This week students are diving into the world of 3D Printing with their teacher. In my lesson plan I have embed some videos from Edpuzzle. The lesson Plan I have attached and some worksheets for students and and teacher resource are listed below:
Fusion 360 Lesson 2 Teacher Answer Sheet
Fusion 360 Lesson 2 Student Resources
Introduction to CAD Projects
In the initial videos, you see how we guide students through their first CAD project using Fusion 360. This foundational step covers the basics of CAD design, setting the stage for more advanced projects. Hopefully students are comfortable with the basics, it’s time to explore how to bring their CAD designs to life through 3D printing.
Exploring the World of 3D Printing
One of the exciting aspects of owning a 3D printer is the vast library of printable files available online. Numerous websites offer 3D models that can be downloaded and printed for free. Popular platforms like Thingiverse, My Mini Factory, and Pinshape host a wide variety of designs, from practical tools and household items to artistic sculptures and fun toys. With a little searching, both students and teachers can find almost anything they can imagine. What is truly incredible is how you will find opportunities from friends, colleagues, students and even just day to day encounters that make you think How can you use the 3d printer and all the skills you have learned. Heck, you might even 3d print a parts for a cello if your lucky for a friend. Additionally, incorporating Project-Based Learning (PBL) can elevate the learning experience by fostering creativity and collaboration.
Turning CAD Designs into Tangible Parts
To transform CAD designs into tangible parts, students need to understand that using a CAD program like Fusion 360 is just the beginning. The CAD program creates an STL file, but this file format is not directly understandable by 3D printers. Think of it like trying to speak English to someone who only understands French. The 3D printer needs instructions in its own language, called G-code. Simply put it needs a translator, more about this point later on in the blog post. It’s crucial for students to grasp that different tools are required to achieve their educational goals.
The Role of Slicer Software
This is where slicer software comes into play. Slicers act as translators, converting the STL file into G-code that the 3D printer can understand. These programs take the 3D model and slice it into hundreds or even thousands of horizontal layers. Imagine it like this, every slice is like it’s own specific map. The slicer then generates a set of instructions for each layer, telling the printer where to move, how much plastic or other materials to extrude, and at what temperature to operate. Without a slicer, the 3D printer would be unable to interpret the model and create the desired object.
Another way to explain it is that the slicer translates the STL file into a series of maps. These maps are overlaid on top of each other, guiding the 3D printer in creating the object layer by layer.
Controlling Printing Parameters
Slicer software is essential for controlling various printing parameters. It determines the layer height, which affects the print’s resolution and overall quality. A smaller layer height results in smoother surfaces and finer details but also increases printing time. The slicer also manages the printing speed, temperature, and infill density, which impacts the strength and weight of the final product. By adjusting these settings, students can fine-tune the printing process to achieve optimal results for different models and materials. In making Lesson two video I had to attempt to print the Lego block four times. I had to figure out why the first layer was not adhering to the build plate. Do not worry I was able to overcome the obstacle due to using the engineering design process and a successful print did occur.
Choosing the Right Slicer
For this lesson, the slicer will be from Bambu, and it works directly with the Bambu X1 Carbon 3D Printer. There are many slicer programs available online, and most of them are free due to their open-source nature. This means that anyone can contribute to their development and customize them to suit their specific needs. Cura is one of the most popular slicers, known for its user-friendly interface and extensive features. Other free options include Slic3r and Repetier-Host. Simplify3D is a paid slicer that offers advanced features and a streamlined workflow. It’s important to check which slicer works best with your computer. So depending on your budget hopefully you can get students using a slicer in your school that is cost effective. It’s all about be cost effective so we can maximize learning opportunities for students.
Getting Hands-On with Slicer Software
Like I just mentioned, Bambu will be used for demonstrational purposes. Students are encouraged to see and note the features and then discover the similar interface. in the selected slicer they are using. They might find that their 3D printer came with a slicer on its SD card, such as Repetier Host or Cura, along with a printer profile. Setting up the slicer involves configuring parameters like bed size, height, and communication rate. This can be tricky. I would recommend colleagues and students to go online and seek out OER’s so they can have the necessary resources to work through the challenges of setups and 3D Printing. I have a resource called “The Zombie Apocalypse Guide to #D Printing by Clifford Smyth. It’s great practical guide on the topic at hand.
Saved the best for last!
Here is my Lesson 2 Video on what we just talked about that you can use with your students listed below: