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Digital technologies/3D printing/3D printing- Beginner (view source)
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3D printing is an additive manufacturing process which creates a three-dimensional object from a digital model. At the uOttawa Makerspace, we use FDM (fused deposition modeling) which works by slicing the model into layers and then printing one layer on top of the other. The type of printer, and the options that are fitted to the printer, determine the capabilities in terms of accuracy, speed, and complexity a printer is capable of. The printer extruder and nozzle combination will dictate what materials the printer is capable of using. Multiple extrusion heads enable for different materials to be used during the same print and are common on more commercially-targeted products but can also be fitted to high-end personal-use models. This can enable a printer to use weaker (or even dissolvable) support material for easy removal, or the ability to add colour schemes to a print for aesthetic purposes. Heated build plates are fairly common, and are used to improve the quality of prints by reducing the heat stress placed on a component during printing and cooling. In addition, many printers are open source projects, enabling users to edit the printer’s software, and even use it to build their own printer. The material most commonly used in the Makerspace is a type of plastic known as PLA (Polylactic acid). This plastic is used for 3D printing because of its relatively low melting point and very low shrinkage rate. While the Makerspace owns a variety of FDM printer models, this beginner page will focus on the Ultimaker 2+ which is the main model of printer used. Most of the material in this wiki page is also covered in the CEED's interactive trainings. If you wish to follow the virtual 3D printing training, it is available [https://makerepo.com/jboud030/1220.imprimante-3d-virtuelle-virtual-3d-printing at this link].
3D printing is an additive manufacturing process which creates a three-dimensional object from a digital model. At the uOttawa Makerspace, we use FDM (fused deposition modeling) which works by slicing the model into layers and then printing one layer on top of the other. The type of printer, and the options that are fitted to the printer, determine the capabilities in terms of accuracy, speed, and complexity a printer is capable of. The printer extruder and nozzle combination will dictate what materials the printer is capable of using. Multiple extrusion heads enable for different materials to be used during the same print and are common on more commercially-targeted products but can also be fitted to high-end personal-use models. This can enable a printer to use weaker (or even dissolvable) support material for easy removal, or the ability to add colour schemes to a print for aesthetic purposes. Heated build plates are fairly common, and are used to improve the quality of prints by reducing the heat stress placed on a component during printing and cooling. In addition, many printers are open source projects, enabling users to edit the printer’s software, and even use it to build their own printer. The material most commonly used in the Makerspace is a type of plastic known as PLA (Polylactic acid). This plastic is used for 3D printing because of its relatively low melting point and very low shrinkage rate. While the Makerspace owns a variety of FDM printer models, this beginner page will focus on the Ultimaker 2+ which is the main model of printer used.
Most of the material in this wiki page is also covered in the CEED's interactive trainings. If you wish to follow the virtual 3D printing training, it is available [https://makerepo.com/jboud030/1220.imprimante-3d-virtuelle-virtual-3d-printing at this link].
==[[Digital technologies/3D printing/3D printing- Beginner/How do FDM Printers Work?|How do FDM Printers Work?]]==
==[[Digital technologies/3D printing/3D printing- Beginner/How do FDM Printers Work?|How do FDM Printers Work?]]==
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[[File:FDM Printing Process.png|thumb|Image showing how material is laid down in layers to build up a 3D object in the FDM printing process.<ref>Gringer (Wikipedia User, 2018). Fused Filament Fabrication. Wikipedia. Accessed 2022-07-25 at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fused_filament_fabrication</ref>|alt=]]
<youtube>1wk-P-_RC5c</youtube>[[File:FDM Layers.jpg|A closeup of an FDM print. In this picture, you can see the layers that make up the print.<ref>Redwood, Ben (2022). ''How does part orientation affect a 3D print?'' Hubs, a Protolabs company. Accessed on 12/05/2022 at https://www.hubs.com/knowledge-base/how-does-part-orientation-affect-3d-print/</ref>|alt=|thumb]]
Fused deposition modelling (FDM) printers extrude melted material through a nozzle. As this happens, the nozzle is moved along a predetermined toolpath (a set of spatial coordinates), laying the extruded material on existing surfaces along the way. The toolpath is generated from CAD models in a software called a slicer software, named this way given that it slices 3D models in thin 2D layers which when stacked reform the original model.
Fused deposition modelling (FDM) printers extrude melted material through a nozzle. As this happens, the nozzle is moved along a predetermined toolpath (a set of spatial coordinates), laying the extruded material on existing surfaces along the way. The toolpath is generated from CAD models in a software called a slicer software, named this way given that it slices 3D models in thin 2D layers which when stacked reform the original model.
=== Important Parameters ===
=== Important Parameters ===
It is important to keep a few parameters in mind when FDM printing. Using the proper parameters will ensure that your print comes out right!
It is important to keep a few parameters in mind when FDM printing. Using the proper parameters will ensure that your print comes out right!
===Filament Spool===
===Filament Spool===
The filament spool can be found attached to the back of the printer. The spool is essentially a filament roll. As the printer uses up the filament, the spool unrolls. Before printing, it is a good habit to check filament levels on the printer. You may find steps for replacing the filament [[Digital technologies/3D printing/3D printing- Intermediate|in the intermediate page]].
The filament spool can be found attached to the back of the printer. The spool is essentially a filament roll. As the printer uses up the filament, the spool unrolls. Before printing, it is a good habit to check filament levels on the printer. You may find steps for replacing the filament [[Digital technologies/3D printing/3D printing- Intermediate|in the intermediate page]].
[[File:Ultimaker2+ Overview.PNG|center|thumb|1500x1500px|An overview of the Ultimaker 2 parts. Most FDM printers contain the same components.<ref>Modified from Ultimaker B.V. ''Ultimaker 2 User Manual''. Consulted on 2022/05/16 at https://support.ultimaker.com/hc/en-us/articles/360011955399-The-Ultimaker-2-user-manual</ref>]]
[[File:Ultimaker2+ Overview.PNG|center|thumb|1000x1000px|An overview of the Ultimaker 2 parts. Most FDM printers contain the same components.<ref>Modified from Ultimaker B.V. ''Ultimaker 2 User Manual''. Consulted on 2022/05/16 at https://support.ultimaker.com/hc/en-us/articles/360011955399-The-Ultimaker-2-user-manual</ref>]]
== [[Digital technologies/3D printing/3D printing- Beginner/Which 3D Printers do we have?|Which 3D printers do we have?]] ==
== [[Digital technologies/3D printing/3D printing- Beginner/Which 3D Printers do we have?|Which 3D printers do we have?]] ==
| slicerName = Cura
| slicerName = Cura
| slicerLink = https://ultimaker.com/cura
| slicerLink = https://ultimaker.com/cura
| materials = PLA, ABS, Flexible
| materials = PLA, ABS, Flexible, etc
| minLayerHeight = 0.06
| minLayerHeight = 0.06
| heatedBuildPlate = Yes
| heatedBuildPlate = Yes
| slicerName = Cura
| slicerName = Cura
| slicerLink = https://ultimaker.com/cura
| slicerLink = https://ultimaker.com/cura
| materials = PLA, PVA, Flexible
| materials = PLA, PVA, Flexible, etc
| minLayerHeight = 0.02
| minLayerHeight = 0.02
| heatedBuildPlate = Yes
| heatedBuildPlate = Yes
| buildHeight = 605
| buildHeight = 605
| moreInformation = https://en.wiki.makerepo.com/wiki/Raise3D_N2_Plus
| moreInformation = https://en.wiki.makerepo.com/wiki/Raise3D_N2_Plus
}}
{{PrinterInfobox
| name = FLsun v400
| image = Flsun v400.jpg
| slicerName = Cura
| slicerLink = https://ultimaker.com/cura
| buildVolume = ⌀300 × 410 mm
| materials = PLA, ABS, Flexible, etc
| minLayerHeight = 0.05
| heatedBuildPlate = Yes
| float = none
| buildWidth = 300
| buildDepth = 300
| buildHeight = 410
| moreInformation = https://en.wiki.makerepo.com/wiki/Flsun_v400
}}
}}
| moreInformation = https://en.wiki.makerepo.com/wiki/Markforged_Mark_Two
| moreInformation = https://en.wiki.makerepo.com/wiki/Markforged_Mark_Two
}}
}}
{{PrinterInfobox
| name = Stratasys Dimension SST 1200es
| image = Dimension-1200es.jpg
| slicerName = GrabCAD Print
| slicerLink = https://grabcad.com/print
| buildVolume = 254 × 254 × 305 mm
| materials = ABS, Soluble support
| minLayerHeight = 0.254
| heatedBuildPlate = Yes
| float = none
| buildWidth = 254
| buildDepth = 254
| buildHeight = 305
| moreInformation = https://en.wiki.makerepo.com/wiki/Stratasys_Dimension_SST
}}
{{PrinterInfobox
| name = Stratasys F170
| image = stratasys-f170.jpg
| slicerName = GrabCAD Print
| slicerLink = https://grabcad.com/print
| buildVolume = 254 × 254 × 254 mm
| materials = PLA, ABS, ASA, TPU, Soluble support
| minLayerHeight = 0.127
| heatedBuildPlate = Yes
| float = none
| buildWidth = 254
| buildDepth = 254
| buildHeight = 254
| moreInformation = https://en.wiki.makerepo.com/wiki/Stratasys_F170
}}
{{PrinterInfobox
| name = Elegoo Saturn 2 8k
| image = elegoo saturn 2.jpg
| slicerName = ChituBox
| slicerLink = https://www.chitubox.com/en/download/chitubox-free
| buildVolume = 218.88 × 123.12 × 250 mm
| materials = Standard, ABS-like, rubber, etc
| minLayerHeight = 0.01
| heatedBuildPlate = No
| float = none
| buildWidth = 218.88
| buildDepth = 123.12
| buildHeight = 250
| moreInformation = https://en.wiki.makerepo.com/wiki/Elegoo_Saturn2
}}
Most of the time, prototyping projects at the Makerspace will make use of the Ultimaker 2+. However, if a product requirement or design refinement calls for the use of other materials, better quality, faster print times, etc., some printers can be much more suitable. For instance, the Ultimaker 3 can print with various materials and is equipped with two extruder heads. However, this printer is extremely slowǃ For faster prints, the Dremel and Makerbot Replicator 2 printers are faster than the UM3 and even the UM2%2B, which can be increasingly important in a production or a rapid prototyping environment. The other printers listed, the Makerspace charges for as they are specialty printers. These (Raise and the Mark II) are extremely reliable printers. They can also perform overnight prints which greatly expands the realm of possibilities in print size, reliability and quality due to the slower speeds which can be afforded. The Mark II is especially suited for load bearing prints as it uses carbon fiber reinforced nylon and can lay continuous carbon/glass/kevlar fibers inside the prints for added rigidity. Feel free to consult the pages for each printer for more information on each printers' recommended slicer settings, use cases, and design resources.
Most of the time, prototyping projects at the Makerspace will make use of the Ultimaker 2+. However, if a product requirement or design refinement calls for the use of other materials, better quality, faster print times, etc., some printers can be much more suitable. For instance, the Ultimaker 3 can print with various materials and is equipped with two extruder heads. However, this printer is extremely slowǃ For faster prints, the Dremel and Makerbot Replicator 2 printers are faster than the UM3 and even the UM2%2B, which can be increasingly important in a production or a rapid prototyping environment. The other printers listed, the Makerspace charges for as they are specialty printers. These (Raise and the Mark II) are extremely reliable printers. They can also perform overnight prints which greatly expands the realm of possibilities in print size, reliability and quality due to the slower speeds which can be afforded. The Mark II is especially suited for load bearing prints as it uses carbon fiber reinforced nylon and can lay continuous carbon/glass/kevlar fibers inside the prints for added rigidity. Feel free to consult the pages for each printer for more information on each printers' recommended slicer settings, use cases, and design resources.
== Safety Considerations for FDM 3D Printing ==
== [[Digital technologies/3D printing/3D printing- Beginner/Safety Considerations for FDM 3D Printing|Safety Considerations for FDM 3D Printing]] ==
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=== Burn Hazard ===
=== Burn Hazard ===
=== Pinch Hazard ===
=== Pinch Hazard ===
Since printers have exposed moving parts, they represent a pinch hazard. Avoid introducing body parts close to a printer's moving parts.
Since printers have exposed moving parts, and the movements of the print head can be unexpected, the printers present a pinch hazard. Avoid introducing body parts close to a printer's moving parts.
=== Bodily Harm Hazard ===
=== Bodily Harm Hazard ===