3D Printing Introduction

What is a 3D Printer?

Important Things To Know About Creating A 3D Print

X,Y, Z Axis

These 3 axes can work together to make both geometric and organic shapes, essentially allowing the user to create any design needed.

• X-Axis Left and Right direction
• Y-Axis Forward and Back direction
• Z-Axis Up and Down direction

Raft

Typically the first component that is printed, a raft helps models adhere to the build surface of a printer and provides a level surface for the first layer of the 3D model.

Shells

Outside walls that make up the perimeter of printed parts or the perimeter of each printed layer.

Infill/Density

The internal support structure that helps a 3D object hold its shape and increases the objects durability, measured in density.

Layers

The layers make up the shape of the 3D print, think of each layer as a unique slice of bread that when stacked creates a 3D model. Layers are often measured by the layer height, or thickness of each layer.

Supports

Removable scaffolding-like structures that print with your 3D model for any areas that have severe overhangs. Supports help you print a 3D model like the wings of the letter “T”.

Overhang

Supports

Where do you get 3D model to print?

Design Communities Websites

• Thingiverse and other design communities are places where people post 3D designs for people to download and print.
• There are different types of 3D print files.

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How can I create my own 3D model to print?

Create A Sketch

• Putting our design considerations together we can start brainstorming through different ideas to see what best answers our pain points.

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Create A Virtual Design

• TinkerCad is one of many different computer-aided design (CAD) software used to create virtual designs. Creating a virtual design of the object is the first step. The design will work like a blueprint for the 3D printer to read.

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*This will take lots of patiences and perseverance to create.

After I create my 3D model how do I get it to print?

30 Minutes To Several Days

• The time it takes your project to print depends on many factors.
• The Size of the project as well as the settings you select during the slice process all affect your print time.

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