Hello. I’m new to the 3D printing game. I have been trying to print different items but every time I download them to my SD card and put it in my machine, I hit print and the head goes all the way to the right sid of the bed. I have tried to resize it and same thing. Can anyone help me out. Thanks a lot.
It sounds like it’s trying to print an object but hasn’t the correct codes to proceed. That’s the home position, and it’s where the head always starts. It also sounds like you have downloaded .stl files and are trying to print them. That doesn’t work on the Mini. Like many 3D printers, it runs on Gcode, text commands that tell it where, when, how fast, and everything else for the print.
GCode is the output of slicer software that you run on your PC, Mac, or other computer. Cura is free, good, and runs on pretty much everything except my ancient Samsung phone. You may even have the PC version on the SD card already. Check the Monoprice Mini Facebook Group - you’ll find sample configuration files for various slicer software, including Cura.
Once the slicer has created the Gcode output, put that file (it will have a .gcode extension) onto the SD card and it should print - though there may be a few more gotchas along the way, and lots of learning how to adjust the Cura settings for whatever piece you are printing.
Did anyone warn you that these machines are wonderfully fun time sinks? Welcome to the club!
