3D-Printing Workflow

• The most basic workflow for the type of 3D-Printing you will use the most this quarter is a simple 3-step process:

• Since PrusaSlicer is regularly updated (typically monthly or bi-monthly), the location & function of features may change, relocate, etc.

  • As a result, we highly recommend you subscribe to the Prusa 3D YouTube Channel

  • Links to an external site.

  • , which regularly posts updates, projects, new products, etc.

• Oftentimes, the default settings in PrusaSlicer are good enough to go ahead and print, using a simple 3-step process:

  • Import your model (File → Import → Import STL/OBJ/AMF/3MF...)

  • Click "Slice Now" in the bottom-right corner

  • After the part is 'sliced', click "Export G-Code" in the bottom-right corner, to save your file (to a removable USB "flash drive")

    • Once loaded, the bottom-right corner of the screen will show you the total estimated cost, time, and amount of material associated with the print

• Depending on the time, quality/performance, & cost considerations of your print, you may want to adjust settings to improve one or more of these outcomes:

  • The most common settings you will use are on the right side of the screen. From top to bottom:

    • "Print Settings"

      • Can be considered the "layer height" (height of an individual printed layer)

      • Several default options to choose from, that optimize for speed or quality/detail

        • Can also create custom print setting profiles to improve performance

    • "Filament"

      • Default options for various types of plastics (PLA, ABS, PETG, PC, ASA, etc.)

        • Can also create custom filament profiles that have more accurate cost/kg, bed/nozzle temperatures, feed rates, travel speeds, & other parameters

    • "Printer"

      • The make/model of 3D printer you are printing your file on

      • Very important to select the right printer, otherwise you can cause a crash or it will not be able to print at all

      • PrusaSlicer by default has many default printer profiles for many popular, commercially-available printers

        • Can also download or create custom printer profiles, if you are using a printer not included by default

          • Limited mainly to FDM and some SLA printers

    • "Supports"

      • If there are features on your part the have excessive overhang, it may be best to print them with support material

      • PrusaSlicer can generate support for your model automatically in a variety of ways, depending on the needs of the print

        • Can also "paint" on localized supports or model custom supports using CAD or PrusaSlicer

    • "Infill"

      • Rough percentage of how solid a print will be (15% infill = roughly 85% hollow)

      • Depending on your application, most prints do not need to be a solid object, and by printing with various infill patterns (think honeycomb/bird bones) you can save time, weight, & material without sacrificing performance - oftentimes even improving performance!

• For the most part, printing is a simple, 7-Step process:

  1. Turn Printer On / Verify Power is On

  2. Load Filament / Verify Filament is Loaded

     • May have to "unload" filament first, if the currently-loaded filament is not the right material/color for your print

     • Recommended to do a "First-Layer Calibration" if you have loaded new filament, are unsure of the existing calibration, changed build plates, etc.

  3. Clean Build Plate

     • Using ONLY 99% Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) & a lint-free shop towel, clean the build plate (DO NOT TOUCH AFTER CLEANING!)

  4. Load File Storage Device (USB "flash drive")

     • USB port on the right side of the printer, towards the back/bottom

  5. Select File & Print!

     • Image should appear of your print on the build plate; verify the image & name look correct!

     • Turn the black scroll wheel on the control panel to move through the menus/file selection, & push the center of the wheel to select the highlighted option

  6. Monitor & Wait

     • Recommend you stay & watch at least the first two (2) layers be printed; typically the first layer looks a bit rough, but the 2nd layer usually smooths things out

       • If things don't smooth out by the 2nd layer, it may be a good idea to stop the print, reset the setup, & try printing again

     • When selecting settings in PrusaSlicer, consider the timing of when the print will be finished, and/or when you should start the print, based on yours & others' schedules

  7. Remove Finished Print & Reset Printer Setup

     • Pull the magnetic build plate off the print bed

     • Flex the build plate to loosen the print from the build plate

     • Pull the print off the build plate, along with any supports, brims, skirts, purge lines, etc.

     • Clean & return the build plate to the print bed for the next print/person!

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• PDF: 3D Printing Handbook (User Manual for Original Prusa Mini)

• Website: Original Prusa Mini Troubleshooting