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THE MAKER’S TOOLBOX: 3D PRINTING
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SLICE PRINTIDEA FINISHDESIGN
3D PRINTING MENUCLICK ANY TOPIC BELOW TO JUMP TO THAT PAGE
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ANATOMY OF A 3D PRINTER
STUDENT EXAMPLE GALLERY
FINDING A PREMADE MODEL
IDEA
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ANATOMY OF A 3D PRINTER
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Visuals provided by Ultimaker Website
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STUDENT GALLERY
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FIND A PREMADE MODEL
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Not ready to create a project from scratch?
Download a free premade model from Thingiverse or Youmagine
https://www.thingiverse.com/https://www.thingiverse.com/https://www.thingiverse.com/https://www.youmagine.com/https://www.youmagine.com/https://www.youmagine.com/https://www.thingiverse.com/https://www.youmagine.com/
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DESIGNING SOFTWARE
3D DESIGN TERMINOLOGY
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DESIGN
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DESIGNING SOFTWARE
CREATE TINKERCAD ACCOUNT
New to 3D design? We recommend new makers start out with beginner-friendly Tinkercad
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DOWNLOAD FUSION 360
http://www.tinkercad.com/http://www.tinkercad.com/https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/students-teachers-educators?td=aexfusion&mktvar002=680274&mkwid=ssKf19tWq%7Cpcrid%7C296530533327%7Cpkw%7C%2Bfusion%20%2B360%20%2Bstudent%7Cpmt%7Cb%7Cpdv%7Cc%7Cslid%7C%7Cpgrid%7C49799943993%7Cptaid%7Ckwd-296832662126%7C&intent=&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=&utm_term=%2Bfusion%20%2B360%20%2Bstudent&utm_content=ssKf19tWq%7Cpcrid%7C296530533327%7Cpkw%7C%2Bfusion%20%2B360%20%2Bstudent%7Cpmt%7Cb%7Cpdv%7Cc%7Cslid%7C%7Cpgrid%7C49799943993%7Cptaid%7Ckwd-296832662126%7C&gclid=CjwKCAiAt4rfBRBKEiwAC678KZhvonvrf8vWGHjJ8Ln3mevdiCDsPgYbLlyglx4QhlkFIeQeP3DL4RoCgaoQAvD_BwEhttps://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/students-teachers-educators?td=aexfusion&mktvar002=680274&mkwid=ssKf19tWq%7Cpcrid%7C296530533327%7Cpkw%7C%2Bfusion%20%2B360%20%2Bstudent%7Cpmt%7Cb%7Cpdv%7Cc%7Cslid%7C%7Cpgrid%7C49799943993%7Cptaid%7Ckwd-296832662126%7C&intent=&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=&utm_term=%2Bfusion%20%2B360%20%2Bstudent&utm_content=ssKf19tWq%7Cpcrid%7C296530533327%7Cpkw%7C%2Bfusion%20%2B360%20%2Bstudent%7Cpmt%7Cb%7Cpdv%7Cc%7Cslid%7C%7Cpgrid%7C49799943993%7Cptaid%7Ckwd-296832662126%7C&gclid=CjwKCAiAt4rfBRBKEiwAC678KZhvonvrf8vWGHjJ8Ln3mevdiCDsPgYbLlyglx4QhlkFIeQeP3DL4RoCgaoQAvD_BwEhttp://www.tinkercad.com/https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/students-teachers-educators?td=aexfusion&mktvar002=680274&mkwid=ssKf19tWq%7Cpcrid%7C296530533327%7Cpkw%7C%2Bfusion%20%2B360%20%2Bstudent%7Cpmt%7Cb%7Cpdv%7Cc%7Cslid%7C%7Cpgrid%7C49799943993%7Cptaid%7Ckwd-296832662126%7C&intent=&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=&utm_term=%2Bfusion%20%2B360%20%2Bstudent&utm_content=ssKf19tWq%7Cpcrid%7C296530533327%7Cpkw%7C%2Bfusion%20%2B360%20%2Bstudent%7Cpmt%7Cb%7Cpdv%7Cc%7Cslid%7C%7Cpgrid%7C49799943993%7Cptaid%7Ckwd-296832662126%7C&gclid=CjwKCAiAt4rfBRBKEiwAC678KZhvonvrf8vWGHjJ8Ln3mevdiCDsPgYbLlyglx4QhlkFIeQeP3DL4RoCgaoQAvD_BwEhttp://www.tinkercad.comhttps://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/students-teachers-educators?td=aexfusion&mktvar002=680274&mkwid=ssKf19tWq%7Cpcrid%7C296530533327%7Cpkw%7C%2Bfusion%20%2B360%20%2Bstudent%7Cpmt%7Cb%7Cpdv%7Cc%7Cslid%7C%7Cpgrid%7C49799943993%7Cptaid%7Ckwd-296832662126%7C&intent=&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=&utm_term=%2Bfusion%20%2B360%20%2Bstudent&utm_content=ssKf19tWq%7Cpcrid%7C296530533327%7Cpkw%7C%2Bfusion%20%2B360%20%2Bstudent%7Cpmt%7Cb%7Cpdv%7Cc%7Cslid%7C%7Cpgrid%7C49799943993%7Cptaid%7Ckwd-296832662126%7C&gclid=CjwKCAiAt4rfBRBKEiwAC678KZhvonvrf8vWGHjJ8Ln3mevdiCDsPgYbLlyglx4QhlkFIeQeP3DL4RoCgaoQAvD_BwE
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3D DESIGN TERMINOLOGYSTL
A widely used file format for 3D models. This is one of the file formats accepted by our software Cura.
Slicing
The process of converting a 3D model into a printable file. It will divide the model into “slices” so that the Ultimaker can build it up layer by layer.
Extruder
A common name for the parts that control the extrusion, where the filament is pressed out of the 3D printer nozzle.
G-code
The file format used to 3D print a file after it has been sliced. A G-code file contains x/y coordinates that control how the 3D printer head moves.
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Definitions provided by Ultimaker Website
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SLICEDOWNLOAD CURA SOFTWARE
CONVERTING YOUR MODEL TO STL FILE
CURA SETTINGS
ADDING SUPPORTS
ADDING A PRINTER TO CURA
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CURA SOFTWARE
DOWNLOAD CURA
Cura is a slicing software. Slicing Softwares take a 3D model and “slice” it into 3D printable layers.
Learning Cura is key, because it is the interface you will use to tell the 3D printer what important settings to use while printing.
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https://ultimaker.com/en/products/ultimaker-cura-software
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ADDING PRINTER TO CURA1. Select ‘add printer’2. Select ‘Ultimaker 3’3. Click ‘add printer’
button at bottom4. Repeat steps 1-3 if
using the the Ultimaker 3 Extended printers
Note: Cura works with many types of 3D printers, but BeAM primarily uses only Ultimaker 3 printers.
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CURA SETTINGS
MAKE SURE PRINT CORE IS AA 0.4
SET MATERIAL TO CPE
SET TO CUSTOM
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CURA SETTINGS- INFILL
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The infill is the interior structure of a 3D printed object, which affects its weight and durability.
We recommend using an infill of 15-20%.
Since the infill is for support, you may want to have a higher percentage of infill but again refer back to the timing piece. Longer prints have a higher chance of failure.
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CURA SETTINGS- TEMPERATURE
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There are two types of temperatures that greatly impact a 3D printer’s performance: printing temperature and build plate temperature. Printing temperature reflects the temperature of the extruder, while the build plate temperature reflects the temperature of the 3D printer bed.
Different filaments require different temperature profiles. The filament type CPE requires a printing temperature of 255C. The build plate temperature must be 80C - this ensures that your print adheres to the bed, and prevents rapid cooling that would shrink or warp your print.
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ADDING SUPPORTS
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Some prints might have overhangs or other features that are hard to print layer-by-layer. For example, a tree with a thin trunk but wide branches at the top. To help with this, Cura can generate exterior support scaffolding.
To turn this on, click the check box next to ‘generate support.’ To see what support would look like, click on the view mode dropdown in the top right and change it to ‘Layer view.’
You now have a slider that you can use to see how the support and design will print.Once printed, the support scaffold can be broken away.
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CONVERTING TO STL FILE
FUSION360:
Once you have your design finished in Fusion360, you can get an STL file that you can bring into Cura to slice for 3D printing.
Step 1: Uncheck ‘Send to 3D Print Utility’
Step 2: Change Refinement to High
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CONVERTING TO STL FILE
TINKERCAD:
Once you have your design finished in TinkerCAD, you can get an OBJ or STL file that you can bring into Cura to slice for 3D printing.
Step 1: Click ‘Export’ at the top right
Step 2: Pick either ‘.OBJ’ or ‘.STL’ to download
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BEAM 3D PRINT FORM
3D PRINT FORM GUIDE
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PRINT
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BEAM 3D PRINT FORMGrab a USB from an unused printer and record the number on the USB & Printer
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3D PRINT FORM GUIDEPRINTER NUMBER
PERSONAL INFORMATION
CURA ESTIMATES
PRINTER DATA
MATERIALS & WEAPONS POLICY
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REMOVING EXCESS MATERIAL
SANDING YOUR PRINT
PAINTING YOUR PRINT
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FINISH
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REMOVING EXCESS MATERIAL
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To remove rafts and support material, BeAM provides flush cutters, pliers, tweezers, picks, and blades.
These tools are not only useful for removing support but also when there are blips, noodling or other excess filament from the print.
This process is fairly straight forward, you’ll grab, twist, cut, snip, break off any parts of the print that don’t belong. The main goal here is not to damage the print itself in the process.
Don’t forget to wear eye protection when removing excess material!
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SANDING YOUR PRINT
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-Your print can be sanded by hand with sandpaper or using a Dremel tool.
-Check out our 3D Printer Finishing Guide for a detailed step-by-step breakdown of the process.
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PAINTING YOUR PRINT
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-Paint your model to get that finished quality look.
-Check out our 3D Printer Finishing Guide for a detailed step-by-step breakdown of the process.
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3D PRINTING INDEXDESIGNINGDesign software
Fusion 360
Tinkercad
Design Terminology
FINISHINGRemoving Excess Materials
Sanding
Painting
PREPARINGCura Software
Cura Settings
Adding a printer
Converting to STL File
Infill
Temperature
Adding Supports
CLICK ANY TOPIC TO JUMP TO THAT PAGE
IDEAStudent Photo Gallery
Premade models
Thingiverse
Youmagine
PRINTINGBeAM 3D Print Form
3D Print Form Guide
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