3D Printing Basics Training

Summary

This video introduces the basics of 3D printing using the Prusa Mark III at the Idea Lab. It covers important safety guidelines, including not touching the build plate or extruder due to high temperatures. Viewers will learn how to clean the build plate, load and unload filament, and operate the OctoPrint interface to prepare, slice, and start a 3D print. The video also explains the process of obtaining a 3D printing ticket and completing a print. After finishing the training, participants can earn the 3D printing basics patch to access the printers independently.

Takeaways

• 🖨️ The video covers the basics of 3D printing using the Prusa Mark III printer at the Idea Lab.
• 🏅 Upon completing the video, quiz, and practical, participants receive a 3D printing basics patch to use the printers.
• 🧵 The Prusa printers use PLA filament with a 1.75mm diameter and can reach temperatures over 200°C.
• 📏 The build plate has a size of 25cm x 20cm with a maximum print height of 20cm.
• ⚠️ A key safety rule: avoid touching the build plate or extruder when the printer is heating up, printing, or cooling down.
• 📝 Facilitators must be present when printing, and participants need a 3D printing ticket and basics badge to use the equipment.
• 🛠️ Tools and wipes for cleaning the 3D printer can be found in designated areas, and facilitators should be consulted if filament is unavailable.
• 📂 To start printing, upload a file in Octoprint, slice it, and adjust any settings before beginning the print.
• 👨‍🏫 A facilitator must check the sliced file in Octoprint before printing, and a 3D printing ticket should be filled out with necessary details.
• 🔧 After the print finishes, flex the build plate to remove the print, clean up, and load or unload filament as needed for the next print.

Q & A

What is the purpose of this 3D printing session?

The session covers the basics of 3D printing with the Prusa Mark III. After completing the video, online quiz, and in-person practical, participants will receive the 3D printing basics patch to use the Octoprint and Prusa machines at the Idea Lab.

What type of filament does the Prusa Mark III use?

The Prusa Mark III uses 1.75 mm PLA filament.

What are the dimensions of the Prusa Mark III’s build plate?

The build plate is 25 cm by 20 cm, with a maximum height of 20 cm.

What safety precaution should you take when using the 3D printer?

You should not touch the build plate or extruder when the printer is warming up, actively printing, or has just finished, as they can become dangerously hot.

What are the main rules for using the 3D printers at the Idea Lab?

A facilitator must be in the room during printing, you must have a 3D printing ticket, and you can only print after obtaining the basics badge.

How do you prepare the 3D printer for use?

To prepare the printer, grab a wipe from the tool bin, wipe down the build plate, and discard the wipe when done.

How do you load a file into Octoprint for 3D printing?

To load a file, go to the slicer tab, upload your file, wait for it to load, and adjust the necessary settings before clicking 'Slice' to start the print.

What should you do after slicing your file in Octoprint?

After slicing, call over a facilitator to check the print before proceeding.

What steps should you follow after your print is finished?

Once the print is finished, lift the build plate, flex it to remove the print, remove any support material carefully, and ensure the bed is lined back in place.

How do you unload and load filament in the Prusa Mark III?

To unload, press the button to unload filament, wait for it to heat up, and retract the filament. To load, insert new filament into the top, and the machine will automatically grab and extrude it.

Outlines

00:00

👋 Introduction to 3D Printing at the Idea Lab

In this section, Trevor introduces himself as the facilitator at the Idea Lab and explains the goal of the video: to teach the basics of 3D printing using the Prusa Mark III machine. After watching the video, completing an online quiz, and passing an in-person practical test, participants will earn the 3D Printing Basics patch. The video covers safety guidelines, such as avoiding contact with the heated build plate and extruder, which can reach over 200°C, as well as operational rules like ensuring a facilitator is present during printing. Tools, tickets, and cleaning supplies can be found in specific locations within the lab.

05:01

🧰 Using the Tools and Filaments for 3D Printing

Trevor explains how to prepare for using the 3D printer by wiping down the build plate with a provided wipe and safely disposing of it after use. He also mentions the process for changing filaments if they run low and advises asking a facilitator for help if all filaments are empty. Participants must log into OctoPrint to start their printing session, upload their file, and slice it using the slicer settings. He recommends not changing the default settings, except for specific options like removing supports, before proceeding with the print.

🖨️ Monitoring and Starting the Print

This part focuses on monitoring the 3D printing process. After uploading and slicing the file, the machine will automatically begin printing. Users can monitor the printer’s status, including heating progress and the current layer of the print, through the OctoPrint interface. Trevor advises calling a facilitator to check on the print once the file is successfully sliced. The section also covers filling out a 3D printing ticket, which includes details like the user’s name, project type, contact information, file name, and the specific printer being used.

🛠️ Completing the Print and Handling the Build Plate

Trevor explains how to remove the completed print by lifting the flexible build plate and carefully taking off the print, including any excess test lines. He advises aligning the build plate back into position after removal. Participants can access tools to remove any supports from their print, ensuring the cleanup process is done gently over a garbage can to avoid damaging the print.

♻️ Unloading and Loading Filament

This section provides detailed instructions for unloading and loading filament. To unload filament, users must select the unload option, wait for the printer to heat to 215°C, and press the knob to retract the filament. Trevor explains how to keep the filament spool tight by threading it through a hole to avoid tangling. To load new filament, users should insert it into the top of the machine, which will automatically grab and extrude the material. After confirming successful extrusion on the screen, the printer is ready for the next print.

Keywords

💡Prusa Mark III

The Prusa Mark III is a type of 3D printer used in the video. It is the machine demonstrated for 3D printing, capable of printing with a 1.75mm PLA filament. The video focuses on using this specific printer model, guiding users through basic operations like setup, loading, and unloading filament, as well as safety precautions. Understanding how to operate the Prusa Mark III is essential for anyone looking to complete the training in 3D printing basics.

💡PLA filament

PLA filament is a type of material used in 3D printing, specifically mentioned in the video as the material that the Prusa Mark III uses. PLA (Polylactic Acid) is a biodegradable plastic often chosen for 3D printing because of its ease of use and low printing temperature. In the video, the filament has a diameter of 1.75mm, and knowing how to handle, load, and unload it is essential for operating the printer safely and effectively.

💡OctoPrint

OctoPrint is the software interface demonstrated in the video that allows users to control the 3D printer remotely. It displays the status of the printer, including temperature and printing progress. The user uploads 3D models to OctoPrint, which then prepares the file for printing (slicing) and initiates the printing process. Mastery of OctoPrint is essential for managing and troubleshooting prints at the Idea Lab.

💡Slicer

The slicer is the tool within OctoPrint used to prepare 3D models for printing. It converts the 3D model into layers (or slices) that the printer can read. The video emphasizes the importance of checking the settings before slicing, though it advises against changing default settings for basic users. The slicer directly affects the success of the print and how well the 3D model turns out.

💡Build plate

The build plate is the surface on which 3D prints are formed. In the video, the build plate's dimensions are 25 cm by 20 cm, with a maximum height of 20 cm for prints. The build plate gets very hot during the printing process, and users are warned not to touch it due to safety risks. Keeping the build plate clean and lined up properly is essential for successful prints.

💡3D printing ticket

A 3D printing ticket is a required form users must fill out before starting a print at the Idea Lab. It includes details like the user’s name, project type, file name, and the specific 3D printer being used. This ensures proper documentation and allows facilitators to monitor and approve prints. Following this procedure is a necessary step for maintaining order and safety in the printing lab.

💡Supports

Supports are additional structures added to a 3D print to help overhanging sections stay stable during printing. In the video, the speaker briefly discusses removing supports after a print is completed, suggesting users do this gently to avoid damaging the model. Managing supports correctly is important for achieving clean, detailed prints, especially for complex shapes.

💡Temperature control

Temperature control is a critical aspect of 3D printing, emphasized in the video when discussing both the extruder and the build plate. For PLA filament, the printer operates at around 215°C, and the video cautions users about the dangers of touching these components when they are hot. Proper temperature settings are crucial to ensure the filament melts and adheres correctly during the printing process.

💡Extruder

The extruder is the part of the 3D printer responsible for feeding the filament through and melting it for deposition layer by layer. In the video, users are cautioned not to touch the extruder while it's hot, as it can reach temperatures over 200°C. The extruder plays a key role in determining the quality and precision of the print, so handling it carefully and ensuring proper filament loading is essential.

💡3D printing basics patch

The 3D printing basics patch is a certification users can earn after completing the video tutorial, online quiz, and in-person practical training. It signifies that the individual is proficient in the basic principles of 3D printing and is eligible to use the 3D printers at the Idea Lab. Achieving this patch is necessary for gaining access to the lab's resources, ensuring that users understand safety protocols and how to operate the equipment effectively.

Highlights

Introduction to 3D printing basics with Prusa Mark III by Trevor, the facilitator at the Idea Lab.

Participants will earn the 3D Printing Basics patch after completing the video, online quiz, and in-person practical.

The Prusa Mark III uses 1.75mm PLA filament and can reach temperatures above 200 degrees Celsius.

Build plate dimensions of the Prusa Mark III are 25 cm by 20 cm, with a maximum height of 20 cm.

Safety Rule: Avoid touching the build plate or extruder during heating, printing, or immediately after printing due to high temperatures.

A facilitator must be present while using the 3D printers, and users must possess a 3D printing ticket and the basics badge.

Location of tools, filaments, wipes, and other resources is explained for easy access when using the 3D printers.

Octoprint interface: Key features include viewing printer state, temperature, slicer settings, and uploading files.

Overview of the slicing process: uploading files, adjusting settings like supports, and starting the print automatically.

G-code viewer allows users to monitor the print layer-by-layer.

Detailed instructions on filling out and submitting the 3D printing ticket for facilitator approval before printing.

Flex the build plate to safely remove prints when they are finished.

Instructions for removing supports from the print using tools, ensuring careful handling.

Unloading filament: Steps include heating, retracting, and properly storing the filament after unloading.

Loading filament: The filament is automatically grabbed by the machine once inserted, ensuring proper extrusion before starting the print.

Transcripts

hello i'm trevor i'm the facilitator

here at the idea lab

for 3d printing and today we're going to

be going over the basics of 3d printing

with the prusa mark iii after completing

this video

the online quiz and in person practical

you will be receiving the 3d printing

basics patch here at the idea lab

where you can use the octoprint and

prusa machines

these machines print with a diameter of

1.75 millimeters using pla

filament these machines can get to a

temperature of over 200 degrees celsius

and the build plate is 25 centimeters by

20 centimeters

with a max height of 20 centimeters as

well

one of the main rules regarding safety

here on the 3d printers is to not touch

the build plate or extruder

when the printers just start warming up

or currently printing or just finished

because they can be considered

dangerously hot

here are the 3d printing rules you can

find them here or on the website

the main rules are that a facilitator

must be in the room when printing

and you must have a 3d printing ticket

and you can only print when you have the

basics badge

here's where you can find the tools for

the 3d printers

you can find the 3d printing tickets

here as well which you must fill out and

have a facilitator sign

here you can find the wipes to clean off

the beds of the 3d printers

as well as the pliers and scrapers

when preparing the 3d printer for use

make sure to grab one of the wipes from

the tool bin

and simply open up the paper

take out the wipe and wipe down the

build plate

when you're done make sure to throw out

the wipe

here is where you can find the filaments

you can

change out the filaments if they're

running low for your print

if all the filaments are unavailable or

empty

please ask a facilitator for help

once you log into octoprint this is a

screen you'll see

on the top is the state of the printer

right in front

is the temperature currently and when

you click on these set tabs at the top

you can see the different settings and

right here is the slicer which is where

you would go first

once here you can upload your file go to

the bottom corner click upload

find your file open it

wait for it to load in

all right once it's loaded in here it is

on the finder

you can see it here you can right click

to move around

scroll down here's the settings you can

see the

current settings after slicing you want

to do is

start printing make sure this is the

profile

here's the settings you can change i

suggest not changing any of them

for this one i'll take off supports

and once everything's ready you can

click slice it

and it will start printing automatically

all right once it's done slicing it'll

start printing automatically

here you can see what's currently

happening

right now it's heating up which you can

see at the temperature at the top here

it'll take a little while to do so and

once that's all ready you can go to the

g-code viewer and see the current layer

it's currently on

once you have successfully uh sliced

your file on

octoprint you can call over facilitator

to check on it

once everything is complete there you

can grab a 3d printing ticket

and once you grab the ticket you can

fill it out so first at the top is your

name

and then the date

and here is where you can choose what

type of project it is personal

for a class or something else

and here's the contact you could put a

phone number or email

and here's where you put a file name

and which printer you're using so i'll

put

prusa and then i'll put the number of

the printer it is

so three and then this is where i sign

or facilitator in charge and once that's

all done

you can put your ticket in front of the

printer

and you can start your print

all right when the print is finished

simply lift up the

build plate flex the bed so that the

print comes off

and take off the test line at the bottom

and simply line it back in place so that

everything is perfectly lined up

when your print is finished simply come

over to the tool section

you can take any tools that you need to

remove any supports

that may have formed when printing when

removing supports make sure to do it

over a garbage can

and be super gentle not to break the

print itself

to unload filament simply click the

button

scroll down to unload filament

hit pla which is 215 degrees celsius

and wait for it to heat up

all right once you hear the beep press

the

knob to unload and then the filament

will

slowly retract and once it does so just

simply grab it

once you have successfully unloaded the

filament you can pull it

through the pulley and then keep it

tight when you roll it back

onto the spool

once it reaches the end push it through

one of the holes at the bottom to keep

it tight

you should be ready to go to load the

next filament

feed the filament through the pulley

after unloading filament the printer

should still be heated up

and to load the filament simply insert

it into the top

and the machine will grab it

automatically it will now be extruding

from the bottom

and make sure when it's done click yes

the film is extruded on the screen

and you should be good to go