The 3D printing process can be split up into three different domains: Modeling, Slicing, and Printing. To begin let's look at the 3 steps . . .

 

First, you have to build a model of what you want to print. This is done in a CAD program, which stands for Computer Aided Design. There are many available, both free and paid, but my recommendation is Google Sketchup. Sketchup is an excellent program with only a few limitations. All CAD programs will export an STL file. Think of this as your personal drawing of what ever you are making. STL files can also be found from community-supplied websites such as Thingyverse. The great thing about Thingyverse is that if CAD isn't your thing, you can easily find great designs to print. Fair warning though, not all STL files from Thingyverse are created equal, so your final print may not come out as intended. It is also a lot more fun to print something that you designed yourself.

 

Once you have an STL file, it is time to slice. Slicing takes your model and literally slices it into layers that can be printed. It also sets up the code for temperature, speed, and a host of other settings. This code is called gCode, and could technically be written or tweaked by hand. Many first-time printers don't understand why the STL file has to be sliced, but a good way to think about it is that the printer can't take a drawing -- which is the STL -- and just print it. It needs to be told everywhere to move and how fast and at what temperature. Slicing programs tell the printer how to do all of these things. Another important thing to remember is that there are different slicing softwares for each of the printers. If you are using one of the small red ones, the program is called "Flashforge". The software for the big printer is "ideamaker."

 

The last thing to do is to print! This is easily both the most stressful and rewarding part of the entire process. First, make sure you have a USB drive ready. This is how we will transfer the gCode into the printer. Once you have selected your file, DO NOT LEAVE THE PRINTER. It is essential that you stay next to the printer as it heats up and extrudes the first few layers. This is when most of the errors occur, so leaving a print alone during this crucial time can be fatal. It is also important to remember that 3D prints will take a long time, so it is good idea to either start them in the morning or after school so they can run overnight. I generally prefer to start them in the morning that way if anything goes wrong it can be fixed at lunch, or a new print can be started after school. Remember that 3D printing can be finicky and at some times very frustrating, but most will agree that everything is worth it in the end.