FDM 3D Printing DIY Guide

If at any point you need help, find a staff member! They can help you set up your print, change materials, and provide recommendations to achieve the best results! 

Important Info on Using the FDM 3D Printers

  1. The 3D printers may only be used by trained individuals, or under the supervision of a staff members.
  2. Only Maker Hub staff are allowed to change filaments and conduct machine maintenance.
  3. The Maker Hub is proud to provide filament for free to its users. In order to keep this sustainable, we ask that you provide your own filament if you require large amounts of material (over 500g) for your project.
  4. Print jobs must be kept under 18 hours unless given express permission by Maker Hub staff.
  5. Visitors are limited to using one printer at a time unless given express permission by Maker Hub staff.

 

FDM 3D Printing Guide

Choose Printer and Import/Arrange your Model

  1. Email your model to gtownmakerhub@gmail.com for downloading. Then open it in UltiMaker Cura or PrusaSlicer.
  2. Select the printer model you wish to use for your 3D print.
  3. Use the tools on the left to translate, rotate, and scale your model as appropriate.

Set the Slicer Settings

on the right hand side of the screen, you will see setting that can be adjusted to fine tune how your print comes out.  There are four main settings to pay attention to that are listed below.  If you need further adjustments, talk to the Maker Hub staff.

  1. Set the Resolution (Layer Height):  
    1. This will DRAMATICALLY affect the overall time the print takes.
    2. 3D printers run best when you split the extruder diameter to calculate the layer height.  Our printers use .4 mm nozzles, so a great starting point for layer height would be .2 mm.
  2. Set Infill Density:
    1. A little bit of infill will go a long way. Unless you are making a functional end use part, then 10-20% is recommended (You cannot crush a 3D print with 10% infill by hand)
    2. Turning up the infill with DRAMATICALLY affect the overall time the print takes
  3. Set Supports: 
    1. These will be removed and discarded once the print completes.  They should easily come off, and can be tweaked to better fit your preferences during the slicing process.  If you need specific changes, talk to Maker Hub staff!
    2. Supports can be changed to a variety of styles depending on the features of your print.
      1. Organic Supports - for models with many curved surfaces
      2. Snug or Rectilinear supports - for models with many large flat surfaces
  4. Set Adhesion:
    1. Enable this feature if your model has a very small connection to the build plate. For small models, this setting helps make sure the print sticks to the build plate.  This setting is not needed for most models, especially if they already have sturdy flat bases to print from.

Start your print!

  1. Click the Slice button in the software. You can now see the model as it will appear printed, with layers and supports shown.
  2. If everything looks good, Export the GCode onto a USB.
  3. Plug the USB into the printer, hit "Print" and find the GCode file.