3-D Printer Update

The 3-D printer is alive and well. I have been in contact with the resident 3-D printer expert named Ethan at the Idea Foundry. He looked the machine over and concluded that the physical machine itself is functioning correctly. There seems to be a conflict between the mother board and the extruder board. I got the machine to heat up, calibrate, and compile a print - but it hangs up before actually printing anything. I went to their 3-D meet last night and got to watch some different kinds of printers in action. They were also having a Christmas ornament contest. One guy had printed a miniature version of his 3-D printer - complete with a movable build platform and a tiny spool of filament. I saw a variety of prints: a geometric flower vase, a functional desklamp, bottle openers, bunnies, a set of nude female torso models in different sizes, a tiny bust of yoda, and a bird print that was about 1/4" tall. I hope to get the software issue solved so we can all use the machine next semester.

Blessed and Ready to Go!

Geshe la Kalsang Damdul blessed the Maker-Bot (part of the 2nd Blessing of the Art Supplies MFA event).

Olive's Got the ABS!

Olive has the Metallic Light Gray ABS Spool...

... printing is imminent!

Progress!

I am making progress on the build. I am to the part referenced by the clip below(you don't have to watch the whole thing)  :)

More photos will be coming...

The Birthing Room

Progress on the MakerBot! As well as building the machine (many thanks and steak dinners to Tony who has put in WORK), our class is learning to create in the program Sculptris, from which we will print 3D objects.

Part layout for the chassis build.

Sides, top and middle assembled.

Power supply installed.

 Stage z - Y-axis carriage. 

Beginning step of the Automated Build Platform (stage x).



End Panels attached.

Installing conveyor belt.

Positioning drive gear on motor shaft.



David soldering engine contacts.

The Makerbot birthing process is in effect! Baby's first bath!

Welcome to our Columbus College of Art and Design MFA Makerbot construction adventure! Watch as MFA students group-assemble, calibrate, and leverage the 3D printer towards their own artistic endeavors.

Maker Bot WiKi