LulzBot Printer Guide

3D Printing – LulzBot Taz 6 – Guide


You can use SketchUp, 3D Builder, SolidWorks or a variety of other software for your design. Key things to know before getting started.

  • You will need to export your project as an .STL, .OBJ or .3MF file. STL is most common.
  • CURA is the Lulzbot software and it can automatically:
    • build an internal support structure with varying degrees of fill density
    • implement external support structure (as needed) which can later be easily removed
  • Remember, the printer settings must match the filament material you are using! This adjust temperatures of the nozzle and bed and feed rate.
  • You will be taught how to correctly and safely, install the filament into the machine. Doing this step incorrectly is probably what poses the most significant risk of the machine being damaged. 
  • If you don't know how - don't do it. Ask someone

Simple (PLA) Instructions:

  1. Turn on the Printer
  2. Use the scrolling wheel to select ‘Temperature’
  3. Go to ‘Nozzle’ and increase the value from 0 to 210 for PLA (different filaments have different melting points so check what you have), push the scroll wheel in to select.
  4. You should see, in the top left corner of the screen, the set temperature and the current temperature, when they are both at 210 proceed to step 5.
  5. Remove the “Spring Arm” from the printer head (and remove the currently installed filament).
  6. Make sure the filament you are installing has a clean-cut end and insert into the small hole inside the printer head, near the feed mechanism
  7. Push firmly, wiggle it about if necessary, and continue doing so until you see the filament begin to extrude. It may insert further into the head than you expect.
  8. Extrude a couple cm of filament by continuing to push the filament in and then re-engage the “Spring Arm” mechanism.
  9. Good to Go!

 

These settings are crucial to making sure the print will run smoothly.

Another tip: If you want to further ensure the success of your print, and are willing to sacrifice some print quality, deselect 'Enable Retraction'. You may notice some gobs on the walls, or stringing between points but this greatly decreases the chance of print failure.

 

There are other settings that you can modify to your discretion depending on your print. These include:

 

  • Fill Density: Under the ‘Basic’ tab in the ‘Fill’ section

This value determines the percentage of internal space within the ‘walls’ of your object which will be filled by an automatically generated internal structure of material. Between 0% and 20% is a good amount for many kinds of jobs; however if you want to design your object to endure more stress, you can go to a higher percentage. 100% is a solid object.

 

  • Support type: Under the ‘Basic’ tab in the ‘Support’ section

If your part has any sections that overhang the build plate without anything underneath them, like an arch for example, Support should be turned on. ‘Everywhere’ is the preferred setting. If using support, click the ‘...’ next to Support Type and change the Fill Amount to 20%. This should make the support material easier to remove.

 

  • Platform Adhesion type: Under the ‘Basic’ tab in the Support section

Many objects will not require this option. Jobs with a small base area and jobs which are exhibiting a tendency to pull away from the build plate may require this option. A ‘brim’ is your first choice. It is the easiest to remove and uses the least amount of plastic. However, if you are still having problems, a raft may be necessary. [Attempting to resolve by increasing Bed Temperature is recommended before attempting to use the ‘Raft’ option.]

 

  • Printing Speed Options: Speeds of individual printer functions can be manipulated. Hover cursor over each to read about their meanings. These settings do not typically need to be changed, but it is an option.

 

Switching from another filament to PLA:

ON 3D PRINTER:

1. Heat nozzle to whichever temp is higher (ABS temp is 245)

2. Remove old filament

3. Insert PLA filament and push through until only PLA comes through

4. Set heat back to PLA temp (212)

 

ON CURA:

1. File- open profile

2. Documents (this PC) -> 3D print -> Filament profiles -> PLA-175-Generic.ini -> open

3. Change settings as needed, note that the default PLA profile is 1.75 mm diameter