Lulzbot Instructions

Basic instructions for the HacDC Lulzbot 3D printers

Create a model with CAD software

Create your model with ImplicitCAD or OpenSCAD. Creating your model is beyond the scope of this document, but the two previous links include documentation. The model will be saved with the extension or .escad or .scad respectively.

Export CAD model to a STereoLithography (STL) file

Your model should then be exported as a STereoLithography file with the extension .stl. OpenSCAD can do this from the File -> Export menu. ImplicitCAD appears to use a separate program:

   $ extopenscad model.escad model.stl

Export STL file to G-code printer instructions file

While the .escad and .scad files are unique to the apps above, the .stl file is a standard understood by many programs. Some(?) printers understand STL files directly. Our Lulzbot printers are not among them. The STL file must be further converted into a series of instructions that tell the printer exactly how to calibrate, heat, move, extrude, and cool.

Again there is a widely used standard: G-code. G-code files, logically enough, typically have the extension .gcode. Cura, among other programs, reads STL files and produces G-code files. Slic3r is another such program. (See the Slic3r manual for more info.)

Use Lulzbot's Cura, not "standard" Cura! The link above will take you to the right place.

Finally! From virtual to physical. PRINT!

1. Turn computer and 3D printer on.
2. After boot, login as root. The password is printed on the monitor.
3. Insert USB stick (or get your .gcode to the computer by other means).
4. Start pronsole.

Command	Notes
$ lsblk	List USB devices
$ mount /dev/sdb2 /mnt	Mount USB
$ ls /mnt
$ cd /mnt
$ ls
$ pronsole
> connect
> settemp 190	Remove any filament that may be stuck in extruder
> load ....	Tab to complete name
> print
> monitor
> exit

The Lulzbot Mini will eventually move the extruder head up

Command	Purpose
$ pronsole
> connect /dev/ttyACM0	or connect /dev/ttyACM1
> home x	watch the printers to see which responds

   login: root
   $ lsblk
   $ mount /dev/sdb2 /mnt
   $ ls /mnt
   $ cd /mnt
   $ ls
   $ pronsole
   > connect
   > settemp 190
   > load ...
   > print
   > monitor
   > exit