Two Approaches
Make Use Of
For beginners, the first and easiest way to start 3D printing is to find a model that someone has already designed, download its file, and print it. The Projects and Resources page can help you locate files to print.
Make It
More advanced users may want to create their own 3D print models from scratch. This involves using software, and possibly a 3D scanner, to create a file the printer will understand.
Make Use Of: Printing A File
Quick Overview:
- Visit our web-based print service: https://3dprinteros.com
- Click on "My Account" in the upper right and click the "SSO" tab.
- Select "K-State - Sunderland Foundation Innovation Lab" from the school list and sign in using your K-State account.
- Upload the 3D model you want to print.
- Slice the 3D model in your file so the printer can print it layer-by-layer.
- Queue your sliced print request to either the Personal Projects Queue or School Projects Queue.
- If you have a special request for your print, you can add a Note to the queued print request.
- Await a staff member to release the print job from the printer queue to one of the available 3D printers.
3D printing is sometimes an imperfect process. If a problem arises, please talk with our staff to see if additional considerations are necessary for a successful print.
Make It: Software To Create 3D Models
Autodesk Fusion and Tinkercad are installed on the Media Center computers.
- Autodesk Fusion DocumentationWeb pages document how to use Autodesk Fusion.
- Autodesk Fusion Additive ModelingSelf-paced training videos on using Fusion for 3D printing.
There is also software for download to you computer.
Printer Manuals
Know your 3D Printer
Do's and Don'ts of 3D Printing
- DO consider surface thickness
Often, the cause of an unprintable 3D model is the surface thickness. If the surface is too thick, the model can break or crack from internal stress. If its too thin, the model will be extremely fragile. - DON'T ignore material guidelines
Each printing material has its own unique properties with varying flexibilities, smoothness, weight, and so on. Take this into consideration while designing and printing. - DO design large flat sidesLarge and flat sides are easier for the printer and have better chances of success than curved or hanging edges.
- DON'T design the object with small or curved sidesThis will reduce the stability of the bottom later if a project is too thin or has too many curves.
- DO follow software guidelinesEvery software package for 3D modeling has at least a small difference among them. Follow the printer's specific software guidelines to get the best results.
- DON'T forget to check the resolutionFor a file to print correctly, the file needs to have a high-quality resolution for the best results.
