3D Printing Thoughts..

This is what I started in May of 2014 when we started with our Makerbot:

This year we got a Makerbot, and it has been my task to help teachers and students utilize the Makerbot within the classes.  So far the projects have had 7th grade Science design cells, Latin classes design Roman Buildings, 9th English classed design Demons based upon "The Screw Tape Letters".   In addition to fun items such as key chains and Yoda.  I  have worked using 123d Design, Tinkercad, Google Sketchup and 123d Creature.


I never published the post, have no idea why.  In fact I have a few on 3D printing started and never finished so as I head onto Xmas break where I can catch up on writing here are a few thoughts:

We now have two that run pretty consistently, and one that is in the process of getting fixed.  The lessons I have learned from this have been incredibly interesting.  In addition to the project above we have also had:

• Third Grade Butterflies
• Skulls of Day of the Dead
• A Nativity Scene by 5th grade
• Robotics Pieces
• Biome Animals
• 8th grade Jewelry

Off the top of my head that's what I can think of.  It has been crazy here working through the projects in the Makerspace.  But a few lessons I have learned:

• 123D Sculpt (123d creature) exports really small, it's best to use MeshMixer to transform, make a solid and add supports
• Replicator G takes a long time to run the code, and hasn't given me better results than MakerBot Driver settings.  MakerBot has also better their settings to be able to give more information to the prints.
• When making figures that have detail it is best to use a slower speed than 90.  I have found 50 works better and smaller objects I go slower than that around 25 to get the details.  
• When having kids export over the information it is best to have them also give you the stl file as well in case you have to go back in and make edits. 
• The printers don't behave well all the time, but most of the time.
• If you leave the PLA in the printer and it doesn't run for a day are two run the Load script before you unload.  I can get the unload to not jam as much.
• Jams happen, spend time getting rid of them.  I use a needle and paperclips to help get a nozzle clean. 

The students are finally starting to come around and print.  I have had a few play with Tinkercad and print some items for parents which is fantastic. It has been a three year process but they are finally coming into the space to try the printers and other items we have.

Lessons Learned this year with the 3D printer...

Last may the school got a 3D printer.  We were all excited about the printers capability and for the most part have enjoyed it!  The students are creating various types of objects in classes.  We have created Roman architecture (Latin Classes) , plant and animal cells (7th grade Science), jewelry (8th grade Art) and demons (9th grade english).  The demons was my favorite this year.  They read the Screw Tape letters and had to design their own demon then write about why they designed it the way they did.

Anyway I have found that knowing the software can add supports is fantastic but MeshMixer is even better at cleaning up the 3D prints.  MeshMixer has allowed me to build supports that have less cleanup.  It also has imported easily into the software for the printer.   I also build the raft so that the prints are easy to remove, a pastry scraper has also been beneficial to lift the prints from the painters tape.  The painters tape is also a must in the room. Unbelievable the uses for painters tape.

I have come to hate rain and humidity.  I find the rainy days printing doesn't go well since the PLA doesn't like humidity. Also I have found that it takes a long time for items to print.  Students need to learn patience when printing.  They need to realize that it will take a long time for an item to print.  Our average prints have been 3 hours.

I have also figured out how to level the build plate takes practice that light amount of friction is hard to find.  There are tools out there that can help you get the right measurement.  But If you find someone who knows how to level the plate and ask them to let you run the paper through afterwards you can get the feel.  Once it is level and you don't really move the printer its good.

Don't worry about the mistakes.  There are lots of them and it is okay to have them.  I have many in my basket.  This happens as well as rafts.  I always use one so I can get the print off the bed easier.

This is my thought as a newbie just entering into the 3D printing territory.