3D Printing

Learning to 3D Print

In the Creative Labs, we have two Bambu Lab X1-Carbon 3D Printers. This cutting-edge device opens up a world of endless possibilities for crafting prototypes and functional 3D parts. It is capable of printing in multiple colours and/or materials simultaneously with its Automatic Material System (AMS), ensuring high material compatibility. Robust components ensure the printing of carbon fiber/glass reinforced polymers and other demanding materials. Carbon fiber X- and Y-axes, hardened steel gears, metal extruder that can reach temperatures of 300°C, aluminum, and glass platen, and integrated activated carbon filtration. Thanks to a force sensor, the printer can compensate for build plate calibration by ensuring perfect Z-height and flow calibration with Lidar. It is also equipped with a camera capable of detecting print failures.

What is 3D printing?

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is defined as a process in which a digital file is used to create a three-dimensional solid object. In the 3D printing process, sequential layers of material are laid down by the ‘printer’ until object creation is completed.

The Bambu X1 Carbon printer

Our machines use a process called Fused Deposition Modeling. In fused deposition modeling (FDM), a heated nozzle is used to feed a filament spool to an extrusion head. The extrusion head increases the temperature of the material, softening it before placing it in predetermined areas to cool. Once a material layer is created, the build platform descends and prepares for the next layer to be placed.

This process, also known as material extrusion, features low lead times and is cost-effective. However, its dimensional accuracy is low, and a smooth finish often requires post-processing. The output is also not well-suited for critical applications as it tends to be weaker in one direction.

Wide range of materials

Bambu Lab X1-Carbon, equipped with extra cooling and a hardened nozzle and drive gear, unlocks a wider selection of materials, including PA, PC, PET, and TPU, and specializes in carbon fiber and glass fiber reinforced polymers.

Safety features

The Bambu prints within an enclosure behind a glass door. The door must be closed whilst printing is happening. The printer also has a 'spaghetti detection' system that will pause the printing if there is an issue with the print. The printers also come with a web camera inside so you can monitor your printing from anywhere in the school.

Bambu Studio

Bambu Studio the free software, gives you control of the 3d printers. Using this software you can connect, print, and monitor your 3d models.

Your First Learning Task

Download and install Bambu Studio from the Self-Service app on your school laptop or the Bambu website using the link above. On the self-service app, search for Creative Labs or Bambu Studio to find it and install it. Once installed open it and explore it. Watch the video playlists below to help you learn more.

What are the pros and cons of 3d printing?

There are a lot of advantages to 3d printing:

Production on Demand
Provides Faster Prototyping
Eco-Friendly
Best For Complex Geometries
Cost-Effective Manufacturing Process
Produces Strong and Lightweight Parts
Enhance Creativity and Innovation

There are a few cons associated with laser cutting, such as:

Counterfeits and Copyright Infringements - As 3D printing technology gains popularity, the opportunity to create counterfeit products increases.
Material Availability – The overall 3D printing material selection is relatively small compared to the materials available for other manufacturing processes.
Post-Processing – The majority of 3D printed parts require some form of post-processing task.
Production Volume - 3D printing was once used primarily for prototypes because the additive process is slower than traditional mass production.
Size – Industrial 3D printers need larger print chambers. Although some specialized 3D printers manufacture large products, much of the technology is limited to smaller builds.

What is 3d printing used for?

One of the best aspects of 3D printing is its versatility. Businesses can achieve a range of different results, depending on the material and type of printer used.

For example, an engineer may want to create a specific tool for his or her machine. By selecting a material that’s durable and heat-resistant, with a high tensile strength, the engineer can print a finished product that perfectly matches his or her needs perfectly.

Alternatively, companies like architectural firm Killa Design can demonstrate complex building designs to clients by printing with materials that offer a top-quality finish and high resolution (including small details).

Your Second Learning Task - Your First Project

You are going to learn how to import an 'stl' file. An STL file is one of the standard formats required for 3d models to be sent to a 3d printer. To create STL files you can use software like Tinkercad, Autocad, and Fusion360. There are many existing STL files that you can also access on the internet. One of the great things about 3d printing is that you can share designs within a global community. Click here to see a folder of some STL files that have been downloaded. For this learning task, you just need to choose one, download it onto your computer, and successfully print it on the 3d printer. Use the videos above and the steps below to support you. You can also explore many websites that offer free STL files. A good starting point is https://www.thingiverse.com/

Project Steps

1) Open the Folder where the STL files are stored using this link.

2) Download an STL file you would like to print. Save it to your desktop for now.

3) Open the Bambu Studio application.

4) Go to File and Import and Import the STL into the application.

5) Slice the model to prepare it for printing.

6) Connect to the printer and print the file on the printer (You may need the LAN Code which is available on the printer, seek a buddy for help at this point if it is your first time).

7) Monitor the print from your laptop and by visiting the 3d printer physically to check the first few layers work correctly. Usually, if the first layers are good the print will be successful.

8) Once the printer has finished, remove the build plate from the printer and use the slicer to remove your print and the other material. Place the waste in the bin for recycling and place back the build plate in the correct way for the next print.

9) Now you can think about how you can finish your design. Do you want to sand it to smooth it? Do you want to add colour to the design using paint? Explore the materials cupboard and ask your buddy and teacher for advice if it is your first time using this cupboard. Remember the basic health and safety guidelines when applying glue, oil, or paint.

That's it you did it! You can now download and import STL files into Bambu Studio and successfully print something with a 3d Printer in the Creative Labs.

Your Third Learning Task - Your Second Project

Now you know how to send an STL file to the printer and to get the 3d printer to print, you have got the basics. A big part of 3d printing though is actually 3d modelling. When we prototype or make our own ideas, we can't just download an STL file, we have to design and build the object in 3d Modelling software first. In this learning task, you will learn how to use Tinkercad, which is a web-based 3d Modelling tool provided by Autodesk. For this project, you will design and print your own design. Use the steps below to start using Tinkercad.

Project Steps

1) Go to https://www.tinkercad.com/ and click Sign Up. Click on Personal Account and use your school Google account to log in. This will be how you log in to Tinkercad after this point. It will be connected to your school's Google account.

2) Once you are logged in and if you are brand new to Tinkercad. Click on Tutorials on the left-hand side menu and work through each of the tutorials. They are short and easy to follow but will help you become a technology champion in Tinkercad. Once you have familiarised yourself with the software. You can use this YouTube video which will walk you through the many things we can do in Tinkercad. Once you have the basics it is your imagination that will be your only limiting factor.

3)Once you feel you have the basics of Tinkercad, it's time to complete the first design that you will eventually send to the Bambu X1 3d Printer in the Creative Labs. Below are a few video tutorials that you can choose from to follow. There is a range of complexity so if you are feeling confident or you have used Tinkercad before, challenge yourself with a harder design. Work through the tutorial and use it to support your learning. Don't worry about getting it perfect, you are learning and mistakes are part of that.

Create an Egg Cup

Create a Mug

Create a Fidget Star

Create a Minion Figure

Sliding Lid Box

Create a Snowman

Project Steps

4) Once you have completed your design you have to export it out of Tinkercad as an STL file and import this into the Bambu Studio application. Ask a buddy if you need help with this for the first time.

5) Slice the model to prepare it for printing.

6) Connect to the printer and print the file on the printer (You may need the LAN Code which is available on the printer).

7) Monitor the print from your laptop and by visiting the 3d printer physically to check the first few layers work correctly. Usually, if the first layers are good the print will be successful.

That's it you did it! You can now design 3d objects in Tinkercad, import them into Bambu Studio, slice them, and print them.

Your Fourth Learning Task - Your Third Project

By now, you should have a good understanding of Tinkercad, STL files, Bambu Studio, and the Bambu X1 Carbon. You may also have learned how to troubleshoot basic issues with the 3D Printer or how to change the filament in the AMS. The next learning task will introduce you to multi-color printing in Bambu Studio. As you can see, you have the ability to print in multiple colours which is awesome! In this project, we will take a Lego calibration cube STL and learn how to apply various colours to surfaces in Bambu Studio and then print it.

Project Steps

1) Download the Lego Calibration Cube here.

2) Import the STL file into your Bambu Studio software.

3) Watch this video or this video to show you the tools within the software that allow you to apply colours to the object.

4) Play around with the settings and be creative at this stage. This really is just testing and playing so have fun. Come up with a unique design but bea in mind the more intricate the more waste there is so always be responsible and sustainable where you can.

5) Slice the model to prepare it for printing.

6) Connect to the printer and print the file on the printer (You may need the LAN Code which is available on the printer).

7) Monitor the print from your laptop and by visiting the 3d printer physically to check the first few layers work correctly. Usually, if the first layers are good the print will be successful.

9) Now you can think about how you can finish your design. Do you want to sand it to smooth it maybe?

That's it you did it! You can now print in multiple colours using Bambu Studio!

Your Fifth Learning Task - Reflection and Evaluation

Complete this questionnaire to reflect on your learning and your performance in your first project for laser cutting. Now you are qualified to use the laser cutter for your projects and consider how you can use it to help build and bring your ideas to life. Check out some further resources below for inspiration on your next 3d Printing Project.

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