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==Video Tutorial==

==[[Digital technologies/3D printing/3D printing- Beginner/3D printing overview|3D printing overview]]==

This video shows a short overview of the 3D printing process with an Ultimaker 2+ from downloading Cura to starting the print.

This video shows a short overview of the 3D printing process with an Ultimaker 2+ from downloading Cura to starting the print.

<youtube>bcjW5PdES7U</youtube>

<youtube>bcjW5PdES7U</youtube>

==How do I 3D print at the Makerspace?==

==[[Digital technologies/3D printing/3D printing- Beginner/3D printing in our Makerspace|3D printing in our Makerspace]]==

At the 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.

#Get a 3D model

#Get a 3D model

#Using the knob, select print. To “select” you simply press on the knob. This will take you to the SD card page, scroll through the files and select yours. Usually the most recent files are found at the bottom of the list. Selecting the file, should start your print.<br />

#Using the knob, select print. To “select” you simply press on the knob. This will take you to the SD card page, scroll through the files and select yours. Usually the most recent files are found at the bottom of the list. Selecting the file, should start your print.<br />

==Choosing your Slicer Settings as a Beginner==

==[[Digital technologies/3D printing/3D printing- Beginner/Recommended Slicer Settings|Choosing your Slicer Settings as a Beginner]]==

Since the Ultimakers are the most frequently used printers at the Makerspace, this article will be focused on the use of the "Cura" slicer, specifically Cura version 4.x.x. While this article may be specific to Cura, the software is based on an open source engine, so the same principles and settings should carry over to any slicer. This article will also focus only on the beginner "Recommended" settings interface,

Since the Ultimakers are the most frequently used printers at the Makerspace, this article will be focused on the use of the "Cura" slicer, specifically Cura version 4.x.x. While this article may be specific to Cura, the software is based on an open source engine, so the same principles and settings should carry over to any slicer. This article will also focus only on the beginner "Recommended" settings interface,

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>

==When to Use Supports?==

==[[Digital technologies/3D printing/3D printing- Beginner/Supports|When to Use Supports?]]==

[[File:TOverhang.jpg|thumb|Without supports, printing the letter "T" will result in failure or reduced quality.]][[File:Yoverhang.jpg|thumb|Unlike the letter "T", printing the letter "Y" without supports will be successful. ]]

[[File:TOverhang.jpg|thumb|Without supports, printing the letter "T" will result in failure or reduced quality.]][[File:Yoverhang.jpg|thumb|Unlike the letter "T", printing the letter "Y" without supports will be successful. ]]

Supports are one of the most significant contributors of the quality of your print, for better or worse. Since 3D printers cannot defy gravity, most models with any geometry suspended in mid-air will require some form of support structure to ensure a successful print. However, since support structures will make contact with your model, surface scars will form at these points of contact, and enabling supports for a print that does not require them will lead to worse quality for no benefit. Using supports when they aren't necessary also leads to wasted plastic, and more time wasted removing them afterwards. Thus, being able to recognize when supports AREN'T required, and knowing what settings to use if they ARE required are essential skills for a 3D printing enthusiast!  

Supports are one of the most significant contributors of the quality of your print, for better or worse. Since 3D printers cannot defy gravity, most models with any geometry suspended in mid-air will require some form of support structure to ensure a successful print. However, since support structures will make contact with your model, surface scars will form at these points of contact, and enabling supports for a print that does not require them will lead to worse quality for no benefit. Using supports when they aren't necessary also leads to wasted plastic, and more time wasted removing them afterwards. Thus, being able to recognize when supports AREN'T required, and knowing what settings to use if they ARE required are essential skills for a 3D printing enthusiast!  

This section is under construction.

This section is under construction.

==What not to print on a 3D printer==

==[[Digital technologies/3D printing/3D printing- Beginner/What not to print|What not to print on a 3D printer]]==

3D printers are extremely versatile and wonderful for fast prototyping, but there are things that you should not print on a 3D printer, either because there is a better way to do it, or because the features you are trying to print are simply not going to come out well.

3D printers are extremely versatile and wonderful for fast prototyping, but there are things that you should not print on a 3D printer, either because there is a better way to do it, or because the features you are trying to print are simply not going to come out well.