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Digital technologies/3D printing/3D printing- Beginner (view source)
Revision as of 14:58, 14 July 2021
, 14:58, 14 July 2021→Choosing your Slicer Settings as a Beginner
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== How do 3D Printers Work? ==
==[[Digital technologies/3D printing/3D printing- Beginner/How do FDM Printers Work?|How do FDM Printers Work?]]==
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 thus given that it slices 3D models in thin 2D layers which when stacked reform the original model.
==[[Digital technologies/3D printing/3D printing- Beginner/3D printing in our Makerspace|3D printing in our Makerspace]]==
==[[Digital technologies/3D printing/3D printing- Beginner/3D printing in our Makerspace|3D printing in our Makerspace]]==
At the uOttawa Makerspace we have several different types (brands) of printers. When printing you will encounter either the Ultimaker, MakerBot, or Dremel. In general, the processes are similar.
At the uOttawa Makerspace we have several different types (brands) of printers. When printing you will encounter either the Ultimaker, MakerBot, or Dremel. In general, the processes are similar.
You'll notice that this box is checked by default. In the context of the "Recommended Settings" window on Cura, "Adhesion" refers to an outer thin "brim" of plastic printed around the model (there are different types of adhesion, which will be explained in-depth in the advanced article). This brim is to ensure that the part stays in place during the printing process. The brim of plastic should peel off very easily, so it is extremely beneficial and there are almost no downsides to having this setting enabled. <u>As a beginner, we recommend that you keep this box checked.</u>
You'll notice that this box is checked by default. In the context of the "Recommended Settings" window on Cura, "Adhesion" refers to an outer thin "brim" of plastic printed around the model (there are different types of adhesion, which will be explained in-depth in the advanced article). This brim is to ensure that the part stays in place during the printing process. The brim of plastic should peel off very easily, so it is extremely beneficial and there are almost no downsides to having this setting enabled. <u>As a beginner, we recommend that you keep this box checked.</u>
=== Simulating a Slice ===
===Simulating a Slice===
Simulating a slice can be a valuable tool, saving you time and money. Once a model is sliced, most software have a preview function that will simulate the final
==[[Digital technologies/3D printing/3D printing- Beginner/Supports|When to Use Supports?]]==
==[[Digital technologies/3D printing/3D printing- Beginner/Supports|When to Use Supports?]]==
===Bridges===
===Bridges===
Bridges are overhanging sections that are supported by two or more model sections (e.g.: the middle section of an H is a bridge). It can be possible to print bridges without the use of supports, though one should take care to optimize their printer settings (lower temperature, higher fan speed, etc.) to limit drool.
=== Removing Supports ===
===Removing Supports===
Removal of supports can also determine if one wants to use them. In prints using larger nozzle sizes (hotter nozzle, higher material flow), supports might be firmly fused to the model being printed. In such cases, removing supports might be extremely difficult. However, when using optimal settings, supports will be easy to remove. They typically break off with little effort. A pair of small bullnose pliers can also come in very handy when removing supports.
==[[Digital technologies/3D printing/3D printing- Beginner/Troubleshooting a failing print|Troubleshooting a failing print]]==
==[[Digital technologies/3D printing/3D printing- Beginner/Troubleshooting a failing print|Troubleshooting a failing print]]==