not need heat (most of the time).

KIFA Presentation Wed. September 25 at 6:30PM

Posted on September 20, 2013 by flackmonkey

I will be giving a presentation on 3D printing for the Kent Island Federation of Arts (KIFA) this coming Wednesday at 6:30. This will be mostly the same presentation that I gave at Unallocated space back in June (http://www.3dprintmd.com/print/reminder-and-slides-intro-to-3d-printing-and-3d-design-fri-june-21-7pm-10pm-unallocated-space/). It is very cool to share 3D printing with the world… after all that what this site is all about!

KIFA Member’s Meeting

When: Wednesday, September 25, 2013 at 6:30

Where: Kent Island Branch Public Library, meeting room

In the meantime I designed a key chain for the presentation. Enjoy!

It’s too easy

Posted on September 8, 2013 by flackmonkey

Another lesson from: Is it plastic? I can make that!

I was working on my RV this weekend and found the plastic part on the drawer rail was broken. The screw flange on one side was broken and the other side was completely missing. Less than 10 mins later I had a design and got my printer working as I went back to doing other things. It only took 37 mins to print and another 5 mins to install. In total it was easily less than the time it would have taken me to drive to the store and back. Not only that, it only cost about $0.25 in plastic. I am starting to wonder why everyone doesn’t have a 3D printer now days. Maybe if I keep sharing these easy wins people will start to pay attention.