Makerspace Equipment Guides: 3D Printers

Links to help you get started with the Lulzbot Mini 2:

There are two options for controlling the Lulzbot Mini 2. First, you can connect a computer via USB and control the printer via the Cura for Lulzbot software. The second option is to control the printer with the controls on the front, called the Graphical LCD Controller (GLCD). The GLCD is the simplest option, and is great for quick, simple print jobs. 

For more information, consult the Lulzbot Mini 2 User Manual.

Before changing or loading filament, always ensure that the hot end has reached the correct temperature for extrusion. Failing to do so could clog the tool head.

	From the status screen, push the button to be taken to the main option screen. Scroll down and select, "Change Filament".
	Next, select "Preheat PLA". The printer will automatically begin heating the tool head, and retracting the filament.
	Once the machine finishes retracting the filament, squeeze the idler and pull up on the filament to remove.
	While squeezing the idler, insert the new filament into the feed hole.
	With filament inserted. Press button to continue. The machine will start pulling the filament down.
	Watch for the filament to start extruding from the tool head. If purging stops before filament extrudes, select "Purge More" until you see the filament extruding.
	Select "End Filament Change". You may now start printing!

Loading a 3D Model

Moving and Altering a 3D Model

Notes:

The model must be selected with a left click in order to select transformations.

Depending on the selected transformation, spheres or arrow lines will appear around the model. These can be clicked to manually make changes to the model.

X axis is RED

Y axis is GREEN

Z axis is BLUE

Move - Adjust where the model will print on the plate.

Left click and drag on any of the axis arrows to move the object in a single direction.

Left click and drag the object to move it around in any direction.

Type in numeric values (default is mm) to select an exact position on the build plate.

Scale - Change the size of the model.

Default is 100% scale, with Uniform Scaling checked.

Options for scaling: Left click and drag on any of the axis arrows to uniformly increase or decrease the object’s size. (Note: Unclick Uniform Scaling if you wish to stretch the object along one axis.)

Type in a percentage value in the ratio window to scale uniformly to a percentage of the original size.

Type in an exact value (in mm) for one axis (if uniform scaling is selected, all axes will scale proportionally).

Rotate - Adjust the orientation of the model.

Left click and drag on any of the axis spheres to rotate the object in a single direction.

Select the Reset icon to revert to the original position, or select the Lay Flat icon to set the object flat on the build plate.

Type in a degree value to rotate a specific number of degrees on an axis.

Mirror - Create a mirror image of the object, replacing the original object.

Multiply  - Create copies of the object. Selecting this mode will bring up a new window to enter the number of

copies to create.

Print Settings