3D Printing

Prerequisite: Cage Access

There are no major safety concerns with the 3-D printers but the printer can be damaged so we want you to know what you are doing. If you are new to 3D printing please go through this online module. When you are done find a friend that can get you started printing or contact David Schmidt for a quick demo.

 

Using a 3D Printer

Here is a great video about what is know as FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) - the technical term for 3D printing. It is a general overview that describes terms like layers, infill, and support structures. Take a couple of minutes to watch it. Tinkercad tutorial Links to an external site. or drawing.

 

 

In general, the steps to 3D printing are:

  1. Create a 3-D drawing with some sort of CAD software,
  2. Save it as either a 3MF, OBJ or STL (STL is considered "standard")
  3. Upload the file to a 3D printer host that can "slice" or convert the file to a GCODE, to be fed to the 3D printer.

 The first step for 3D Printing is being able to draw in 3D. You might have learned Solidworks and AutoCad here at the U or elsewhere. Another good option is Fusion 360 Links to an external site.. These are good 3-D software options for creating a 3-D drawing, that students have access to. These are also great programs to learn for your career!  Here are some online tutorials that may also be useful:

There are also print files available on Thingiverse Links to an external site.. These are designs are useful in getting started with 3D printing but we hope that most of your printing is from your own designs based on parts you need to solve a problem or build an original project.

Printer Specifics:

Lulzbot Taz 6 has a printer software (on the lab computer) called 'Cura Lulzbot' that transfers your drawing file into a GCODE and communicates with the printer. The Lulzbot Taz6 prints directly from Cura on the lab computer, or from a GCODE saved on a SDHC card. 

PLEASE read through this tutorial Links to an external site. from Anderson Labs (ME Makerspace) on the CURA software. 

MakerBot prints only from a flash drive (not connected to a computer). Files need to be saved as a '.makerbot' file using the 'MakerBot Print' app. From the .makerbot format, the file can be fed into the 3D printer, and printed by following the menu options on the printer screen.

Key things to know before getting started.

  • You can use SketchUp, 3D Builder, SolidWorks or a variety of other software for your design. 
  • You will need to export your project as an .STL file.
  • CURA is the Lulzbot software and it can automatically:
    •   build an internal support structure with varying degrees of fill density
    •   implement external support structure (as needed) which can later be easily removed
  • Remember, the printer settings must match the filament material you are using! This adjust temperatures of the nozzle and bed and feed rate.
  • You will be taught how to correctly and safely, install the filament into the machine. Doing this step incorrectly is probably what poses the most significant risk of the machine being damaged. 
  • If you don't know how - don't do it. Ask someone!

This is kind of cool!! A bit expensive for us but something to be aware of.  

https://redetec.com/ Links to an external site.