Tools/PrusaXL

Prusa XL 5 Tool 3d Printer

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This tool requires induction

Owing to it's dangerous nature, delicate nature, or expense, this tool requires that you be inducted on it's proper handling before use.

Introduction

Prusa XL 3D Printer

rLab have recently purchased a Prusa XL large format(360mm x 360mm x 360mm) 3D printer with five print heads. The 3d printer is capable of high quality multicolour printing in a large variety of materials.

The Prusa XL uses 1.75mm diameter filament which is different diameter to that used by the Ultimaker 2+. The five heads are fitted with 0.4mm Nozzles. The nozzles installed are brass so please do not use abrasive filaments.

The build plates are made of steel and attached by magnets. The steel plates are covered in PEI which gives good adhesion. Use Isopropanol on a cloth to clean the build sheet. DO NOT use water or acetone.

The Prusa XL is connected to the rLab Wifi network. The IP address, printer name, and password can be obtained from the menus on the printer control panel.

Induction is required for the 3D printers, not so much because they're dangerous (although they do have hot parts and pinch points) but because they're delicate and expensive and some knowledge is required to get good results.

While there are significant differences between the Prusa XL 3D printer and the Ultimaker 2+ 3D printers, members can be inducted on either and then use both as the basic usage and safety guidance is common to both. 3D printer induction can be requested for either the Prusa XL or the Ultimaker 2+. Training on both the Prusa XL, and the Ultimaker 2+ is also available for members who do not feel confident using online guides for transition to use the other printer.

The manual for the Prusa XL 3D printer is here.

The driver software and applications including PrusaSlicer are here.

Current Status

Date	Status	Comment
16th May 2024	New Acquisition	Printer is staged and available to members. Work is still in progress to learn about the printer, provide final installation, and give inductions and training.

The printer is located in the main upstairs area in the corner by the white board with a box of accessories and cleaning materials near by.

A selection filament is kept on the five spool holders on the printers with additional supplies kept on the shelves behind the door to the main room, but if there's something specific you need for your project it's best to buy it yourself. Some filaments spools are owned by members and permission will have to be sought before using them, others are labelled with a price per gram and are available for general use. There is a charge for using the 3D printers which depends on the material used and the weight of the 3D print in question. All the materials in the lab are labelled with a price per gram (as measured in PrusaSlicer when you slice the model or displayed on the Prusa XL Control panel when you print) and there's a 50p minimum charge, if you use your own filament then only the 50p minimum charge applies. Use-charges for the 3D printers should go in the main room honesty pot by the door. For commercial use these charges are doubled.

Planned Upgrades

Parts and upgrades that are planned/Budgeted/Purchased for in the near future

• Additional 1.75mm filament is on order
• New bespoke tables and storage planned for 3D printer area
• Investigating enclosure

Prusa XL Caretakers

Inductions and Training

The following people are able to provide inductions and training on the Prusa XL

Name/Contact	Notes
Mark R

Maintainers

These are the people who look after and repair the Prusa XL, they're the ones to contact if there's any problems with it

Name	Notes
Sophie
Richard I

Recent Changes

If you make any non-trivial changes to the Prusa XL or perform maintenance please note it here, delete records older than 1 yr

• New install 15th May 2024 Printer purchased in semi assembled form. Built by Mark Binns.

• Staged in corner of upstairs room while we sort out final position for printer and associated storage