3D Printing policy at Southeast
With the 3d printers we have available, we try and make 3D printing available to our students.
What we'll print:
What to expect
Setting up your own prints
You can help us setup prints. Our printers do not automatically connect with the 3d printers like they do to paper printers, so we need to prepare files for them, a process called slicing. If you want to help prepare files here's what to do.
Preparing STL Files:
STL files are like JPGs for 3D object. We can't edit them, but they are easy to read and send to 3D printers. To save an Inventor file to an STL File follow these steps:
In Autodesk Inventor
Step 1: Preview 3D Print
Step 2: Edit Options
Step 3: Make sure it is set to use Millimeters as its units
Step 4: Set it Medium Resolution
Step 5: Save as STL
Step 6: Submit your inventor part file to your teacher -or- use Makerbot software to prepare it for print.
In Makerbot Print ( www.makerbot.com/print/ )
Makerbot Official Quick Start Guide ( link )
In Makerbot Print
Step 1: Add CAD Files (STLs or Inventor Part Files should work)
Step 2: Rotate and arrange parts as needed
What we'll print:
- CAD Files you create for assignments that say we will 3d print them
- CAD Files you create outside of class assignments
What to expect
- PLA Plastic prints. Not the strongest plastic, but easy for us to print with
- Printing takes time. Both setup and machine time. Do not expect prints to be ready the next day
- Assignment based prints always have priority
Setting up your own prints
You can help us setup prints. Our printers do not automatically connect with the 3d printers like they do to paper printers, so we need to prepare files for them, a process called slicing. If you want to help prepare files here's what to do.
Preparing STL Files:
STL files are like JPGs for 3D object. We can't edit them, but they are easy to read and send to 3D printers. To save an Inventor file to an STL File follow these steps:
In Autodesk Inventor
Step 1: Preview 3D Print
Step 2: Edit Options
Step 3: Make sure it is set to use Millimeters as its units
Step 4: Set it Medium Resolution
Step 5: Save as STL
Step 6: Submit your inventor part file to your teacher -or- use Makerbot software to prepare it for print.
In Makerbot Print ( www.makerbot.com/print/ )
Makerbot Official Quick Start Guide ( link )
In Makerbot Print
Step 1: Add CAD Files (STLs or Inventor Part Files should work)
Step 2: Rotate and arrange parts as needed
- Ideally largest flat surfaces are on the print platform
- Try to use Automatic Arrange Build Plate
- Makerbot Printer reports the box size needed for your object. Be careful to think about tolerances
- Makerbot Replicator 5th Generation
- Smart Extruder+
- Balanced Print Mode (Strong and clean) Minfill (Larger or faster prints)
- Select "Support" if you have parts of your object overhanging the bed - think gaps or angles greater than 45 degrees
- File names should be understandable (lastname-partname)
- No overnight prints! Max print time of 8 hours
- Check printer to make sure enough material is available
- File on USB Drive
- Insert USB into printer
- Find File
- Select to print
- Prints need to be monitored, especially at the beginning of the print job
- Check every 10-15 minutes while in class.
- Do not start prints in last half hour of class UNLESS they will be finished by the end of class.
- If parts detach from the build plate (dragging around) cancel the job and remove the plastic from the extruder
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