This tutorial provides an introduction to 3D printing, recommends free design software, and contains useful information for those who want their files printed through the Library's 3D printing service.
3D printing can mean many things, but it generally refers to using 3D printers to print physical versions of digital 3D designs. It is also known as additive manufacturing.
There are different types of 3D printers. The Library’s 3D printers are a type known as FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) or FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication). Material is extruded through a heated nozzle and deposited layer-by-layer to create an object. As the first layer cools, the second layer is added, and the process continues until completion.
In this diagram, you can see some basic parts of an FDM 3D printer.
1. Filament (material)
2. Filament driver (also known as extruder or hot end)
3. Nozzle
4. Printed object
5. Build platform
The Library's printer models are Bambu, Ultimaker and Prusa. To learn more, go to the Specifications page.
View the short, sped up video below to see the Library's Prusa 3D printer in action.
FDM 3D printers use filament, which can be made from a variety of materials. One of the most common material types is PLA (polylactide), a biodegradable thermoplastic [1]. This is the type of material used by the Library's service. Other common types include PETG and ABS.
Rolls of PLA filament [Open larger image]
3D printers print 3D models that can be generated in several ways. You can download designs created and shared by others or create your own designs using 3D modeling software.
Whether they're designs of your own, or ones you have downloaded from the web, 3D designs will be in a file format created by a CAD (Computer Aided Design) program. These file formats map every coordinate of a design along the X, Y, and Z axes.
You can find free designs created and shared by others on websites such as:
Thingiverse website [Open larger image]
This tutorial does not cover the design of 3D objects. However, if you are interested in exploring 3D design you can find an excellent introduction to the basic concepts, along with step-by-step tutorials, on the Tinkercad website. You do not need any special 3D software, as the site contains a free online tool for generating designs.
Once you have learned the basics, you can go on to explore other free 3D design software such as:
Students in some programs may have access to commercial design software that can be used to create 3D models.
In this section we explain what it means to "slice" a design file, and the file formats used before and after slicing.
Your design file will usually be in one of these popular file formats suited to 3D printing: .stl, .3mf or .obj. These are the file formats that we accept through the Library 3D printing service. If you are using a type of design software that saves in another format (like Solidworks), you can typically export the file in one of our accepted formats.
Downloadable .STL file from Thingiverse website [Open larger image]
To print on a 3D printer, the design file needs to converted from a CAD file to a format the printer can understand: g-code. This is done using slicing software. When you send us a design file to be printed, we will open it in the appropriate slicing software to create the g-code file.
Slicing software analyzes your design, slices it into layers, and modifies the design so it can be 3D printed. You can set parameters such as the number of layers, dimensions, and how much material to use inside the 3D object.
Examples of slicing software:
Ultimaker Cura slicing software [Open larger image]
When you send a file to our 3D printing service to be printed, we will use default printer settings. However, if you would like to request custom settings, you can do so on the request form. We will explain three types of settings below, which may come up when discussing your file.
When a design has “overhangs” or “bridges” it will need to build supports. The printer can’t print on top of nothing. The 3D printer can handle a smaller angle without supports (often around 45 degrees). Supports are designed to be snapped off when the print is complete. It's best to orient the object on the 3D printer in a way that minimizes the supports needed, if possible. For example, a capital letter "T" would require supports if oriented vertically, but would not require supports if oriented horizontally, laid flat on the build platform.
Two T shaped designs with different orientations. The vertical T on the left requires supports, shown in blue. The horizontal T on the left does not.
Library's default setting: We will decide if your object needs supports, unless you give us specific instructions.
Cat design printed with three different layer heights (0.02, 0.2, and 0.3 mm) [Open larger image]
You can choose a thinner layer height or a thicker layer height, measured in millimeters. This affects the number of layers printed overall, and therefore the printing time. You may also notice a differences in smoothness.
Library's default setting: 0.2 mm layer height
Infill is the density of the material inside the object. This is the material you can’t see because it’s enclosed by the outer shell. You could choose 100% infill, which could improve strength, but it would take longer to print. You can save on filament and printing time by selecting a lower infill percentage.
Seven circles printed with different infill percentages [Open larger image]
Library’s default setting: 15% infill
A brim is an optional first layer that is wider than the base of your object. Adding a brim can help the first few layers stick to the build plate. It snaps off easily when completed.
T shaped design with brim shown in blue [Open larger image]
Library's default setting: We decide based on the 3D printer being used and the specific design.
This section provides important information about using the Library's 3D printing service, including guidelines on what we can and cannot print.
Library 3D printer use is limited to current students, faculty, and staff of Ontario Tech University and Durham College.
We have default printer settings, which are outlined below. If you would like to request different or more specific settings, you can tell us on the request form.
Default settings:
Once a file has finished printing, we will send you pickup instructions and add the fee to your Library account. To pay this fee, you will go to the Library's Omni and Sign In at the top right. Then select: your name at the top right > My Library Account > Fines + fees. This is an online payment system.
You can take the quiz as many times as you like. The quiz has six multiple choice questions.
Questions? Email library.3dprinting@ontarioechu.ca
[1] M. F. Ashby, Materials and the Environment, 2nd ed. Oxford, UK: Butterworth-Heinemann.
Images:
This tutorial was adapted by Kate Gibbings, Engineering Librarian, for Ontario Tech University and Durham College's Campus Library and is shared under a CC BY-NC license, except where otherwise noted. It has been adapted from 3D Printing at the Sandbox by Seneca College (CC BY-NC) and 3D Printing by College Libraries Ontario’s The Learning Portal (CC BY-NC).
