3D printing (also known as additive manufacturing) can get very technical and complicated to use, especially for beginners. If you want to learn how to use a 3D printer at home or in your Wynwood Grand condo, this article will teach you the basic steps on how to use one.
Buy or Create a 3D Model
Download a digital file: Search for pre-made models in either the .obj or .stl format on various community “warehouses” such as Printables or Thingiverse
Design from Scratch: Design your own unique shapes by using free CAD model software such as Tinkercad for beginners and Onshape for experts
“Slice” the Model
Open a Slicer: Import your design into slicing software like PrusaSlicer or UltiMaker Cura
Construct the settings: Select resolution (or layer height), infill density (or interior sturdiness), and printing temperature.
Generate the G-Code: Click on “Slice” to let the software slice the design into very thin horizontal layers and generate a .gcode file, which has the exact path instructions for the printer.
Transfer the Digital File: Save the .gcode file to either a USB drive, an SD card, or directly to the Wi-Fi of the printer
Prepare the 3D Printer
Setup your dedicated printing space in your Wynwood Grand EC.
Adjust the build plate: Level the “bed” so that the distance between the hot nozzle and the build plate is parallel across all points by either using a built-in auto-adjuster or manually sliding a piece of paper under the nozzle until you feel a small resistance.
Load the thread: Ride the plastic spool (the standard PLA is generally recommended for beginners) onto the holder, preheat the nozzle to up to 200 degrees Celsius, and feed the thread through the kick-out until the plastic pushes out of the nozzle
Prepare the surface: Clean the build plate before using the printer with isopropyl alcohol to cleanse off stubborn dirty materials or apply a thin layer of glue stick if your printer needs an adhesion boost.
And Finally, Print
Start printing: Insert the media card, click on the .gcode file from the printer screen, and select “Print”
Watch the first few layers: Stay near the printer for at least 5 minutes to check if the first few layers adhere firmly to the bed without bunching up or shaking
Cool it down: Once complete, let the thing cool down before trying to remove it. If it is truly cooled down, the material will cleanly snap off a malleable spring-steel build plate.
Have a tour of the Wynwood Grand Showflat and imagine where you’ll have your very own maker’s workshop and enjoy custom-fabricating home items to add your personal touch.