Intro to 3D printing

1. Creating a Tinkercad account:

a. Go to https://www.tinkercad.com
b. Click “Join Now” in the top right corner.
c. It will ask for your country of origin and
birthday on the first screen. Then, for a
username, password and email on the
next.
d. Then click, “Create Tinkercad.”

2. Completing Tinkercad tutorials:

a. Once you’re logged in, click on “Learn”

in the top right corner.
b. Make sure “Starters” is selected.
c. Begin going through each tutorial by
following the directions from tinkercad.
d. Start with “Place It!” then, “View It!”
then “Move It!” and last, “Rotate It!”
3. Importing new files from
Thingiverse.com, or other sources:
a. Go to https://www.thingiverse.com
b. Search for an .stl file.
c. Find “Thing Files” and click it.
d. Select the file that you want to
download. (it should automatically
download, if not click “Accept &
Download”)
e. Go back to tinkercad.com
f. Select “Create New Design”
g. Select “Import”
h. Drag your file or click “Browse” to find the .stl file.
i. Begin tinkering!

4. Putting multiple prints on one

workspace:
 a. To upload multiple items onto your workspace, you simply import the files
onto the same workspace as your other files.
b. To group them together, you will select all objects on your surface and
click on the grouping button.
5. Ensuring correct print size and file type:
a. Single left click your object(s); resize
handles should appear at the corners
and above your project.
b. Tinkercad is preset for millimeters. If
you would like to change the grid
settings to inches, click the “EDIT
GRID” button at the bottom right
corner. You should get a dialog box
like this:
c. This is helpful for understanding what
size physical prints your objects will
become. Click “Update Grid” once you
have made changes and
you should be set. You
should ensure that all of
your objects are not larger
than the printing surface.
Remember, the larger your
pieces, the longer it will
take to print. If you make
them too small, your print
won’t be very successful. You can change each dimension individually by
clicking on one of the corner boxes, and clicking on the dimension prompt
and inputting a new dimension.
6. Pre-printing: Here’s where things are going to be a little different depending on
which location you decide to utilize to make your prints.. The things you should
be thinking about when deciding which printer to use are:
a. How large is the print you are trying to create? A larger bed size may be
required, so check the dimensions of the print bed first. For this project,
any of the printers should work as our critters won’t be very large.
b. Are you printing on a hot bed or cold bed? Some printers don’t have a
heated bed and your prints will require extra support to stick to the printing
surface, like brims and rafts. Brims and rafts are extra layers between the
work surface and your object that are used to prevent warping. Although a
hot bed may be more desirable, it isn’t 100% effective at making your print
 stick either. Most printers require a few trial/errors with the temperature of
the nozzle or bed to ensure optimal printing.
c. What kind of surface are you looking for for your print? Smooth? Rough?
Does it matter? The resin printers in the fab lab function differently than
the filament printers in the Factory or computer lab because they use
liquid resin, which will create a much smoother surface. For a video on the
FormLabs Form 2 resin printers watch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnHYVj0j8fU
7. Generating Supports and Printing (finally!)
a. When you are ready to print your files, you will log into your TinkerCad
account at one of the computers in the computer lab.
b. You will need to request an SD card for 3D printing from the lab techs and
the provided booklet on how to set up your file for printing. Note: you may
have to install the program Cura, which is the application you will be using
to generate your supports and put the file on the SD card. It is in“Self
Service” in the Applications folder of the Mac computers.
c. You will follow the instructions in the booklet. These instructions are
mainly for generating supports for your prints, which are HIGHLY
important for ensuring a successful print.