BotMill's Blog

These days, as more and more people learn for the first time about 3D printing, we receive many questions regarding:

How do I take my 3D CAD file and send it to your 3D printer?

Well, here it goes:

• First, you will need to check if it saved in STL format. If it isn’t, please use a conversion software and follow up with a clean-up software of your choice.
• Use Skeinforge or Repsnapper to convert your file to GCODE.
  • Skeinforge: For advance users. This program doesn’t send the file to the printer directly, instead it’s a sophisticated GCODE generator. Many people that have bought BotMill 3D Printers are now using them with this program and printing (what looks to me) like near commercial quality plastic pieces. After GCODE is generated with this program, use RepSnapper to send the file to your printer.
  • RepSnapper: This program is full circle. Not only is it speedy fast with it’s GCODE generator, but you can also send the file directly to your printer. One downside is that the GCODE generator is not as sophisticated “yet” as Skeinforge.
• Use RepSnapper to send your file to your printer
  • Connect your printer to the correct port. “click connect”
  • Turn on heater. Make sure your printer has been warm for at least 5-10 minutes before printing.
  • Load GCODE
  • Position object on “virtual” board
  • Test extrusion before printing any 3D plastic piece
  • Click “Print” in top tab

That’s it! Once your object has finished to print, your extruder should return back to it’s home position (right above the aluminum purge plate).

Happy 3D Printer Printing – 3D Revolution!