3D Printing at the Digital Studio - Getting Started
Any BC student can use the 3D printers in the Digital Studio by making a reservation online at _____. The DS has a Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printer which is ideal for basic proof-of-concept models along with simple prototyping.
If you already have a model created, please follow the instructions under MatterHackers on the next page in order to add support beams to your model and ensure its printability.
If you are looking to design your own model, please follow the instructions below under Tinkercad.
Tinkercad
Tinkercad is a free, easy to use, online 3D modeling program that runs in a web browser. You can make a free account at:
Once you’ve created a Tinkercad account, there will be a walkthrough tutorial on how to use the website. You can watch this if you’ve never used Tinkercad before.
To create a model, click on the blue “create new design” button on the homepage. This will open a ‘new project’ page.
There are several important parts of the ‘new project’ page, including:
The blue plane (workplane) at the center of the page. This workplane is the 3D analog of a Photoshop or GIMP canvas. All of the designing will take place on this workplane.
A panel on the right with geometric shapes. This panel defaults to contain basic building blocks for all designs. You can select other categories and pre-made models through the drop-down menu.
Menu items, which are located above the workplane and panel, on the top bar. These menu items can be used to perform operations like aligning, merging, etc.
Additionally, you can maneuver your model and the workplane in the following ways:
To change the 3D perspective of the workplane, right-click and drag your mouse.
To zoom in and out of the workplane, scroll up and down on your mouse.
To undo changes, use Ctrl + z, or use the designated arrows in the top bar
Once your model is complete, click the Export button on the right panel. Be sure to export your model as an .STL file.
Building a model can be a challenging but fun process. Don't be afraid to play around with different features, make mistakes, and try again!
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.
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.’
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:
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.’
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***
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.
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.
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.
