3D Printing in the Classroom

<p>3D printing empowers you to prototype and manufacture parts for a wide range of applications quickly and cost-effectively!</p>

<p>You are capable of creating complex shapes that traditional forms of manufacturing cannot.</p>

<p>It is considered a form of manufacturing technology. More specifically, additive manufacturing. Additive manufacturing is a transformative approach to industrial production that enables the creation of lighter, stronger parts and systems.</p>

<p>Computer-Aided-Design (CAD) software is used to direct hardware (i.e. 3D printers) to deposit material, layer upon layer, in precise geometric shapes.</p>

<p><img alt="" src="/api/storage/uploads/legacy-images/ddadeorshv02yprkhkyga0stbebw/3D+Printing+Intro.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 600px; height: 400px;" /></p>

<h3><strong>MAIN COMPONENTS OF 3D PRINTERS</strong></h3>

<p>To get a better understanding of how these machines work, we will explore some of the major components of 3D printers that one typically interacts with the most.<br />
<img alt="" src="/api/storage/uploads/legacy-images/d76re2zc5b1s69ae6euz3cx337ee/3D+Printing+Parts.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 600px; height: 600px;" /></p>
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<h3><strong><span style="color: #007dc6;">PARTS OF A 3D PRINTER</span></strong></h3>

<p><font color="#007dc6"><b>Click each work to expand!</b></font>
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<div class="so-tab"><input id="so-tab-1" name="tabs" type="checkbox" /> <label for="so-tab-1">👉FILAMENT</label>

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<p>3D printing filament is a thermoplastic material used as the raw material in 3D printing processes. It&#39;s essentially the &quot;ink&quot; that a 3D printer uses to build objects layer by layer. Filament comes in a long, thin, spool-like form and is typically fed into the 3D printer through a nozzle, where it&#39;s heated and extruded onto the print bed in precise patterns to create a three-dimensional object. The choice of filament material greatly affects the properties and characteristics of the final printed object.&nbsp;Some common types of 3D printing filaments include PLA, PETG, Nylon, and ABS.</p>
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<div class="so-tab"><input id="so-tab-2" name="tabs" type="checkbox" /> <label for="so-tab-2">👉PTFE TUBING</label>

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<p>PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) tubing, commonly known by the brand name Teflon, is a type of plastic tubing used in 3D printers to guide and protect the filament as it travels from the spool to the hotend (nozzle) of the printer. It serves a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and consistent feeding of filament during the 3D printing process.</p>
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<div class="so-tab"><input id="so-tab-3" name="tabs" type="checkbox" /> <label for="so-tab-3">👉EXTRUDER</label>

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<p>In 3D printing, an extruder is the component responsible for feeding and melting thermoplastic filament, accurately depositing molten material through a nozzle onto the build platform layer by layer, guided by the printer&#39;s programmed instructions and precise movement along the X, Y, and Z axes. This controlled process transforms digital designs into physical objects by creating intricate structures through the additive layering of material, with the extruder&#39;s grip, heating, and deposition mechanisms ensuring the precise formation of each layer and the eventual construction of the three-dimensional object.</p>
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<div class="so-tab"><input id="so-tab-4" name="tabs" type="checkbox" /> <label for="so-tab-4">👉NOZZLE</label>

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<p>The nozzle is a crucial component located at the end of the extruder&#39;s hotend. It serves as the point of material deposition and extrudes molten filament onto the build platform. The diameter of the nozzle determines the width of the extruded filament, influencing the level of detail and speed of printing. As the extruder moves according to the printer&#39;s instructions, the nozzle precisely deposits the molten material layer by layer, gradually building up the three-dimensional object. Nozzles are available in various sizes, and their selection affects factors like print resolution, strength, and the ability to handle different types of filament materials.</p>
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<div class="so-tab"><input id="so-tab-5" name="tabs" type="checkbox" /> <label for="so-tab-5">👉AXIS MOVING PARTS</label>

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<p>Axis-moving parts in 3D printing, comprising motors, rails, and belts, enable the dynamic positioning and controlled movement of the extruder and build platform along the X, Y, and Z axes. These parts translate the digital design into physical reality by coordinating precise motions, allowing the extruder to deposit material with accuracy and build up successive layers. The X and Y axes control horizontal movement, facilitating intricate patterns and details, while the Z axis controls vertical movement, enabling layer-by-layer construction. The synchronized operation of these moving components ensures the faithful reproduction of the 3D model and the creation of a cohesive, fully-formed object.</p>
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<div class="so-tab"><input id="so-tab-6" name="tabs" type="checkbox" /> <label for="so-tab-6">👉BUILD PLATE / HEATING BED</label>

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<p>A heating bed and build plate in 3D printing serve to enhance adhesion and minimize warping during the printing process. The heating bed, typically made of materials like glass with an integrated heating element, is capable of reaching and maintaining elevated temperatures. This warmth prevents the printed object&#39;s base layers from cooling too rapidly, reducing the likelihood of warping and improving overall adhesion to the build plate. The build plate, often attached to the heating bed, provides a stable and level surface on which the 3D object is constructed layer by layer. The combination of a heated bed and build plate fosters a conducive environment for successful prints, ensuring better print quality and reliability.</p>
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<div class="so-tab"><input id="so-tab-7" name="tabs" type="checkbox" /> <label for="so-tab-7">👉USER INTERFACE</label>

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<p>The user interface in 3D printing encompasses the visual and interactive elements through which users interact with and control the printing process. It typically includes a graphical display or screen on the 3D printer itself or a connected device like a computer or smartphone. The interface enables users to upload or design 3D models, adjust printing parameters such as layer height, print speed, and temperature settings, initiate printing, and monitor progress. Through this interface, users can make real-time adjustments, troubleshoot issues, and receive feedback on the status of the print job, allowing for a user-friendly and intuitive means of managing the entire 3D printing workflow.</p>

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<h3><strong>DESIGN LAYOUT</strong></h3>

<p><img alt="" src="/api/storage/uploads/legacy-images/2w90vvbhpfsrudckw3n1u8sccmb2/3D+Printing+Axis.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 600px; height: 520px;" /></p>

<p>3D printers use three&nbsp;axes: X, Y, and Z for designing on the buildplate. The extruders need to be able to move along all of these axes.</p>

<p>The X/Y axes are responsible for left, right, forward and backwards coordinates.<br />
The Z axis is responsible for your vertical movements.</p>

<p>Before you can even begin to 3D print, you must first download a&nbsp;Slicer Software&nbsp;on your desktop or laptop.</p>

<p>The slicer, also called slicing software, is computer software used to convert a 3D object model to specific instructions for the printer. Below are different options but there are probably more out there depending on the type of 3D printer you own.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Watch the video below for a walkthrough!</p>

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<div style="padding:62.5% 0 0 0;position:relative;"><iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/780888239?h=3516b131a5&amp;badge=0&amp;autopause=0&amp;player_id=0&amp;app_id=58479" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" title="Cura Slicer Video.mp4"></iframe></div>
<script src="https://player.vimeo.com/api/player.js"></script>

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<p>There are several slicer programs out there, each with their own benefits. Here are three programs we recommend!</p>

<ul>
<li>Cura &ndash; FREE for basic users; powerful program yet simple to use; my personal favorite!</li>
<li>Creality &ndash; FREE</li>
<li>Digilab for Dremel Printer &ndash; FREE but may have trouble downloading. As an alternative, add the Dremel Plugin on the Cura Marketplace</li>
</ul>