How to use the 3D printers?
📘 How to Use the Ender-3 V2 Neo and Ender-3 V3 SE 3D Printers
Welcome to 3D printing at our school! Whether you're a teacher or student, this guide will help you get started with our Ender-3 V2 Neo and Ender-3 V3 SE 3D printers. These machines are available for creating educational models, prototypes, and other creative projects. Here's how to get started:
Getting Started with 3D Printing
Schedule Your Printing Time
Both printers have a dry erase whiteboard in front of it. Be sure to write your name, time slot, duration and project details to manage usage and avoid conflicts.
Safety: Remember, some parts get around 200°C so please use caution! 🔥
1. Choose or Create Your 3D Model
You can download pre-made 3D models from sites like Thingiverse or MyMiniFactory.
If you want to create your own models or tweak existing designs, we provide access to SketchUp and Tinkercad.
Export your model as a .stl file once it's ready.
Be sure to GROUP your shapes within Tinkercad/SketchUp and export one object at a time.
What does this look like? Check out this video here from timestamp 23:50
2. Prepare Your Model for Printing (Slicing)
We use Ultimaker Cura to slice .stl files into .gcode that the printers can understand.
Install Ultimaker Cura on your MacBook. You will need to go through a few prompts to set it up.
IMPORTANT: Ensure you select the correct printer before proceeding.
Open Cura and import your .stl file.
Make adjustments as needed (size, infill, print speed, etc.)
Click "Slice" and save the generated .gcode file to a memory card.
Tip: Check the estimated print time
Please be considerate of your printing time. If you plan to print something overnight, consult ICT
3. Prepare the Printer
If off, Power on the printer using the switch at the base.
If desired, change the print bed base plate (for texture)
Check the filament type for optimal nozzle and bed temperatures.
Preheat the nozzle and bed using the nob + control screen
If needed, load/change the filament: We provide filament (PLA) for use, located near the printer. Simply feed the filament into the extruder following the instructions below. Heat the nozzle to around 185°C for PLA, then press the extruder clamp to insert the filament. To unload, heat the nozzle again and press the extruder clamp to pull the filament out quickly.
🔥 Nozzle must be preheated!
Do not cross/tangle the filament
4. Start Your Print
Insert the memory card with your .gcode file into the printer.
On the printer's control screen, select the file to start printing.
Ensure nothing is on the printing bed before you start
5. Finishing Your Print
Once the print is complete, let the hotbed cool before removing the model.
You can gently remove the model from the print bed. If needed, use the scraper provided to loosen it.
📹 Additional Resources
For more visual learners, here’s a helpful beginner-friendly video on 3D printing basics:
https://youtu.be/NJj-QtXUsps?si=3U8BvtfA00a0230K&t=281(Very similar to Ender V3 SE)
🤓 Advanced Steps (For Periodic Use)
Some steps aren't necessary for every print but will ensure optimal performance.
Leveling the Bed
Navigate to Prepare > Leveling on the control screen to initiate auto-leveling (especially useful on the Ender-3 V3 SE).
For manual leveling, place a piece of A4 paper between the nozzle and bed. Adjust the bed’s height so the nozzle lightly drags the paper. The video link above goes over this from the start.
📘 Teaching and Learning with 3D Printing
Examples of how 3D printing could be integrated into various subjects at your school, blending aspects of design and history:
1. Visual Arts
Process: Students can move from sketching ideas and mood boarding to 3D modeling their concepts using tools like Tinkercad or SketchUp. Once modeled, students can print and paint their creations, bringing their artistic visions to life in a tangible form.
Outcome: This integrates traditional art forms with modern technology, allowing students to create physical sculptures from their digital designs, enhancing their understanding of 3D space and aesthetics.
2. History and Cultural Studies
Process: Students can 3D model and print historical artifacts or famous monuments, such as ancient Roman structures, Egyptian pyramids, or Renaissance sculptures. These models can be used for in-depth discussions or projects around the cultural significance of these items.
Outcome: By engaging in the process of recreating these artifacts, students not only learn the history but also gain skills in digital modeling and prototyping, enhancing their spatial awareness and attention to historical detail.
3. Mathematics
Process: In geometry and trigonometry, students can design and print 3D shapes such as polyhedra, spheres, or complex fractal designs. They can explore surface areas, volumes, and angles through these models.
Outcome: Holding physical models helps students visualize and grasp abstract mathematical concepts, offering a hands-on approach to learning complex topics.
4. Biology
Process: 3D printing can be used to print detailed models of cells, organs, or even full biological systems. For example, students can create models of the human heart or plant cells and use them in presentations or labs.
Outcome: Having a 3D-printed model to examine adds a tactile layer to learning about biology, allowing students to better understand structure-function relationships in living organisms.