Wanhao Duplicator i3 Printer - swindonmakers/wiki GitHub Wiki

The Makerspace printer

This is an FDM printer. It takes 3mm/2.85mm filament, PLA is generally used. The bed is 200x200mm.

The Octoprint for it (only reachable on the internal space network/wifi).

To change the filament:

first either use the buttons on Octoprint, or the UI on the electronics box, to warm up the extruder hotend enough to melt the plastic - 200 degrees should be enough for PLA.
second use the "retract" button in Octoprint while gently pulling on the filament going into the extruder. You may have to do this several times
replace the filament spool on the holder and locate the end
feed the end into the top of the extruder, shove gently while using the "extrude" button in Octoprint; repeat until the colour changes coming out of the extruder.
use pliers or similar to remove the excess filament dribble

Is the first layer quite high, or not being flattened to the bed? To level the bed and adjust its height, first find a piece of paper. Make sure the printer is cold/room temperature. Tell it to "Z home" on Octoprint with the paper under the nozzle. Does it grab the paper? If not, adjust the bed levelling screws. Repeat with the nozzle in each corner of the bed, and the centre. If it cant quite level everywhere, ensure the centre is closest, as that is where most prints go.