Unveiling 3D Printing

Do you find 3D printing fascinating but are not too sure as to how and where to start? Look no further, as this is the 3D printing guide that will help you understand the (easy) process of making your magical 3D creation come to life.

via GIPHY

3D printing is more simple than most assume. The first step is to obtain a 3D model by designing it through software like TinkerCad or downloading it directly from online galleries such as Thingiverse.

Once the model is ready and appropriately customized, we import it into a slicing software detailing how long the print would take, what temperature it would need to adjust to throughout the process, and what it will look like in the end. Then, it would slice the model into horizontal layers depicting the superposition of the print. The software should also offer customizable printing options, such as whether or not to add support, the percentage of infill, and the size of the model proportional in its three dimensions.

Now that the model is ready to be printed, you could connect the printer directly to the computer and select “print” or export it into a USB stick and connect it to the printer. Then, select the colour filament you want the model to be in. Whether or not the model is printed in multiple colours depends on the number of extruders in the printer. An extruder is the component of a 3D printer that sticks out and contains a motor, a heater, a fan, and a nozzle, among other minor parts. 

Once the 3D printer reads the model, it starts heating up accordingly. The temperature range is usually between 210°C and 250°C. Once we reach the desired temperature, the printing commences and should not stop unless there is an issue with the extruder or if paused manually. It is recommended to never run the printer overnight for safety reasons!

The filament enters the extruder and melts to make up the horizontal layers of the print, exiting from the nozzle onto the 3D bed. For better support and extra precaution, some choose to cover the bed with a gluestick, but that is not necessary. 

Once the print is completed, the machine stops printing and automatically cools off. You can then remove the finished model from the bed, remove the support, and voilà! You just finished your first 3D print!

Print Your Own at Ontario Tech!

So there you have it, folks! Everything you need to know about 3D printing. Head over to the Ontario Tech library if you’re in North Campus or request a 3D print if you're from the Downtown Campus to start creating your designs and turning them into real-life models!