Category: 3D Printing

Makerbot Thing-O-Matic Silc3r configuration

I searched around for a while but couldn’t find any definitive (and working) MakerBot Thing-O-Matic configurations for my machine with Sailfish Firmware.  I decided to go about digging through and setting up my own.  My initial reason for doing this was I was having a retraction issue using MakerBot Desktop that, due to it’s non user friendly configuration I just couldn’t get ironed out.  I did not have this problem until I updated to MakerBot Desktop 3.5 earlier this week.  Prior to that I never had an issue.

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Thing-O-Matic PLA & Nylon Printing Notes

PLA Setup:

Must adjust the Z Homing offset for PLA to account for the additional Blue Painters Tape affixed to the build platform.

Platform must be more level since the “noodle” hardens almost instantly.  Perhaps a little pre-heating would help it stick/smush better

Nozzle must be clean.  I preheated to the tool head and cleaned it off with some 000 steel wool.  This prevents the PLA from curling in and sticking to the nozzle.

Need a good purge/anchor when starting the print PLA oozes much more than ABS

Taulman 618 Nylon Setup:

Adjust Z Homing offset same as for PLA (Load PLA profile with blue painters tape affixed to the build platform.

Print with ABS setting and adjust bed temp to 65 and Extruder temp to 245

Make sure  filaments dry – otherwise finish will be sub-par – damp filament is indicated by popping and steam during extrusion

A material datasheet can be found here: Nylon 618 Specification

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Ayer Makerspace Meeting

Met some great people last night at the Ayer Makerspace meeting.  Faisal Mohammed led the meeting along with the Ayer Board of Economic Development.  A common vision for the makespace was discussed along with some proposals for where it might be located and what the people who attended planned to get out of it.  There I met some other makers, tinkerers and inventors like Craig Farnsworth who runs Farns Wood which recycles, reclaims and repurposes wood and other antiques.  Scott Winroth of Winroth LLC a small basement operated 3D modeling and printing company was also there.  He’s was looking for space to bring his company to the next level and to network.

A representative from Duval Sign Company was also there discussing benefits that could be had for both the company and the makers alike.  They have a large format Laser (with a 52×100″ table!) , CNC router and offer painting and finishing services.    They discussed the importance of learning NC (numerical control) systems present in almost every industrial environment today.

Other makers were also represented with folks from the Steam Punk community, people who work with fiber, jewlery, glass and other arts.    There will be more to come on the Ayer makerspace planning and development.