3D Printing

3D printers are a type of additive manufacturing tool where material is added, layer by layer, in order to build an object. We have created some videos, found at the bottom of this page, to introduce 3D printing as well as tips for general maintenance and operation. You can follow along with the slide decks. Note, the videos in the slide deck do not work, but you can watch them in the full presentation videos below.

Introduction to 3D Printing

3D Printing Maintenance

There are a variety of software options available for maker equipment. Depending on the equipment, you may need to use multiple software applications to create designs and/or send designs to the equipment. We will provide a brief overview about some of the software options out there to help you get started.

3D Printing

To 3D print an object or model, you first have to have a 3D model to print. You can use what is referred to as CAD (computer-aided design) software to create a custom 3D model, use specialized software and camera to scan an object you already have to replicate the model, or download models that other people have created.

Creating the Model

While there are many CAD software options available, a free software often recommended for education use is TinkerCAD. It is a free, web-based software so no downloads are required. It is great for beginners and has built-in tutorials to guide users through using the software.

TinkerCAD also has resources for teachers through TinkerCAD Classrooms.

Sending the Model to the 3D Printer

Once you have the 3D model, you will also need software that converts the model into code the printer understands referred to as slicer software. Which slicer software is dependent on the manufacturer of the 3D printer you are using. We often use Prusa 3D printers, so we use PrusaSlicer for converting our models to print. UltiMaker Cura is another common slicer software.

3D Printers

There are safety concerns while working with 3D printers for both the users and the equipment. It is important to make sure users are staying away from the hot components to prevent getting burned as well as staying away from the moving parts to prevent getting pinched. If the equipment is mishandled, it can also cause issues and potentially damage components.

For these reasons, it is important to have grade level appropriate interaction with the equipment.

• K-2nd grade- Teacher demonstration of 3D printer running. Students can design simple parts in TinkerCAD with direct instruction. The teacher can then set up the part/design in the slicer software and run it on the printer.

• 3rd-5th grade- Students can design more complicated parts in TinkerCAD with 1-on-1 support. The students can set up the parts to run with individual direct instruction.

• 6th-8th grade- Student design capabilities in TinkerCAD and potentially other software can expand. After proper training, students may be allowed to start prints as an independent activity with teacher supervision.

• 9th-12th grade-Student software design capabilities can continue to develop. After proper training, students may be allowed to start prints as an independent activity with limited supervision. Select trusted students may be able to help with simple maintenance (swapping filament, cleaning nozzle with brass brush, etc.) after proper training.

This is a general guide for level of interaction. Some students may be excited about learning more about the equipment and trustworthy enough to be trained to have more responsibility.