Tools/PrusaXL/induction

Some of the tools at the Hackspace are potentially hazardous to use, for these tools members are required to have an induction before they can use them. Inductions provide the most basic information on how to safely and effectively use the simpler functions of the tools, we appreciate that some members may have professional experience on some of these tools and in this case please tell your induction provider and the induction may be very reduced and just cover any risks or procedures specific to rLab. Some tools have multiple levels of induction in order to cover more advanced uses of that tool without making the basic induction take too long, higher induction levels will introduce some of the more advanced features of the tools but as with all inductions are only intended to provide basic information on the capabilities of the tools and how to use them safely. Some members of rLab may be willing to offer more detailed tuition beyond basic induction level or offer guided practice sessions in exchange for beer money or assistance on their own projects.

For all tools you are only required to take level-1 induction before use, after that you may perform any task that you feel confident you can do safely, higher levels of induction may be useful to you in performing more advanced operations but are not required before doing tasks covered in them so long as you're confident of your ability to handle those tasks without risk to yourself, others, or the tool.

PLEASE NOTE : All induction providers are volunteers who are providing inductions to the best of their ability but are NOT qualified instructors. Inductions are provided on a best-effort basis but you and you alone are responsible for your safety while using the tools and for satisfying yourself that you can operate the tools safely. There are professional training courses available from various providers in Reading and the surrounding area if you feel they are appropriate for the level of work you intend to undertake. Reading these notes is NOT a substitute for an in-person induction.

Note for wiki editors : Please do not edit induction pages unless you are one of of the people that gives that induction

Introduction

The Prusa XL is a FDM / FFF large format 3d printer with 5 print heads. It uses 1.75mm filament and the nozzle size is 0.4mm A variety of thermoplastic materials can be used.

The Prusa XL is new to rLab and the inductions and trainings are being created.

Members who are already inducted on the Ultimaker 2+ 3D printers may use the Prusa XL if they consider themselves competent after reading the comprehensive user Handbook. The Prusa is significantly different to the Ultimaker 2+ and uses a different slicer, so do expect a learning time of a few hours.

Training will be offered for members who would like help to use the Prusa XL and PrusaSlicer. This may be in multiple sessions especially for multicolored printing. Please request this training using Discord inductions-requests.

Things which should be covered in the induction

• Standard stuff about induction for any machine - not to use machine if broken, leave note / report faults etc.
• Anything that is covered in the Tools/ultimaker/induction with notes about how it is different
• The inductee should prepare a simple, small, single material model in Prusaslicer, slice it, load a filament, and print it (this is the same as we do on the Ultimaker, except using Cura)
  • The inductee should be aware of some of the more important settings - material, layer height, support.
  • NB: There are far too many settings to explain even a fraction of them in the induction
  • NB: Nozzle sizes: PrusaXL has only 0.4mm nozzles and will probably only ever have them. The Ultimakers have 0.4 or 0.6 available.
• Loading filaments - take the inductee through process
• Build sheets, smooth and textured, installation, part removal and cleaning
• NB: PrusaXL uses 1.75mm diameter filament, Tools/ultimaker use 3mm filament. They are not compatible, be careful not to try to use the wrong type.
• Which type of filaments are ok to use:
  • PLA (without abrasive additives)
  • PETg (non-abrasive)
  • Some flexible filaments probably
  • "Support filament" e.g. PVA for supporting fancy detailed models.
• Which type of filaments are not ok:
  • Abrasive (any) - such as carbon fibre, glass fibre, metal or wood filled filaments because we do not have a source of hardened nozzles and the Prusa XL uses an unusual type of nozzle
  • ABS, Polycarbonate or other higher-temperature materials - which will be ok when we buy or make an enclosure.

• Sending files to the PrusaXL over the network through Prusaslicer software - It uses Prusalink protocol with a password / API key
• Payment policy for filament / usage (same as Tools/ultimaker )