Questions we answer

This webpage contains the most frequently asked questions. If you do not find what you are looking for, please do not hesitate to contact us. If you have any further questions about the 3D - Debrecen printer, let us know.

About 3D printing

• What is 3D printing/additive manufacturing?

  3D printing is also known as additive manufacturing. It is a prototyping method whereby a real object is created from a 3D design file. The digital 3D model is saved in an .stl format and then converted to a .gcode by a slicer software. Finally it is sent to a 3D printer. The 3D printer prints the design layer by layer and forms a real object.

• What is a .gcode?

  The .gcode contains a series of instruction that controls the movement of the 3D printer.

• How does the 3D printer builds up a real object?

  The 3D printer builds objects by depositing plastic in thin layers. The layers are built on top of eachother until the object is finished.

• Why is the 3D - Debrecen better than other 3D printers?

  The 3D - Debrecen Printer is faster, smaller and more powerfull than other 3D printers. In addition, there is NO belt in our printer. Belts can cause several problems, since after each printing the belt loses its tensions and becomes extended which decreases the quality of the printed object after every printing. In 3D - Debrecen the extruder is built on the motor axis so our printer is able to guarantee the same quality each time.

• What is a desktop 3D printer?

  The desktop 3D printer is smaller and more compact than the industrial 3D printers. This type of printers usually fit on a desk or a table.

Getting started with 3D - Debrecen

• Which files can 3D - Debrecen print?

  3D - Debrecen can print .stl files which can be converted from .step format or .scad format files by using a 3D design software.

• Where can I find 3D design files to print?

  You can do one of the following things:

  • Find an .stl file online from a website.
  • Or create a 3D file yourself with a design software.

• Once I have an .stl file, how do I prepare it for printing?

  First, you need to slice the part into layers by using a slicer software. Now that you've sliced your part your design file is ready for printing. You should have a .gcode after slicing. We show you a tutorial video how to use a slicer software.

• What are the materials used to print my 3D designs?

  PLA plastic filament is used to print your 3D objects. Using ABS for printing is not allowable with 3D - Debrecen.

• How many color can I use?

  To have more than one color in a single object, you must change out the filament during the printing process. This can be done by pausing the print in the software, and then using the utility to unload the existing filament and load the new filament.

3D printing

• What can I make?

  Anything that fits into the build area. You can make bracelets, toys, mugs or even real shoes. You are limited only by your imagination. For more amazing ideas please visit this page.

• How big piece can I make?

  The 3D - Debrecen can print anything that fits in a 20 cm diameter and 15 cm heigh cylinder.

• How long does it take to print a design?

  The print time is mainly affected by the size of the model and it's resolution. But mostly the time can be between half an hour and 3 hours.

• How thick are the layers on the printed design?

  The thickness of layers depend on the slicer software settings and the filaments' diameter.

• Does the 3D - Debrecen need seperate support material?

  No. Supports are built with the same plastic as the print. The slicer software will add the needed supports.

• What is a support?

  The printing support is used to stabilise the parts which would stretch out into thin air and bend without support.

• Do you have to calculate the support in your model?

  No. The slicer software lets you select the angle to which you would like to have the support material, and it automatically places the material for any angle that exceeds it.

• What kind of plastic filament is used?

  PLA filament is used for 3D printing. 3D - Debrecen Printer does not allow users to use ABS filament for 3D printing. PLA is biodegradable, corn-based plastic which does not warp onto the bed, so you can print without a heated bed.

• How hot does the printer get?

  The hottest part of the printer is the extruder head which can get 250 celsius degrees hot, so DO NOT TOUCH it if the printer is plugged into the power source.

• How to clean the head?

  1. Unload the filament.
  2. Heat up the extruder head to be able take it off with wrench.
  3. Wait the head to cool down and put it into aceton.
  4. Heat the head on flame and use a wire to clean the hole.
  5. If you can see through the hole in the middle of the extruder head then you are ready.

Problems

• Why is the bottom layer wavy and crumpled?

  The two main things you can try is bed leveling and reduce the resolution of your first layer to 0.1mm or the appropriate level for your printer.

• What causes the zig-zagging up the side of my print?

  Probably that is the seam, where your printer ends one layer and starts another. Your slicing program probably has an option to "randomize" the start point so that there is not a seam but then you will have a bunch of little bumps all over your print instead of one long line.

Requirements

• Which operating system does 3D - Debrecen run on?

  This list contains the supported operation systems:

  • Windows Server 2008
  • Windows Server 2012
  • Windows XP
  • Windows Vista
  • Windows 7
  • Windows 8
  • Windows 10
  • Linux
  • Mac OSX

• What is the minimum hardware requirement to run the software?

  The following hardware requirements are needed:

  • 3GHz processor
  • 2 GB RAM
  • 1 GB free disk space

Support

• Does the printer have a warranty?

  Yes. There is a 12-months warranty for parts and labor. Contact us if you have any issues.

• What if my printer arrives damaged or I experience issues printing?

  Please contact us as soon as possible with details about the problem. You can also submit photos of any visual damage.