Presentation

# 3D Printing

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# Type of 3D printer

Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM): A plastic filament is melted and deposited onto a print bed, building up the object layer by layer.

Photopolymerisation (SLA, DLP, LCD): A laser or light source cures a liquid, light-sensitive resin, either point by point (SLA laser) or layer by layer (DLP, LCD).

Powder fusion (SLS, SLM, DMLS): A laser fuses powder particles point by point.

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# The printers at the ULB FabLab

<table class="center">
  <tr>
    <th></th>
    <th></th>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>
        15 Prusa MK3S(+)
        <br><br>
        0 multifilament (MMU)
    </td>
    <td>
        <img src="./img/3D-Printing/Prusa-MK3S-Print-Volume.jpg" alt="Prusa Print Volume" style="height:500px" />
    </td>
  </tr>
</table>

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## Why use an FDM 3D printer?

<br>

<table class="center">
  <tr>
    <th>
        <u>Advantages</u>
        <br><br>
    </th>
    <th>
        <u>Limitations</u>
        <br><br>
    </th>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>
        Ability to produce complex parts
        <br>
        Rapid prototyping
        <br>
        Low waste
        <br>
        Low cost
        <br>
        Ease of use
    </td>
    <td>
        Slow
        <br>
        Limitations on size and number of materials
        <br>
        Limited strength

</td>
  </tr>
</table>

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## Examples

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# 3D printing – the steps

<tr>
    <th>
        <u>Modelling</u>
        <br>
        (CAD)
    </th>
    <th>    →    </th>
    <th>
        <u>Preparation for 3D printing</u>
        <br>
    </th>
    <th>    →    </th>
    <th>
        <u>3D printing</u>
        <br><br>
    </th>
  </tr>

<tr>
    <td>
        Starting from scratch
        <br>
        Existing file
        <br>
        3D scan
    </td>
    <td>
        File in
        <br>
        <b>.STL</b>
    </td>
    <td>
        Print settings
        <br>
        Slicing
    </td>
    <td>
        File in
        <br>
        <b>.GCODE</b>
    </td>
    <td></td>
  </tr>

</table>

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## File library:

<tr>
        <td>
            <img src="./img/3D-Printing/logo-Thingiberse.jpg" alt="Thingiverse" style="height:50px" />
        </td>
        <td>Thingiverse</td>
    </tr>

<tr>
        <td>
            <img src="./img/3D-Printing/logo-Printables.jpg" alt="Printables" style="height:50px" />
        </td>
        <td>Printables (by Prusa)</td>
    </tr>

<tr>
        <td>
            <img src="./img/3D-Printing/logo-Cults.jpg" alt="Cults" style="height:50px" />
        </td>
        <td>Cults</td>
    </tr>

<tr>
        <td>
            <img src="./img/3D-Printing/logo-GrabCAD.jpg" alt="GrabCAD" style="height:50px" />
        </td>
        <td>GrabCAD</td>
    </tr>

</table>
]

]]

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## Can you 3D-print anything?

Not recommended for:

<tr>
        <th>
            Recreating things that already work very well <br>(screws, nails, nuts)
        </th>
        <th>
            Very simple objects <br> (boxes, etc.)
        </th>
        <th>
            Very cheap objects
        </th>
    </tr>

</table>

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## Can everything be 3D-printed?

Technical limitations affects physical strength

Choice of material
- Durable plastic (temperature, solvents, etc.)
- Flexible plastic

Printing direction / application of forces  →

Filling (type and rate)
- Please note: max. 35% filling

]
.column[

]]

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## Can you 3D print anything?

Technical limitations:
- Cannot print in the air
- Stability of certain parts (spheres)
- Very good results up to approximately 45° (less good beyond that)
- Printing bridges

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## Layer Height

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# Prusa Slicer

For the Prusa Slicer see the following [Slides](https://fablab.ulb.be/slides/3D-Prusa-Slicer.html)

For issues and improvements you can contact us at fablab@ulb.be