Changes

===Build Plate (CAUTION: HOT!)===

===Build Plate (CAUTION: HOT!)===

The build surface is where the printed part is placed on. On most of the Makerspace printers the build plate is heated to 60°C (and can go as high as 110°C) during printing, so exercise caution around it. The plate can be raised or lowered while the printer is idle by going to Maintenance→Advanced→Raise/Lower Build Plate.

The build surface is where the printed part is placed on. On most of the Makerspace printers the build plate is heated to 60°C (and can go as high as 110°C) during printing, so exercise caution around it. The plate can be raised or lowered while the printer is idle by going to ''Maintenance→Advanced→Raise/Lower Build Plate''.

===Filament Spool===

===Filament Spool===

If you are a beginner, try [https://www.tinkercad.com/ Tinkercad]. This is a browser based 3D design application that is very simple to learn. For more information check out [[Digital technologies/3D printing/3D modeling- Beginner|this handy guide]]. If you need something a little more advanced, you can use Solidworks, AutoCAD, Fusion360 or any other 3D modeling software.

If you are a beginner, try [https://www.tinkercad.com/ Tinkercad]. This is a browser based 3D design application that is very simple to learn. For more information check out [[Digital technologies/3D printing/3D modeling- Beginner|this handy guide]]. If you need something a little more advanced, you can use Solidworks, AutoCAD, Fusion360 or any other 3D modeling software.

===Save or download the model as an .stl===

===Save or download the model as an stl===

What is an .stl file? It is a stereolithography file format. This type of file uses a web of polygons to describe a 3D object. It is this easiest and the default file type with most of 3D printing software.

What is an stl file? It is a stereolithography file format (an old cad software). STL stands for "standard triangle language". This type of file uses a web of polygons to describe a 3D object. It is this easiest and the default file type with most of 3D printing software.

In Tinkercad, click on '''Export''' a new window will pop up and then select '''.STL'''

In Tinkercad, click on '''Export''' a new window will pop up and then select *'''.STL'''

In Solidworks, click File-> Save as. A new window will appear. Choose the file type .stl.

In Solidworks, click ''File→Save As''. A new window will appear. Choose the file type *.stl.

===Slicers===

===Slicers===

====Open Model====

====Open Model====

Your .stl file contains a set of triangles in 3D space. If you send this to a 3D printer, it will not know what to do. A slicer “slices” the 3D object into layers and then generates machine code (contained in a *.gCode file). Different printers work better with different slicers. The slicers need to be downloaded onto your computer. If you happen to not have access to a personal computer in our space, note that all our computers have all the software for each of our printers.

Your stl file contains a set of triangles in 3D space. If you send this to a 3D printer, it will not know what to do. A slicer “slices” the 3D object into layers and then generates machine code (contained in a gCode file). Different printers work better with different slicers. The slicers need to be downloaded onto your computer. If you happen to not have access to a personal computer in our space, note that all our computers have all the software for each of our printers.

====Send the code to the printer====

====Send the code to the printer====

#Select the settings you want for your print (have a look at [[Digital technologies/3D printing/3D printing- Beginner/Recommended Slicer Settings|the next section]] to see how to do this, including reorienting and moving your part)

#Select the settings you want for your print (have a look at [[Digital technologies/3D printing/3D printing- Beginner/Recommended Slicer Settings|the next section]] to see how to do this, including reorienting and moving your part)

#Click slice (have a look at the preview of your slice if you want to see the toolpath slice by slice)

#Click slice (have a look at the preview of your slice if you want to see the toolpath slice by slice)

#Save to file (this creates a *.gCode file). ''Note: you may skip this step if you do not care for keeping the file on your computer''

#Save to file (this creates a gCode file). ''Note: you may skip this step if you do not care for keeping the file on your computer''

#Save the gCode file to an SD card

#Save the gCode file to an SD card