3D Printing at the Digital Studio - Support Beams and Printing

Now that you have a model created and saved as an .STL file, you will need to add support beams to your model.

Supports can help to prevent part deformation, secure a part to the printing bed and ensure that parts are attached to the main body of the printed part. If you don’t add support beams your model may need to be reprinted.

Supports are needed for any overhangs (ie. printer would be printing “in the air”) and are suggested for any angle over 60 degrees.

MatterHackers: MatterControl 2.0

MatterControl is a free, print preparation software that helps configure 3D files for printing. You can download this free software at: https://www.matterhackers.com/store/l/mattercontrol/sk/MKZGTDW6

Once you’ve downloaded the MatterControl 2.0 software, there will be a walkthrough tutorial on some basics of the software. You can exit out of this at any time.

To insert your model (.STL file) click on the file icon in the top left corner.

Then, select your model and click on the icon shown in the image below. Under support type you can choose ‘Normal’ or ‘From Bed.’ If your print is hollow then select ‘From Bed.’

Although support beams are vital, they can also be overpowering. If your model appears to have too many supports, then you can delete them by selecting the beam (beams are depicted as yellow bars) and then pressing delete on your keyboard.

Once your model has appropriate supports, you need to export the model as another .STL file.

You are now ready to print your 3D model.

MakerBot Print

MakerBot Print is the free printing software that connects to the 3D printer in the Digital Studio. You can download this free software at: https://www.makerbot.com/3d-printers/apps/makerbot-print/download/

Once you’ve downloaded the MakerBot Print software,

You can insert your model file (.STL) by clicking ‘file’ in the top left corner and then clicking ‘insert file.’

Make sure that you are satisfied with your model for however it looks in this program will be how it prints. If you need to make changes, reopen your model in one of the previous programs and then resave it.

Once you're satisfied with your model, it's time to connect to the printer.

First, make sure the 3D printer is turned on. Then, locate the USB cable from the back of the printer which you will then plug into your computer.

In MakerBot, click on the bottom panel to select and add a printer.

The software will then automatically detect the 3D printer. Once the printer is connected to MakerBot Print, the name of the printer will appear in the panel.

The printer in the Digital Studio is called "MakerBot Replicator +"

***will add in other images/text once laptop is connected to printer next week***

MakerBot will notify you if your model needs additional support. If this is the case, return to MatterControl to adapt your support beams and then resave.