Session 6: “Testing and Iteration: Does It Fit? Introduction to Post-Processing”
Architect:
Syed Shayaan Haider - Markhor3D
Learning Objectives
In this session, students will:
- Test their printed parts to see if they fit or work as intended.
- Identify any adjustments needed and understand the importance of refining designs.
- Learn about the engineering process of testing, evaluating, and iterating designs.
- Be introduced to post-processing techniques like removing supports, sanding, and painting.
Teaching Aids
Required Equipment:
- Students’ printed 3D parts
- Original items for testing (if possible)
- Tools for post-processing:
- Pliers or tweezers for removing supports
- Sandpaper (various grits)
- Non-toxic paints and brushes
- Safety equipment:
- Safety goggles
- Gloves
- Projector and screen for demonstrations
Structure and Lesson Plan
Introduction (5 minutes)
Encouragement:
“Today is the exciting day when we get to see if our creations work!"
Remember, it’s okay if they don’t fit perfectly the first time—that’s how we learn and make things better.
Real-World Example Discussion:
- Example: Show a toy or object that needed adjustments to work correctly.
- Question: “Have you ever built something that didn’t work right away? What did you do next?”
- Prompt: Encourage students to share experiences of fixing or improving something.
Testing the Printed Parts & Identifying Adjustments (15 minutes):
Action Steps:
-
Distribute Printed Parts:
- Action: Hand out the printed parts to each student.
- Prompt: “Carefully take your part and get ready to test it.”
-
Test Fit and Function:
- Action: Guide students to test their parts with the original items.
- Question: “Does your part fit or work as you expected?”
- Example Questions to Students:
- “What works well with your part?”
- “Is there anything that doesn’t fit quite right?”
-
Observe and Note:
- Action: Ask students to note any issues or areas for improvement.
- Prompt: “Write down anything you might want to change or adjust.”
Group Discussion:
- Action: Bring the class together to share their findings.
- Sample Questions:
- “What changes might make your part fit better?”
- “Did anyone have a part that fit perfectly? What did you do?”
Introduce Iteration:
- Explain: “In engineering, we often test our designs and make changes to improve them. This is called ‘iteration’.”
- Example: “Just like editing a story to make it better, we can adjust our designs.”
Introduction to Post-Processing (20 minutes) :
Demonstration:
-
Removing Supports:
- Action: Show how to safely remove supports using pliers or tweezers.
- Safety Reminder: “Always point tools away from yourself and wear your safety goggles.”
- Question: “Why do we need to remove supports after printing?”
-
Sanding:
- Action: Demonstrate sanding rough edges for a smoother finish.
- Prompt: “Feel how the surface gets smoother as we sand.”
- Safety Reminder: “Wear gloves to protect your hands.”
- Question: “How does sanding change the feel of your part?”
-
Painting:
- Action: Show how to paint the parts using non-toxic paints.
- Prompt: “You can add your own creative touch with colors.”
- Question: “What colors or designs would you like to add?”
Hands-On Activity:
-
Removing Supports:
- Action: Assist students in removing supports from their prints.
- Prompt: “Take your time and be gentle to avoid breaking your part.”
-
Sanding:
- Action: Guide students in sanding their parts.
- Question: “Do you notice the difference after sanding?”
-
Painting (if time allows):
- Action: Provide paints and brushes for students to decorate their parts.
- Encouragement: “Express your creativity!”
-
Let Students Continue Post-Processing:
- Action: Allow students to work independently on finishing their parts.
- Monitor: Walk around to offer help and ensure safety guidelines are followed.
- Encouragement: “You’re doing great! Remember to think about how you might improve your design next time.”
Class Discussion (5 minutes)
Sharing Results:
- Invite Students: Ask a few students to show their finished parts.
- Sample Questions:
- “What did you change during post-processing?”
- “How did these changes affect your part?”
- “If you were to print it again, what would you adjust?”
Class Feedback:
- Prompt: Encourage classmates to give positive feedback.
- Example: “Let’s celebrate everyone’s hard work and share one thing we like about each design.”
Reflection and Follow-up (5 minutes)
Recap:
- Summarize: “Today we learned how important it is to test our designs and make improvements.”
- Question: “Why do you think engineers test and improve their designs?”
Encouragement:
- Motivate: “Every time we make something better, we learn and grow. Keep thinking about how you can improve your ideas!”
Homework:
- Action: Ask students to think about one change they would make to their design and draw or write about it to share in the next class.
Glossary
I. Testing: Trying out something to see if it works as expected.
II. Iteration: Making changes and improvements to a design after testing.
III. Post-Processing: Steps we do after printing, like removing supports, sanding, and painting, to finish our 3D printed parts.
IV. Supports: Extra structures printed to hold up parts of the design during printing, which we remove afterward.
Teacher’s Resources:
- Guide to Cura (link to separate document)
- [Google Search “3D Print Post Processing”]
Additional Notes for the Teacher
-
Safety First: Ensure students wear safety goggles and gloves during post-processing.
-
Encourage Problem-Solving: Remind students that it’s okay if their design doesn’t work perfectly the first time.
For suggestions, improvements, and corrections, feel free to reach out at shayaanhaider@gmail.com