3D Printing

Study Guide

Prepare to use classroom 3D printers safely and responsibly from file setup through cleanup.

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1. Safety mindset

Use printers only after Engineering Safety and 3D Printing certification requirements are complete.
Do not reach into a printer while parts are moving or while the nozzle/bed may be hot.
Stop and ask for help if the printer makes unusual sounds, creates a filament blob, shifts layers, or shows an error.
Keep food, drinks, loose papers, and backpacks away from printer stations.
Never modify printer hardware, firmware, filament path, or settings without teacher approval.

2. Printer awareness

Bambu P1S: enclosed printer used for reliable supervised production prints.
Bambu A1 Mini: open-frame printer used for smaller supervised prints and quick prototypes.
Robo E3/E4: classroom printers used for PLA prototyping and student-ready print workflows.
Each printer may use a different software/profile workflow, so always confirm the correct printer before slicing or submitting.
Do not assume settings transfer perfectly between printer models.

3. Filament and materials

Use only teacher-approved filament for the assigned printer.
PLA is the default student material unless another material is specifically approved.
Keep spools clean, dry, untangled, and properly supported.
Do not cut, unload, or change filament unless you have been trained and given permission.
Report grinding, tangles, snapping filament, failed loading, or filament running out.

4. File preparation

Use approved STL, 3MF, or teacher-provided model files.
Check that the model is the correct size and units before printing.
Orient the part to reduce supports, improve bed contact, and strengthen the print for its purpose.
Use supports only when needed for overhangs or unsupported features.
Check estimated time and material before submitting; redesign if the print is too large or inefficient.

5. Slicing choices

Select the correct printer profile, nozzle/profile settings, filament profile, and build plate option.
Choose layer height based on speed versus detail.
Choose infill based on part function; more infill is not automatically better.
Use brims, rafts, or supports only when the model needs them.
Preview the sliced model before printing to catch support, orientation, and first-layer problems.

6. Starting and monitoring

Confirm the bed/plate is clear and properly installed before starting.
Confirm the correct filament is loaded and there is enough material for the job.
Watch the first layer whenever possible; first-layer problems often predict print failure.
Stop or ask for help if the print detaches, curls, blobs around the nozzle, or begins printing spaghetti.
Do not leave a print area messy or block access to printers.

7. Removing prints

Wait for the bed/plate and part to cool when required.
Use approved removal methods only; do not pry aggressively or damage build surfaces.
Watch for sharp edges, hot surfaces, and brittle supports.
Remove supports carefully and clean up support material.
Report bed damage, nozzle blobs, poor adhesion, or failed prints.

8. Cleanup and documentation

Remove scraps, purge lines, support material, and failed prints from the station.
Return tools and leave the printer area ready for the next student.
Record print settings, failures, changes, and results in your engineering notebook when required.
Use print failures as design data, not as a reason to keep reprinting without changes.
Communicate printer issues so the next user does not inherit a problem.

Hands-on performance checklist

To earn the badge, students must demonstrate an approved workflow from file preparation to cleanup. The teacher marks this portion complete only after the student shows safe, independent readiness.

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