Manual:

Living Sky School Division does have a 3D Printer for use in the schools. The model is a Dremel 3D20 printer.

Currently there are a couple of schools looking to use it this year so this guide is here to help setting this up and using it.

Our tech department will need to install all the required software and drivers for you. Let us know if you need this setup on a laptop or desktop.

We have had success with this method detailed below. It involves using one website and 2 other programs. First create the model in TinkerCAD, repair/add supports in Print Studio, then use Dremel Idea Builder to print it.

Installation

Someone in our IT department will need to install a few programs on the computer since it will ask for admin passwords to do this.

Here are detailed instructions for IT staff to do this: /wiki/spaces/ICSKB/pages/14745671

3D Printer Usage

Creating the Model

Often what I have seen classes do is first spend some time learning to create the model in TinkerCAD. TinkerCAD is an online program which runs through the web browser so you don't need to have us install it.

https://www.tinkercad.com/

Create an account on their website and log in to get started. This is a straightforward simple program to use compared to other 3d modeling software out there. There are tutorial videos on their website to help you get started. There are some pre-made models you can use to download if you want to try to print them without making your own.

Save/Download the Model in tinkerCAD, you'll want to select to save it as a .STL Object file.

Preparing the Model to Print

Import the model into Autodesk Print Studio and make these adjustments

Center it and scale it to a reasonable size,
Click repair/ auto repair
Click add supports, then add supports again on the left menu
Add a Raft:

Raft

A raft is basically a layer underneath which you would remove after the file has printed. It's used for help hold together the material while printing. It helps if your model is sticking to the surface when printing, or not sticking enough causing the print to not hold together.

More information:

https://www.simplify3d.com/support/articles/rafts-skirts-and-brims/

Adding a Raft

To Add a Raft:

In Print Studio, click the Settings Button that looks like a gear under the Dremel Logo. Here are settings where you can add a raft or brim. I would try checking the "Enable Raft" check-box.

(In advanced settings you can adjust the raft size if you need to, but I'd try the default first, it usually works well.)

5. Press preview and wait for a few minutes to load. (here is where it will tell you estimated time & volume)

6. Export – this will save as a .g3drem file

Printing

Now you can print from Print Sudio using the USB, but sometimes this does not work so this is what we have been doing to print the file - moving it to an SD card and printing directly from the printer:

Transfer the .g3drem file to an SD card and in the Dremel Printer you should be able to select the option to print from SD card.
This 3d Printer will only print .g3drem files, so you'll want to make sure you converted it to this file type before you print. this is one of the steps above where you export in Print Studio.

External Resources

A few helpful websites which can help you understand the lingo and usage of 3d printing:

General Troubleshooting print quality: https://www.simplify3d.com/support/print-quality-troubleshooting/
FixMyPrint on Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/FixMyPrint/
YouTube Video explaining the need for Supports & Brims: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVdvKfIHtS0

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