Contents
Part 1: Getting Started with 3D Printing
Chapter 1: Introduction to 3D Printing
Thingiverse: An Object Repository
Minimum and Maximum Endstops and Crashes
Extrusion Mechanism (Extruder)
What You Can Expect from a 3D Printer
Chapter 2: Getting a 3D Printer
Cooling Fans for the Print Bed
Reasons for Building Your Own 3D Printer
Reasons for Buying a Ready-to-Print 3D Printer
Chapter 3: 3D Printer Building: Tips for a Successful Build
Chapter 4: Configuring the Software
Setting up and Configuring the Firmware on Your Printer
Installing Software on Your Computer
Choosing Your Printer Controller
Project: Building a 3D Printer Print Server
Setting up the Raspberry Pi Hardware
Setting up the Raspberry Pi Software
Chapter 5: Calibrating the Printer
Calibrating the Stepper Drivers
Chapter 6: Printing for the First Time
Preparing the Printer for Printing
Chapter 7: Solving Hardware Issues
Choose a Cause and Implement a Strategy to Correct
Chapter 8: Solving Software Issues
Part 3: Maintenance and Enhancements
Chapter 9: 3D Printer Maintenance: Inspection and Adjustment Tasks
Getting Started with Maintenance
Keep Your Area Clean and Free of Clutter
Organize Your Tools for Quick Access
Chapter 10: 3D Printer Maintenance: Preventive and Corrective Tasks
Replacing Broken or Worn Plastic Parts
Chapter 11: 3D Printer Enhancements
Upgrading Your Printer: Getting Started
Do Your Research: Finding Upgrades
Set Your Goals and Expectations
Generic Upgrades: Your First Upgrade
MakerBot Replicator 2 (and 2X)
Chapter 12: Working with Objects
Example: Creating a Thread Spool
Chapter 13: Taking It to the Next Level
Example: Uploading a Thing to Thingiverse
Ideas for Using Your 3D Printer
Appendix: Common Problems and Solutions