Makerspace 3D Printing Process

Before Printing You Should...

Check your design to ensure your print doesn't have any errors.

This includes being mindful of design choices such as overhangs and bridges which can affect whether a print is successful or not. The printer may still be able to print your design but you might still need to enable supports.

Check that the printer you will be using has the correct filament.

The Makerspace does not change the filament that is loaded onto a printer so the responsibility is on you to make sure you are using a printer that has the material you need already loaded on.

Check the basic slicer print settings and for errors when slicing.

Layer Height: How detailed or fast do you want your print to be?
Filament: Is the correct filament specified in the slicer for the material you're printing with?
Supports: Does your design need supports? If so, make sure it's checked off.
Infill Density: Are you looking for the print to have strength or just sit on a shelf? Set your infill accordingly.
Brim: Have this checked off if your print is tall or in cases where there's not much surface area in contact with the print bed.

Forget how to do all this?

Inspect the Build Plate To ensure It's Clean and Free of Grease

Before hitting print on the printer, check the build plate. If you see grease or material stuck to the build plate, wash it with a small drop of soap and water. Dry off the build plate before replacing it and starting your print. ⛔Prints will fail if the build plate is dirty⛔

How to start 3D Printing in 5 Steps

Step 1:

Design your 3D model using the CAD software of your choice. Next, export the model as an .STL or another file type that the slicer can open.

Step 2:

Slice your file using the Prusa Slicer. Enter the weight and print time on the form.

Step 3:

Scan or click the QR code to fill out the electronic form.

Step 4:

Fill out the physical router card with your information. The start code will be filled in by a staff member once you have paid for the print.

Step 5:

Make your way to the front desk where a Makerspace staff member will process your payment. They will then provide you with a USB drive to load your print file and enter the start code on your router card.

📝Please Note:

You must watch the first few layers of your print to ensure it starts correctly. If the print fails within the first few layers and you catch it, you can reprint it. Before restarting, check the print bed to make sure it's clean and free of grease.

In general, free reprints are allowed in cases when the print failure is due to machine error. Issues such as bad bed adhesion (dirty build plate), spaghetti prints (unsupported overhangs & bridges), prints tipping over (lack of a brim), are all examples of human errors that can be avoided before starting the print.

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