Getting started on the 300x

Drew Wallis

Modified on: Thu, 23 Sep, 2021 at 3:05 PM

Here is a quick overview of how to 3D print on the MakerMade 300x!

Once your 300x is built, you’re ready to print! Turn on the printer and follow the initial on-screen instructions to log into Wi-Fi, load the filament, and calibrate your BLTouch auto bed leveling sensor. Finish preparing your 300x by running the test print.

The process of 3D printing

1. Find or create a 3D file

You will need to design or create a 3D file, also known as a .STL file, to use with your 300x. Find one Online, on your USB drive, or in our Marketplace. To make a 3D file yourself, we recommend Tinkercad or Fusion 360.

2. Slice the file into Gcode using Cura or the 300x onboard slicer

After you have your .STL file, you can either import it into Cura on your computer to choose the print settings, our upload the file directly to the printer and use the on-board Raspberry Pi slicer! Upload the .STL or .Gcode file to the printer by choosing the Local Storage option

You'll want to download Cura and select the Maker Made 300x from the list of non-networked printers.

Here is the full user guide and print profiles for the 300x: https://makermade.com/pages/300x-resources

3. Send the file to the printer over Wi-Fi or USB

Connect to your 300x over Wi-Fi by going to the web address in a browser that is found in the menu on your 300x. Default: http://300x.local

4. Print the model!

3D prints are created by consistent layer after layer stacked into the shape of your model- like a robotic hot-glue gun!

Calibrating the BLTouch Auto-Bed Leveling Sensor

You'll want to calibrate the BLTouch sensor for successful printing. The BLTouch helps to keep the consistent layer height between the nozzle and the build plate for printing.

If your print doesn’t match the test print in the box below, your BLTouch is not calibrated correctly. On your printer, go to the menu > tutorials > BLTouch calibration to raise or lower the nozzle for printing. Detailed instructions can also be found in the user manual.

This is what your print should look like when finished! Notice the 90° angle of the square and the consistent layer lines.

If the nozzle is not close enough, the layers will not stack correctly. Here is an example print from a nozzle that is too far away. If model comes loose while printing, the nozzle should be lowered.

If the nozzle is too close, your print will look smashed like this example. The nozzle can also be so close that it drags into the build filament didn’t extrude. In this case, it should be raised.