After setting up the printer using Solidoodle’s settings for Repetier , I proceeded to level the build platform, test its flatness, and proceed to the first test print. The platform was found to be about 0.04″ (~1mm) out of level. Once leveled, one corner is about 0.005″ (~0.1mm) low, and the middle of the platform is high by 0.009″ (~0.2mm) making the bed slightly convex but within an acceptable tolerances if printing the first layer with 0.3mm.
This print job went as well as can be expected for not having tuned anything beyond the stock values. In fact, we will be using it with a couple classes of 3D design students this week! However, the plastic is not sticking very well to the supplied polyimide tape even after cleaning with acetone and isopropyl alcohol (our Solidoodle 2 has been working like a charm with the original polyimide tape since last fall). This does not matter much as I will soon be installing a removable glass plate with it’s own polyimide tape for printing (should be flatter at least).
