The Makerspace at the Health Sciences Library

• Requires Orientation                                                
• Specs:
  • Build Volume: 9.84 x 8.3 x 8.6 inches (250 x 210 x 220 mm)
  • Highest Resolution: 0.05mm (50 microns) with the 0.4mm nozzle              
• Compatible Software: PrusaSlicer
• Further Resources: Official Handbook        

Turning on the printer

• Flip the power switch on the back of the printer. Facing the printer, it is on the bottom right side, next to the power cord.
• Wait for the startup process to run and for the Prusa 3D printer to load it’s home screen

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Unloading Filament 

1. Use the navigation wheel to select the Filament category on the printer’s menu and then select Unload Filament to eject filament from the extruder.

2. The Prusa 3D printer will then begin heating up the extruder to allow for the current filament to be removed. Wait until the screen displays that it is 100% done and a small amount of filament has been purged out of the extruder. After that point it is safe to remove the spool of filament from the printer’s extruder 

Loading Filament 

1. Make your filament selection from what is available in the HSL Makerspace (The Prusa 3D printer uses 1.75mm PLA filament)

2. Clip off the melted end of filament using wire cutters. This helps prevent the filament from jamming the extruder 

3. Use the navigation wheel to select the Filament category followed by the load Filament category

4. The printer will then prompt you to select the filament type. Select the PLA category 

5. The Prusa 3D printer will then begin heating up the extruder and prompt you to gently push the filament into the opening at the top of the extruder. At that point a small amount of filament will be purged from the extruder and the display screen will ask if that filament is the correct color. Select yes and the Prusa will be ready to start printing 

Preparing a 3D model 

1. Open the PrusaSlicer software on the Makerspace desktop 

2. Select File at the top left of the screen and then Open Project to select the 3D print file you want to edit and print (For info on finding models, see 3D Printing Resources)

3. Click on the uploaded object to begin editing it with the various tools offered through the PrusaSlicer software. You can adjust scale, add supports, increase or decrease an object’s infill, and even change the orientation of the object on the print bed. 

4. Once satisfied with the model view of your 3D object select Slice Now to download the object as completed G-code file that is ready to print

5. Upload the downloaded G-code file to the Prusa 3D printer USB drive and plug that USB into the Prusa 3D printer 

6. Use the navigation wheel to select Print and then select the file you created in slicer. A preview will show up on the Prusa 3D printer screen, select Print again and watch as your 3D model gets built!

Troubleshooting

Filament is not extruding at all

• Filament was not loaded properly. Select unload, and then try reloading the filament 
• The gear inside the extruder is not properly grabbing onto the filament strand. This could be because of improper loading. Be sure to clip the end of the filament strand before loading. Also, apply gentle pressure while loading until you feel the gear 'grab' onto the filament strand.

Need More Help?

Ask our service desk staff or consult the Prusa i3 MK4 Official Handbook