3D Printer Certification

  • Due No due date
  • Points 5
  • Questions 5
  • Time Limit None
  • Allowed Attempts 4

Instructions

Required for anyone wanting to use the 3D printers. Completion of an in-person training session scheduled within 1 week of the completion of this certification is required before use of the 3D printers is allowed. Even after certification and training, a Makerspace employee must be present at all times during 3D printer use.


Before we can use a 3D printer, we need to do some work on a computer. A digital 3D model, such as from thingiverse.com, and a program called a slicer, such as Ultimaker's Cura slicer, are required to start. We will load our 3D model, in .stl or .obj format, into our slicer. This is where we will set all the settings for our 3D print and convert the file into something the 3D printer can understand. Settings differ depending on the printer, type of filament being used, and the shape of the model being printed. They will be explained in the in-person training. After an employee has looked over the settings, you "slice" the object, and save the resulting gcode file on the printer's microSD card. Taking the microSD card back to the printer, plug it in and navigate to the "print from media" screen. Select your file and start the print. If the print does not stick to the bed, or otherwise fails, please stop the print and ask an employee to help fix it.

To change the filament you should select the "change filament" option in the menu on the printer. Look at the label of the spool of filament on the printer. If the filament is PLA, select the "preheat PLA" option. Otherwise, set the temperature to the minimum extrusion temperature listed on the spool. After the extruder has heated, the printer will unload the filament. Remove the spool and replace with your chosen filament. Find the end of the filament and insert it into the driver. Confirm the filament has been loaded on the screen and let the printer purge to remove any of the previous filament that may be left in the head. When asked to "purge more or continue?," select continue. The filament has now been successfully changed.

Electrical Safety: risk of electrical shock 

  • Control Measures: 
  • Never open the electronics case when the printer is powered on.  
  • Before removing the electronics case cover, always power down the printer and completely turn off and unplug the printer. Allow the printer to discharge for at least one minute. 

Operation: risk of physical injury 

  • Control Measures:  
  • When the printer is operational take care to never put your fingers near any moving parts including belts, pulleys, or gears.  
  • Tie back long hair or clothing that can get caught in the moving parts of the printer.  
  • For users under the age of 18, adult supervision is recommended. Beware of choking hazards around small children. 

Operation: risk of burns 

  • Control Measures: 
  • Never touch the hot end nozzle or heater block without first turning off the hot end and allowing it to completely cool down.  
  • The hot end can take up to 20 minutes to completely cool.  
  • Never touch recently extruded plastic. The plastic can stick to your skin and cause burns.  
  • The print surface can reach high temperatures that can cause burns. 

Work Area Safety: risk of fire 

  • Control Measures: 
  • Never place flammable materials or liquids on or near the printer when it is powered on or operational.  
  • Liquid acetone, alcohol, or other chemicals may release vapors that are extremely flammable. 
Only registered, enrolled users can take graded quizzes