Session 8: “Finalizing Design, Preparation for Printing, and Printing”
Architect:
Syed Shayaan Haider - Markhor3D
Session Overview
In this session, Grade 7 students will finalize their collaborative project designs and prepare them for 3D printing. Building on their iterative development, teams will make any last adjustments to ensure that their digital models are fully defined, optimized for strength, and free of errors. They will then export their models as STL files, set up the slicer with appropriate settings, and send the file to the 3D printer. Finally, students will observe the printing process, reinforcing the connection between digital design and physical output.
Placeholder for STL export demonstration: [Google Image Search “OnShape export STL”]
Placeholder for slicer interface: [Google Image Search “Cura slicer settings”]
Placeholder for 3D printer in action: [Google Image Search “3D printer layer by layer”]
Learning Objectives
By the end of this session, students will be able to:
- Finalize Digital Models: Make final adjustments to ensure the model is fully defined, structurally sound, and optimized for printing.
- Export as STL Files: Use OnShape’s parts menu to export the completed model in STL format.
- Set Up Slicer Settings: Import the STL file into the slicing software and adjust settings such as layer height, infill density, and supports.
- Print the Final Model: Initiate the printing process and observe how the model is built layer by layer.
- Connect Digital and Physical Design: Understand how the details in the digital model affect the quality and functionality of the printed object.
Teaching Aids
Visual Aids:
- Placeholder: [Google Image Search “OnShape export STL”] – Showing how to export a model.
- Placeholder: [Google Image Search “Cura slicer settings”] – Screenshot illustrating slicer settings.
- Placeholder: [Google Image Search “3D printer layer by layer”] – Diagram or video clip of the printing process.
Required Equipment:
- Computers or Tablets:
- One per team, with OnShape open and the final design ready.
- Slicing Software (e.g., Cura):
- Installed and ready for importing STL files.
- 3D Printer:
- Set up and operational for live demonstration of printing.
- Interactive Whiteboard or Projector:
- For live demonstrations of export and slicer setup.
- Notebooks and Pens:
- For recording observations and settings.
- Assistants or Volunteers:
- Additional support to guide teams through the process.
Structure and Lesson Plan (Total Time: 60 minutes)
1. Finalizing Digital Models (20 minutes)
- Review and Adjust:
- “Begin by reviewing your digital model in OnShape. Check that every component is fully defined, all constraints are applied, and the design is optimized for strength (e.g., proper use of ribs, fillets, and chamfers).”
- “Make any necessary adjustments, ensuring the model is a complete, closed design with accurate dimensions.”
- Teacher Support:
- Walk around to assist teams with final tweaks and answer any questions.
- Discussion:
- “Discuss in your group what changes you made and why they were important for printability.”
2. Exporting the Model as an STL File (10 minutes)
- Export Procedure:
- “Once your model is finalized, go to the parts menu on the left in OnShape. Right-click the part you wish to export and select ‘Export’.”
- “In the export menu, choose STL as the file type, rename the file if needed, and click ‘Export’ to download it to your computer’s Downloads folder.”
- Hands-On Activity:
- “Now, each team should export their final model as an STL file following these steps.”
- Placeholder: [Google Image Search “OnShape export STL”]
3. Slicer Setup and Printing (20 minutes)
- Importing and Setting Up in the Slicer:
- “Open your slicing software (such as Cura) and import your exported STL file.”
- "Adjust key settings:
- Layer Height: Set to 0.1–0.2 mm for good detail.
- Infill Density: Choose 20–30% to balance strength and material use.
- Supports: Enable supports for any overhanging sections."
- “Use the Preview function to see how your model is divided into layers.”
- Hands-On Activity:
- “Each team will import their STL file, adjust the slicer settings, and prepare the file for printing.”
- Placeholder: [Google Image Search “Cura slicer settings”]
- Printing the Model:
- “Once the file is ready, send it to the 3D printer and observe the printing process.”
- “Watch as the printer builds your model layer by layer, and take notes on the quality and accuracy of the print.”
- Placeholder: [Google Image Search “3D printer layer by layer”]
4. Conclusion and Next Steps (10 minutes)
- Session Summary:
- “Today, you finalized your digital models, exported them as STL files, and set up your projects in the slicer before printing them. You saw firsthand how precise digital design leads to successful 3D prints.”
- Discussion:
- “Discuss any challenges you encountered during the export or slicer setup process. What worked well, and what would you change next time?”
- Preview Next Session:
- “Next session, we will focus on post-processing your prints—removing supports, sanding, and adding finishing touches.”
- Closing Encouragement:
- “Great job today, everyone! Your careful attention to detail ensures that your physical models match your digital designs. Keep up the excellent work!”
Glossary
- STL File: A file format used for 3D printing that contains the geometry of your model.
- Slicer: Software that converts 3D models into layers (G-code) that the printer uses to build the object.
- Layer Height: The thickness of each layer in a 3D print, affecting detail and printing time.
- Infill Density: The amount of material used inside a model, balancing strength and material usage.
- Supports: Temporary structures that help hold up overhanging parts of a model during printing.
- Extrusion/ Revolve: Methods used to turn 2D sketches into 3D models (covered in previous sessions).
- DFAM: Design for Additive Manufacturing, guidelines for creating efficient and strong 3D printed designs.
For suggestions, improvements, and corrections, feel free to reach out at shayaanhaider@gmail.com