This site is no longer maintained. Please see MGLink.org for updated content.

Answers to 3D Printing FAQs

Answers to FAQs about 3D Printing

Getting started with 3D printing or you would like to? There are tons of resources online, as well as online Diigo Group where resources are shared frequently.

Find out more online at http://ly.tcea.org/tceamakers and resources at http://ly.tcea.org/3dprintstuff.

#1 - Where do I get a 3D Printer?

There are various printers available, but one recommended by Mark Simmons (Director of Technology, Sabine Pass ISD) is the Dremel 3D Printer. Find a comparison table of 3D printers online. Specific recommendations at the end of this article.

#2 - How does 3D Printing work? How does one get started?

Once you have your 3D printer, you will need to use special software to create print files that tell the 3D printer how to proceed and make things. There are many tools available, among them TinkerCAD which is a web-based software package that is easy for young learners to start with.

Tinkercad is an amazingly powerful easy-to-use tool for creating digital designs that are ready to be 3D printed into super-cool physical objects. You will be guided through the 3D design process via easy hands-on "Lessons", that teach you the basics of Tinkercad before moving on to more complex modeling techniques. Read more.

Then, after learning to manipulate objects in 3D space, they can try others. You can find a list of other software programs, including get SketchUp Pro for free for your school or district via TCEA--many of which have to be installed on your computer--as well as mobile apps you can use to digitize objects and put them into a 3D space.

K-8 Grades – Tinkercad – Easy user interface, but it can get complicated
9-12 Grades – AutoDesk Fusion360, as well as Sketch Up Pro (Note: Sketch Up Pro is available to all Texas public schools for FREE – learn more)

Once you have created an object, you can print it. For classroom purposes, limit your students to objects that will print in less than 4 hours.

#3 - What are some helpful vocabulary terms one encounters when using 3D Printers?

There are various terms that you do not necessarily need to know. Refer to the glossary shown right for a general list of terms. Some of the key ones to know include "build plate," "filament," "extrusion or print nozzle," and "extruder arm." It is also important to know that there are several types of filament, which resembles weed-eater cord.

#4 - What can I realistically print?

You can print anything you have a design for, realizing that you will have to put together more complex designs, printing each component of a design separately then assembling it.

You have 3 choices:

Design something yourself using 3D Printer software (e.g. TinkerCAD).You can also use a free app like 123D Catch (iOS) to capture an object using your mobile device, digitize it for 3D printing. Or, create your own using an app like Blokify (iOS; $5.99)
Get something from the web you can modify and print (e.g. Thingverse,CookieCaster).
Collaborate with others to co-design a 3D printer.

Wall-E was created entirely in Tinkercad

#5 - What are some of the costs of 3D Printing?

If you are hoping to get an idea for the cost of a 3D printer, you may want to look at some of the ones listed on Amazon.com. Here are a few popular printers:

Dremel Idea Builder 3D Printer (<$1000):
Ultimaker 2 or better ($2,999)
Makerbot Replicator 2 3D Printer ($2200)

There are less expensive 3D printers you can get for your home, of course. Also, consider these additional items:

Filament (approx. $25-$50): The cost of a spool of filament--the source material for the 3D print.
Build Tape ($25): This is what goes on the non-heated glass surface of your 3D printer to facilitate removal of printed items. You can usually skip this if you have a heated glass surface (a.k.a. build plate or print bed).

For post-processing a printed item, you may also want to have on-hand the following:

3D Print Removal Tool ($6) - Helps you scrape off items from the print bed.
Plastic putty - Helps you hide the seam in larger items. You can sand it down to cover a stream.
Use 120grit sandpaper when sanding items.
Spray paint or enamel

Conclusion

Getting started with 3D printing can be expensive, obviously, but there are many ideas for curriculum integration.

Listen to Scott Hagedorn on 3D Printing (5 mins)
Listen to Mark Simmons and Scott Hagedorn (12 mins)

References

Source for Trudi Lawless quote - http://www.techrepublic.com/article/how-pitscos-3d-printing-curriculum-is-changing-the-way-stem-is-taught-in-the-classroom/
Source for prosthetic hand quote - http://afinia.com/students-get-hands-3d-printed-prosthesis/

Google Sites

Report abuse