What is 3D Printing?

3D printing is an innovative technology that lets you create a physical object from a digital model. All you need to do is make a design, transfer the file to a 3D printer, then bring your object to life.

How Does 3D Printing Work?

A 3D printer essentially works by extruding molten plastic through a tiny nozzle that it moves around precisely under computer control. It prints one layer, waits for it to dry, and then prints the next layer on top

The Process in 3D Printing

It begins with a design of a 3D model. This can be obtained by designing your own model on CAD software such as Fusion 360 or Sketchup, or you can also import designs from websites such as Thingiverse.

After having a 3D model, you have to ensure the design is in STL file format. This can be done by converting your file into a STL file.

You can now print your 3D model if you have access to a 3D printer.

Characteristics of your 3D model that you can change for printing

  • Layer height (extruded filament thickness)

  • Wall thickness- Infill percentages

  • Bridging and overhangs

  • Supports

  • Bed adhesion

  • Object oreintation

    • Layer Height

  • The thinner the layer, the finer the print but takes longer to print

    • Wall Thickness

  • Thicker layers are stronger but takes longer to print

    • Infill Percentage

  • Higher infills give more strength to the print but takes longer to print

    • Supports

  • Supports are used to aid in printing overhangs
  • Supports make impossible prints possible
  • Supports are removed after the print is complete
  • Supports add to the print time as well as the touch-up and finishing time to the model

    • Ultimaker Cura

    We will be using Ultimaker 2+ with a nozzle size of 0.4mm and PLA filament.

    For this assignment, I will be using my knight 3D object and will change its characteristics to see how it changes the printing time and mass of filament used.

    Layer Thickness 0.5 1.0 1.5
    Printing Time 58 Minutes 58 Minutes 59 Minutes
    Mass of Filament 3g 4g 4g
    Filament Height 0.1 0.2 0.3
    Printing Time 58 Minutes 29 Minutes 20 Minutes
    Mass of Filament 4g 4g 4g
    Infill 0% 15% 30%
    Printing Time 27 Minutes 29 Minutes 31 Minutes
    Mass of Filament 3g 4g 4g
    Support Overhang Angle 30 Degrees 50 Degrees 70 Degrees
    Printing Time 34 Minutes 29 Minutes 31 Minutes
    Mass of Filament 4g 4g 4g
    Adhesion Skirt Brim Raft
    Printing Time 28 Minutes 29 Minutes 39 Minutes
    Mass of Filament 3g 4g 6g