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3D PRINTING

We have five Prusa MK3S 3D Printers!

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These tools allows you to create physical objects out of your digital ideas. While there are some limitations to what you can make, these printers are capable of making some very cool stuff! 

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Our 3D printers use PLA filament, which is the type of plastic material used to make the objects. There are a few different colors to choose from.

1. Get Inspired!

If you don't already know what you want to print, click here to get some ideas. 
2. Choose your 3D Modeling Program.

Click on a logo for more information about each program.
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Tinkercad

Tinkercad is a beginner 3D modeling program. It can be easily used on both a computer and iPad.

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Onshape

Onshape is an intermediate/advanced CAD program. There is an iPad app, but it's much easier to use on the computer

3. Pay Attention to Important Design Tips.

  1. It's important to know the 3D printer nozzle has a diameter of 0.4 mm. Any part of your model that is thinner than this will not be printed. 
     

  2. All parts of the model should be at least 2 mm thick, which ends up being at least five layers thick.
     

  3. Holes always print a tiny bit smaller because it contracts a bit when cooling. If you want a peg to fit snugly into a hole, you should make the hole a tiny bit bigger or make the peg a tiny bit smaller. 
     

  4. Most important tip: Do your best to avoid overhangs and bridges in your model. These are unsupported parts of your design that will require extra support material in order to print successfully. This adds more time to the print.

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4. Review the OMS 3D Printing Policy:

  1. Print jobs cannot exceed 4 hours. (Students can use PrusaSlicer software in the 339 Lab to get a print time estimate.) This time limit is primarily to ensure all students have a chance to print their models, but it’s also because we do not want to print models after school when no one is there to monitor them.
     

  2. 3D models cannot exceed the build volume of our 3D printers: 250 mm x 210 mm x 210 mm (9.8″ x 8.3″ x 8.3″). The model should be MUCH smaller than this though. (A model that size would probably take 24 hours to print!)
     

  3. Please be mindful about the specific design criteria listed below:

    • Overhangs and bridging

    • Tolerance (especially when designing holes or parts that fit together)

    • Orientation of the model

    • Bed adhesion (you will want the bottom layer to be flat)

Printing Models Found Online 

There are endless print-ready 3D models available online. Students are allowed to submit one 3D model for printing each trimester that they find online. The models must be school appropriate and not violate any copyright laws. 

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Thingiverse is the best place to find free 3D models online. These can be downloaded or just used as inspiration for your own design.

Want to Print Larger Designs?

  • If you would like to print more personal 3D models or if the print time exceeds 4 hours, you can send your file to be printed at the Shrewsbury Public Library. They have many filament colors to choose from and charge $0.15/gram.
     

  • You may also choose to donate a roll of 3D printer filament to the Design Lab. This would allow you to print more models as well as larger models exceeding a print time of 3 hours. I recommend you purchase PLA filament from Matterhackers. One roll usually costs around $20.

5. Design something awesome

Refer back to steps ​3 and 4 to make sure you're following the design tips and adhering to the 3D printing policy.

6. Export your 3D model

Export Onshape files for 3D printing

7. Prepare 3D Model for Printing

Open the STL file in PrusaSlicer. This is a program on the computers in the computer lab. Check to see if there are any errors with the model and what the printing time will be. 

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Do not export your model as a .GCODE! 

How to Set Up PrusaSlicer

How to Use PrusaSlicer

8. Submit Your File for Printing

  1. Click on this link to access the submission form. If you don't have a filament color preference, just leave it blank. Make sure you add your correct email address if you want to be emailed when your 3D printed object is ready.

    Make sure you attach the correct .STL file.     Do NOT attach a .GCODE file from PrusaSlicer!! 
     

  2. You can pick up your 3D printed object any time. It will be located in the black book case located on the right when you walk into the Design Lab classroom.

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