RepRap

From ArchWiki


Tango-go-next.pngThis article or section is a candidate for moving to 3D Printing.Tango-go-next.png

Notes: RepRap is a project from the early days of hobbyist 3D printing and is much less relevant these days. Mention of several pieces of popular and heavily used modern software such as PrusaSlicer and OctoPrint is missing as well. It would be better to migrate to a generic 3D printing page with RepRap as a subsection. (Discuss in Talk:RepRap)

RepRap is an open-source 3D printer project. A RepRap prints objects of plastic and is intended for rapid-prototyping, the printer itself is built with small plastic parts which can be printed out and replaced. This page explains how to install RepRap host software on Arch Linux and how to print 3D models. More information is available on the RepRap homepage.

Installation

Note: Custom firmware may be available to you from your electronics supplier, it may even be pre-installed.

Many of the controller chips for RepRap are arduino based, or arduino derived (such as Melzi). Figure out what electronics you have from the RepRap Official Electronics page. You will also find what firmware you have on that page.

Follow the arduino wiki page if you have an arduino based controller. Do the Installation and Configuration steps.

Install the host software by following this guide Installing RepRap on your computer. There are alternative host software solutions which are easier to install and are described in the following sections.

Configuration

Note: If you do not have firmware installed on your electronics, you may not be able to connect via USB or control the motors.

Connect your 3D printer to your computer and run the host software. Use the host software's user interface to send commands to the printer.

Warning: If you have not tested your printer previously, make sure you have your hand on the emergency stop button (your power plug). Do not let the hotend go through the hotbed, if the stepper motors do not stop when they reach the end stoppers or move the wrong way, stop the printer and check your wiring.

Host software alternatives

Cura

Run cura 

$ cura

Configure it to use RepRap in the startup configuration wizard. Select the RepRap model you are using, or select Custom RepRap.

Lulzbot by Aleph Objects 

$ usermod -a -G uucp username

MatterControl

MatterControl is a combined slicer/host similar to Cura. Install mattercontrolAUR from AUR, then run it. 

$ mattercontrol

Repetier

Repetier is a little like pronterface.

Read more at http://www.repetier.com/

See Also

Calibration

3D models & STL files

https://www.thingiverse.com/

Manual

http://reprapbook.appspot.com/