Beginner 3D Printer/Design Guidelines

pinshape

I teach Middle School students about 3D printing twice a year for Shark Tank and MakerWeek presentations. Most students are visual learners when it comes to 3D printing, so I created quick guides for Tinkercad to help them design objects in 3 dimensions. Students learn to consider overhangs, bridging, supports, brim, and print fans while designing. Printer Settings: * Brand: MakerBot * Model: MakerBot Replicator Mini * Rafts: Not necessary * Supports: Not necessary * Resolution: 0.3mm * Infill: 20% Note: Prints have different needs for supports, brim, and print fan settings. See Steps! for more details. How I Designed This I had fun trying to exploit common problems that designers face, exaggerating issues so students can see them clearly. Project: Beginner 3D Printer/Design Guidelines Objectives: * Help students understand the basics of 3D printing design * Introduce students to custom print slicer settings Audiences: Middle School students aged 10-11 and up will find this set suitable for learning basic 3D printing principles. Anyone new to 3D printing can use it as a guide. Preparation: * A computer with a print slicer installed (Makerbot Desktop, Cura, or Slic3r) * A 3D printer Optional: Students can create an account on Tinkercad.com and recreate one of the designs for practice. They can also make new guidelines tiles! If students are unfamiliar with Tinkercad, a guide is available to get them started. Steps! To print two tiles with different settings: * Bridging: One tile with the print fan on 100%, one with it turned off * Overhangs: One tile with the print fan on 100%, one with it turned off * Supports: One tile with supports, one without * Orientation: One tile with the print fan on 100%, one with it off * Brim (Slic3r): One tile with a 5mm brim, one without Results: Students should be able to duplicate most of these designs in Tinkercad. This is an introduction to how things get 3D printed and how to design in 3 dimensions. It also helps students explore custom print slicer features.