So just received the assembled M2, and good gosh this thing is spectacular...absolutely love it! Printed the tall spiral thing like a boss, and it was almost an exact match to the sample that was sent to me with the M2.
The first part I tried to make myself ended in utter disaster lol. 100% user error. Designed a part in google sketchup, and then exported through their .stl extension to simplified 3D. Tried to print, and the M2 would try to lay a few layers on the bottom, which would inevitably detach, and I'd end up with a ball of melted plastic. Had a few noob questions:
A) What are the defacto standards for 3D design and 3D printing programs. I've heard simplified3D is the benchmark for printing, but don't know a lot about the design aspects. I know how to use sketchup pretty well, and can throw 3D models together quickly and easily. If I could stick with that, I'd like to to shorten the learning curve, but I'm not sure how reliable their .stl export extension is. I tried the open source version of some CAD software -freeCAD, but to me it just seems like I'm learning sketchup all over again.
B) When it comes to the M2, is there some sort of setting that I can put in that will automatically print the piece in the middle of the hot bed?
C) So after I created the .stl file in sketchup, I imported it into simplified3D. I updated the settings to the standard 215C/70C, and turned the fan on full blast. One question I had is what is gcode? I watched the M2 tutorial vids on starting a print from the memory card...which was a piece of cake. But when I try to print from the settings, it asks for gcode...or something other than the .stl file. I was also confused as to what a .factory file was? I know I need to go to school on s3D, but wanted to just dive right in and print some simple stuff that I had actually designed (I know...typical noob over-excitement...)
D) Are there any good books out there to really learn the ins and outs of 3D printing that you guys recommend...maybe a 3D printing for dummies lol?
E) Oh..one other thing...what do you guys think are the top 3 repositories to find complete/free models you can just download and print? My minds been going a mile a minute with all the stuff to print...was thinking about a simplistic wind turbine since I have about 4-5 dc motors just lying around. Of course...then I got into looking at magnet motors for electrical generation, and ended up buying $100 worth of rare earth magnets.


Thanks in advance guys! Look forward to hanging around the board and printing some amazing stuff.