Welcome to 3D Printing

3D Model Sources

Inkscape

3D Software

Bambu Studio

This guide will help you use the Bambu Lab P1P 3D Printer available in the Idea Lab.

Most of this information is intended for the beginner, so we start at the very beginning.

There are librarians in the Idea Lab who can help you practice what you see on these pages. Please feel free to discuss your findings with them, and as always, don’t hesitate to ask for help whenever you need it.

What is 3D Printing and What Can I do With it?

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is the most commonly used 3D printing technology. These 3D printers feed filament (thermoplastic that melts when heated) through an extruder head to print layers of material into a three-dimensional object. The filament is heated to its melting point and then extruded onto a printing bed based on precise plot points. Subsequent layers of filament fuse with the previously printed layers, and the filament hardens as it cools. For more information, please click here.

3D printing is useful for rapid prototyping.

- Traditional Design Method: Research ⇒ Design ⇒ Build ⇒ Test ⇒ Iterate
- Rapid prototyping: Design, build, test, and iterate in real-time
- Print a prototype fast and economically
- Iterate and re-print as much as needed
- Do not need industrial-sized manufacturing equipment

3D printing is for everyone!

- No major expertise needed
- Learning curve for 3D printing is accessible to most with 1 hour of training
- 3D printing is discipline-neutral
- Can be applied to most subject areas
- Traditional manufacturing is only available to certain labs or programs
- 3D printing helps democratize access to design learning

3d printing BASICS

Software

Most 3D printers require you to have an STL (Stereolithography) file to print. You can design your object in any 3D modeling software of your choice. You can also use or modify a pre-existing file from a design library. If the 3D modeling software you use does not readily export to STL, you can download a plug-in or extension that allows for this, or you can use another software program for this step.

Design Software

3D modeling has been around for decades. Many of the software options (such as Blender, Fusion 360, and Unity) have free students/education licenses. There are also free cloud-based options (such as TinkerCad, OnShape).

Model Files

.stl and .obj are the most common file types for 3D printing. 3D models can be saved or exported in these file types for 3D printing from most design software. You can also download free printable 3D objects online (such as Thingiverse, Pinshape).

Printing Software

3D models in .stl format can be imported into 3D printing software, commonly referred to as a “slicer” (such as Cura, Slicer, Bambu Studio, and MakerBot). These software are all very similar, so you usually end up using the one made by the same company as your printers. However, most printing software is compatible with most printers.

The magic is in the .gcode, which is a simple text file. When you “slice” your 3D model in the slicing software, all of the settings and extrusion plot points are generated. These settings and values (aka printing instructions) are then read by the 3D printer through a hard-wired connection or SD memory card.

Filament Printing Considerations

Infill

Infill is the quantity of material printed inside your object. An object with 100% infill would be completely solid, while 0% infill would result in a hollow object. The quantity of infill is set in the slicing software, and results in a geometric pattern within the object that affects its strength and flexibility. The more infill requested, the longer the print job will take and the higher the cost will be due to increased material usage. For most print jobs, 15% to 20% infill is recommended and is sufficient for a majority of parts.

Supports

Supports are often necessary to support the 3D object's structure during the printing process. Layers are supported by the layers beneath them, so overhanging structures greater than 45° (from vertical) generally require supports. The supports must be removed after the object has been printed, which can sometimes damage the model. Minimizing the need for supports avoids potential damage to the print itself, saves filament (and money), and also saves time. Supports are turned on or off in the slicing software.

Layer Height

Different filament printers can extrude material at varying layer heights—the shorter the layer height, the greater the precision in the print. The lower the height, the greater the “quality” of the print; however, this will also result in a longer print time as less material is extruded over time. A layer height of 0.25 mm is recommended for most prints.

Adhesion

Your object must remain stationary while printing. Remember: Precise extrusion plot points in the .gcode. The more material that touches the print bed, the more the object will adhere to it. There are three types of adhesion available in most slicing software.

Other tips regarding adhesion:

Make sure the print bed is heated to the correct temperature.
Use hairspray or a glue stick to increase adhesion.
Not all print objects need adhesion.
More material (such as that needed for a raft compared to a brim or skirt) will require more filament (and therefore cost) and time to print.