3D printing involves extruding heated plastic filament through a nozzle to build 3D objects layer by layer. The document discusses the basics of how 3D printing works using different materials like ABS and PLA, considerations for temperature settings, infill levels, and support structures. It also covers the software pipeline involving CAD modeling, slicing files, and sending G-code instructions to the printer, potential issues that can occur during printing, and resources for finding models or improving prints.

1. 3D Printing
Feb 2016
andyvig@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/rochesterdev/

2. Agenda
• Demo
• Basics
• Actual Printing
• Software Pipeline
• Considerations

3. Caveat
I’m not an expert!
Everything I’ve learned is from trial and error orYouTube.

4. The Basics
• How does it work?
• Extruders, platform, filament, electronics
• Materials
• ABS, PLA
• Wood, Carbon Fiber, dissolvable, flexible, etc…
• Temperature
• ABS extrudes at ~230°C and 110°C bed, PLA is at ~190°C and 60°C bed
• Proper adhesion requires the right temperature conditions
• Infill – How much bracing is put on the inside (15% is common)
• Supports – Needed for overhangs (typically > 45°)
• Retraction – Prevents “oozing” (ie. stringy lines between gaps)

5. The Basics
• How does it work?
• Extruders, platform, filament, electronics
• Materials
• ABS, PLA
• Wood, Carbon Fiber, dissolvable, flexible, etc…
• Temperature
• ABS extrudes at ~230°C and 110°C bed, PLA is at ~190°C and 60°C bed
• Proper adhesion requires the right temperature conditions
• Infill – How much bracing is put on the inside (15% is common)
• Supports – Needed for overhangs (typically > 45°)
• Retraction – Prevents “oozing” (ie. stringy lines between gaps)

6. Actual Printing
• Printing is slow
• Not for the faint of heart
• Some models/software are more consumer friendly than others, but generally it’s easy to
screw things up.
• Broken filament, plugged extruder, temperature troubles
• Calibration often required
• Temperature affects adhesion, flow, quality
• Level bed, retraction speed, filament size, etc…
• Software can make a big difference
• Simplify3D seems to be the gold standard ($150)
• Lots of options (many free) out there, but are rougher around the edges

7. Actual Printing
• Printing is slow
• Not for the faint of heart
• Some models/software are more consumer friendly than others, but generally it’s easy to
screw things up.
• Broken filament, plugged extruder, temperature troubles
• Calibration often required
• Temperature affects adhesion, flow, quality
• Level bed, retraction speed, filament size, etc…
• Software can make a big difference
• Simplify3D seems to be the gold standard ($150)
• Lots of options (many free) out there, but are rougher around the edges

8. Model Sites
Where to get CAD/STL files to print from?
• Thingiverse: http://www.thingiverse.com/
• Mini Factory: http://www.myminifactory.com/
• Pin Shape: https://pinshape.com/
• GrabCAD: https://grabcad.com/library
• Good for re-usable parts
• Smithsonian Institute: http://3d.si.edu/
• Or a ton of other sites (ex. Google Earth)

9. Software Pipeline
• Modeling (ie. CAD)
• Defines the 3D model (.stl file)
• Tons of 3d modeling software (TinkerCAD, 123Design, Blender, etc…)
• Slicing (Slic3r, Cura, Simplify3D)
• Slices a smooth 3d model into printable layers
• Slicing details are really important!
• Output of gcode or x3g (binary)
• Machine instructions (looks like assembly code)
• OctoPrint - http://octoprint.org/
• Raspberry Pi to manage prints (website for realtime stats, camera, timelapse)

11. Simplify3D Demo

12. Purchasing Considerations
• Budget
• Cheapest models ($400 range)
• Small bed, slower
• Hobbyist models ($1,000 range)
• Enthusiast models ($2,000 to $5,000)
• Single or Dual Extruder
• Ease of use, price of materials
• Support

13. Resources
• Slic3r intro: http://manual.slic3r.org/intro/overview
• Troubleshooting: https://www.simplify3d.com/support/print-quality-troubleshooting/
• YouTube Channels: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USA29CuYOvk
• Hanselman: http://www.hanselman.com/blog/CategoryView.aspx?category=3D+Printing
• Andy’sTwitter: https://twitter.com/andyvig

14. Next Month!
• Meetings 2nd Thursday of every month (so March 10th)
• Chris is presenting “physics things with Swift and SpriteKit!”
• https://www.facebook.com/rochesterdev/ for notifications
• Andy’s email: andyvig@gmail.com

15. Appendix

16. Other Stuff
• Carbon3D CLIP process
• http://carbon3d.com/
• Useful Prints
• Cable clips
• Custom case (for Pi), gears, etc…
• Vase
• Business card holder, party gifts