Print failures happen. It’s an inherent part of 3D printing technology. The Maker Commons will do what it can to help you print successfully as much as possible, but a failed print now and then is bound to happen. Print failures at the Maker Commons will fall into one of two categories:
Mechanical Failure
If the printer experiences some kind of mechanical failure while printing your submission, like a filament jam, loss of power, extruder error, or something else, the Maker Commons will attempt to fix the mechanical failure and re-print your submission. We will attempt to notify you by email of the status of your print, but always feel free to follow up with us at makercommons@psu.edu.
Faulty 3D Model
Not all 3D models are created equal.
Print failures due to faulty models cannot be fixed by the Maker Commons. You will receive the failed print at pick up just like any other print. Common causes of failed prints due to faulty models include not laying the 3D model flat on the build plate when preparing the model in the 3DPrinterOS cloud slicing software, not adding supports when a model has any portion overhanging empty space), creating models that are too thin – and more. Failed prints due to faulty models will often look like “spaghetti”, like in the example photo below.
Please refer to the Maker Commons tutorials on using 3DPrinterOS cloud slicing software for more information.
Maker Commons consultants are happy to meet with you to discuss how to improve the model in order to improve chances for a successful print. Please schedule an appointment using the appointment request form to meet with a consultant. Bring your failed print with you to the appointment so we can troubleshoot what might have gone awry!