The 3D Printing ProcessGeneral Overview

Created by: JJ Johnson

Step 1: Get a design Step 2: Position Object Step 3: Slice Object Step 4: Print

YOUMAGAZINETV. "Inforgraphic: How a 3D Printer Works." Online video clip.YouTube. YouTube, 7 June 2013. Web. 8 January. 2014.

The Orion 3D Printing Process

Download an .STL file from a site such

as Repables

Slice the file using Slicer (built into Repetier Host)

Print the part

1 2 3

Option #1 Printing downloaded files

The Orion 3D Printing Process

Create a CAD model in your

choice of software (Inventor, Solidworks,

Sketchup, etc.)

Export as an .STLSlice the file using

Slicer (built into Repetier Host)

Print the part

1 2 3 4

Option #2 Creating your own files

Free 3D Printable FilesThere are numerous sites that offer files

ready for 3D printing, created by users from all over the globe. The files typically come in the standard .STL file format making the process of downloading and printing quick.

In order to get started printing downloaded files you must have an understanding of Slicing .STL files and how to getting the resulting G-Code to your printer.

Printable Repositories

• http://3d.si.edu/browser

• http://repables.com/

• http://grabcad.com/

• http://www.shapeways.com/themes/3dparts

.STL Files“The STL file format has become the Rapid Prototyping industry's defacto

standard data transmission format. STL format approximates the surfaces of a solid model with triangles. For a simple model such as the box shown in figure 1, its surfaces can be approximated with twelve triangles, as shown in figure 2. The more complex the surface, the more triangles produced, as shown in figure 3.” (Quickparts, 2013, para. 1)

What is an .STL File? (n.d.). Retrieved January 8, 2014, from http://www.quickparts.com/LearningCenter/WhatIsAnSTLFile.aspx

Repetier HostYour 3D printer does not understand the information

contained in an .STL file without further processing. 3D printers interpret information called G-Code. In order to generate G-Code you need a tool called Slicer, which is built into an Open Source (FREE) software called Repetier. Repetier Host, when connected to your 3D printer, allows you to control all of the functions of the printer such as temperature settings, speed, filament flow rates, cooling, etc. Settings such as these can be altered before, during, and after printing. This software is widely used and a necessity for anyone printing using the Orion 3D printer.

LATER LESSONS WILL EXPAND ON THE USE OF REPETIER

Slicer“Slic3r, an open source software on its own. But

built into the Repetier-Host software, is the powerful tool that you need to convert a digital 3D model into printing instructions for your 3D printer. It cuts the model into horizontal slices (layers), generates toolpaths to fill them and calculates the amount of material to be extruded.” (Slic3r: About, para 1)

Slic3r - About. (n.d.). Retrieved January 8, 2014, from http://slic3r.org/about

Animation of STL Generation and Slicing

Econolyst. "Animation of STL Generation and Slicing." Online video clip.YouTube. YouTube, 5 March 2008. Web. 5 January. 2014.

G-Code“G-Code is a language in which

people tell computerized machine tools what to make and how to make it. The "how" is defined by instructions on where to move to, how fast to move, and through what path to move.” Slicer automatically generates the G-Code required by your printer when slicing a part.

(Wikipedia, 2014, para. 2)

Typical GCODE your 3D printer uses

• G28: Home All Axis

• XYZ: Coordinate Location

• E: Filament Extrusion

• F: Feedrate (Speed)

• M190: Heated Bed Temperature

G-code - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (n.d.). Retrieved January 8, 2014, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G-code

Time to Print● The information that was just presented to you is essentially the whole

process required to print a part. In review:○ Obtain an .STL file○ Load the file in Repetier-Host○ Slice the object○ Print

● You can get as advanced as you like, learning 3D modelling, advanced slicer configurations, or printing with exotic filaments, but one thing is sure, its never been easier or more affordable to get 3D printing.

Review• What type of file is required to print an object?

• What is the purpose of Repetier-Host?

• What does it mean to “slice” a file?