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3D Printing

Learn 3D Printing

Part 1 - An Introduction to 3D Printing

Welcome to the Learn to 3D Print class!

This class has around 45 minutes of videos to teach you about 3D printing and how to have something printed at the library. How long it takes you to find, make, and submit a model after this class is up to you!

Anyone can take this class, but in order to have something printed at the library you need to have a library card and register with the Idea Lab. If you don't have a library card, you can get one by visiting any branch with ID or by filling out the online card application below. 

 

With your library card number, please fill out the Idea Lab agreement below.

 

Thank you!

Now that that's out of the way, it is time to start the class. To complete the class, make sure to explore all the tabs in each part. For example, part one, the section you are currently in, has a video tab to watch through. Other portions of this class also have "To do" tabs, theses suggest a task for you to try out! 

When you're ready to start watching, click below to start the video playlist. Multiple videos will play after another and you can see which video you're on and how many are left by putting your mouse over the video screen and looking at the numbers in the top right. Feel free to pause, go back, and rewatch any parts as you go. Enjoy!

Part 2 - Getting Started

Part 2 has 4 videos. You will learn about:

  • Policies and pricing for 3D printing at the Idea Lab
  • Where to find a 3D model online
  • Cura, a free program for preparing 3D models
  • how to see how long your print will take

When you're ready, click over to the videos tab and start watching.

When you're ready to start watching, click below to start the video playlist. Multiple videos will play after another and you can see which video you're on and how many are left by putting your mouse over the video screen and looking at the numbers in the top right. Feel free to pause, go back, and rewatch any parts as you go. Enjoy!

If you are working along with the videos to have something ready to print by the end of class, do the following for this part:

  • Find a model on Thingiverse
  • Download and install Cura on your computer
  • Import your model into Cura

Needed links are below:

Part 3 - Cura Basics

Part 3 has 4 videos. You will learn the basics of using Cura to change your model.

When you're ready, click over to the videos tab and start watching.

When you're ready to start watching, click below to start the video playlist. Multiple videos will play after another and you can see which video you're on and how many are left by putting your mouse over the video screen and looking at the numbers in the top right. Feel free to pause, go back, and rewatch any parts as you go. Enjoy!

If you are working along with the videos to have something ready to print by the end of class, do the following for this part:

  • Try changing the position, size, and rotation of your model in Cura

Part 4 - Cura Settings

Part 4 has 6 videos. You will learn the most important settings in Cura and how they affect your print.

When you're ready, click over to the videos tab and start watching.

When you're ready to start watching, click below to start the video playlist. Multiple videos will play after another and you can see which video you're on and how many are left by putting your mouse over the video screen and looking at the numbers in the top right. Feel free to pause, go back, and rewatch any parts as you go. Enjoy!

If you are working along with the videos to have something ready to print by the end of class, do the following for this part:

  • Play around with changing the settings for your print and see how they affect print time
  • Think about what settings you want for your model

Part 5 - Save and Submit

Part 5 has 4 videos. We will review the settings in Cura, save and submit our file, and then register that you completed class!

When you're ready, click over to the videos tab and start watching.

Below the video is a PDF and checklist that walks you through the steps and print settings we covered in the videos in case you'd like to review or read written instructions. Below that is the submission form.

You did it! You made it through our silly videos and are ready to print. Please fill out the form below so we know you completed class and watch our final video.

 

We can't wait to see what you print!

 

You are now ready to prepare and submit your print and can let us know you completed class. Before you leave this page, please do the following:

  • Review your settings and use the checklist to make sure your print is ready
  • Save your print as a Cura Project File, NOT just a 3mf file.
  • Submit your print using the form and check the "first print box" if this is your first print.
  • Complete the 3D Print Class form so we know you took the class!
  • OPTIONAL: give us feedback in the next tab above

Any comments or feedback on the class? Something missing or something that should be there? Let us know with the link below.