3D Printer First Print

Introduction

Here is a full procedure for getting the 3D printer to its first print.

1. Build the printer. Detailed instructions are provided in the 3D Printer Manual. In particular, after the build is complete, page 50 of 3D Printer Final Assembly shows how to test motion so that every the entire printer is working correctly. The Final Assembly doucument details the assembly of all the modules presented in the 6 former chapters of the 3D Printer Manual. The build procedure is summarized below.
2. Install software. Download the latest software as needed. The procedure for the First Print requires that you have OSE Marlin v18.10 or later. Read notes about OSE Cura to understand the difference between Cura, Lulzbot Cura, and OSE Lulzbot Cura.
3. Print with Babystepping Correction. Save the correction via LCD, and you are set.

Build Procedure Summary

Following this build order yields the quickest results.

1. Build frame.
2. Build Y Left Axis twice.
3. Build Y Right Axis twice.
4. Build X axis.
5. Glue first cable chain piece onto the carriage as needed.
6. Glue 2 endstops to X and Y axes as needed.
7. Build extruder assembly.
8. Build heated bed.
9. Build control panel.
10. Mount Y axes and Z axes.
11. Mount the X axis.
12. Mount heated bed holder.
13. Mount extruder.
14. Mount actual heated bed. Locate the homing point at the upper left corner.
15. Do cable chain and all wire routing and tidying.
16. Mount spool holder and filament. Without this, your filament will tangle in extended prints.

First Print with Live Babystepping Correction

1. Print Cube while tethered to the computer. This provides a quick test of printer performance, and allows for fine tuning of the first layer.
   1. Start with Z offset of -1 (stock value)
   2. Fine tune the first layer on the fly to get a good print using Babystepping (LCD Menu -> Tune -> Babystepping Z)
   3. Add this babystepping value to the Z offset and save in memory to fine tune the first layer - the printer is good for production printing at this point.
   4. Print the test cube again - and show that without any adjustment - the print is correct.
2. Upload .ini file for this printer on your log. This is for troubleshooting.
3. Generate 3DBenchy gcode. Compress and Upload your 3DBenchy gcode to your certification page.
4. Insert SD card with test 3DBenchy. Print at normal speed.
5. Observe 8 features of your first 3DBenchy. '
   1. top for layer quality
   2. bottom for first layer adhesion
   3. front to observe symmetry
   4. back for fine letters and symmetry
   5. right side for overhang quality
   6. left side.
   7. Finally, the length (60 mm / 2.4in) measurement
   8. ...and width measurement (31 mm / 1.2in)
6. Make any adjustments on your printer if needed, print another Benchy, and take the same 8 pictures again.