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1500 questions
11
votes
5 answers
What are some good FOSS or free tools for editing STL files for 3D Printing?
I'd like to customize and modify some parts on Thingiverse, beyond just simple scaling for 3D printing.
I've been looking for some tools that convert the STL files into something that is easily edited, but so far all that I've found are really buggy…

Jim
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11
votes
2 answers
Is there a way to invert motor direction with G-code instead of Firmware in Marlin
Is there a way to change the direction a motor goes with G-code instead of reconfiguring Marlin firmware?

jbiondo
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11
votes
3 answers
Can I really throw failed PLA prints on compost?
So they say PLA is biodegradable. But I still don't know how much biodegradable.
I live in a flat and we have composting trash can in the courtyard. However if I throw PLA in there and it does not decompose, neighbors are gonna be pissed since many…

Tomáš Zato
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11
votes
7 answers
Troubleshooting filament slip on MakerBot 5
I run a high school 3D printer lab and we have several 5th generation MakerBot printers. On one of them I have considerable trouble with "thin" prints and filament slip warnings.
So far I've tried changing extruders and using different filament…

dlu
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11
votes
2 answers
Calculating the estimated print time of an already sliced file
I started to write an application that calculates the estimated total print time from the G-code file for an already sliced model.
The program works and it's pretty accurate.
It works as follows:
It scans the entire G-code file to identify all of…

BackSlash
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11
votes
4 answers
Designing/Printing objects with sized holes
When trying to print parts that should contain certain sized holes, e.g. for screws, how to achieve that they are sized correctly?
Is it possible to calibrate the printer perfectly, so it prints holes correctly sizes in all common sizes (e.g.…

Thomas S.
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11
votes
4 answers
Extruder stepper motor problem, what can be wrong?
I bought a self-made Reprap Prusa Mendel 3 printer, modified to be built from cheaper materials, and immediately after the deal I got various problems. I fixed the majority of them, but don't know what the reason of the strange extruder behavior is:…

Poliakoff
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11
votes
3 answers
Marlin Adjusting feedrate
I'm using the Marlin firmware (1.1.0-RC7 - 31 July 2016) for a 3d printer. Currently the printing is not perfect due to slight inaccuracies in movements along the x and y axis. I'm trying to change the feedrate for speed along the xy axis whilst the…

make it happen
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11
votes
2 answers
PLA use outdoors?
I have been using PLA filament for two years now and have had good prints. ABS on the other hand has not been so good, so my choice of filament is PLA.
I am getting ready to do a sign for the American Legion and the colors are black, blue, and red…

Robert Morgan
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11
votes
2 answers
How does the home position work on a Prusa i3 RepRap Printer?
By what process does the Prusa i3 determine it's home position?
I have a feeling that it works like this, but I'm not entirely sure about it:
If none of the end stops are activated; assume you are somewhere between Max-X, Max-Y, Max-Z and the…

leeand00
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11
votes
1 answer
What is the difference between a Bowden extruder and a direct drive extruder?
As these are the two most commonly used extruder systems in FDM printers, I would like to know what is the difference between them. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using each of them?

kosteklvp
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11
votes
2 answers
How can I calculate volumetric speed for Slic3r auto speed?
I have noticed that Slic3r offers a speed setting called "auto speed" meant to give a constant filament pressure at the extruder, which I believe could eliminate filament grinding issues at higher printing speeds.
According to the tooltip in…

Tormod Haugene
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11
votes
3 answers
Tips for not burning out my Arduino Mega or catching something on fire when wiring a Prusa i3?
I'm reading about wiring up the electronic components to my Prusa i3 using an Arduino Mega 2650 and Ramps 1.4.
I have step sticks, a heated bed, and a Switching Power Supply 12v Dc 30a 360w (more details on that later when I can add which ones to…

leeand00
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11
votes
2 answers
Extruder is running backwards?
I have a (HIC) version of the Prusa i3. I have recently installed the E3D v6 hotend and titan extruder. After fixing some other issues, I noticed that there is no filament being extruded. In addition, the gear looked like it was going in the wrong…

Chris Manning
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11
votes
6 answers
Pulling filament through long tubes
I'm setting up my printer in a small room, and I thought I'd come up with a system for more easily swapping filaments, but I'm not yet sure it is feasible.
Rather than physically replace the spool, I'd like to hang most of my spools on the wall,…

mhelvens
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