So, you have taken the plunge and invested in a 3D printer for your child – congratulations! You’ve opened the door to a world of curiosity, learning and creativity for them. Of course, it is natural to feel a little overwhelmed with a new piece of technology, and you’re probably wondering where to start with it all. If that sounds like you, don’t worry, I’m here to guide you through the basics of getting your new 3D printer up and running at home.
Get to Know Your 3D Printer
The first step to your 3D printing journey, is understanding the key parts of the printer. There are three things that are most important to understand:
Build Plate: This is the flat surface where your model is created.
TOP TIP: It is important to keep this area clean, as residue from filament, fingerprint grease or any adhesives can affect print adhesion and quality. We recommend gently cleaning the build plate after each print. Isopropyl Alcohol or warm soapy water will be perfect, although be sure to let the plate cool fully before cleaning.
Avoid scrubbing with anything abrasive, to prevent scratching.
Nozzle: The heated part that melts and lays down the plastic.
TOP TIP: Regularly cleaning the nozzle will ensure that prints are of the best quality, as it will prevent clogging. Remove debris and residue after each print using either a clean piece of filament or a wire brush. You should avoid using a sharp object to clean the nozzle, as this could damage it.
Filament: The spool of plastic that passes through the heated nozzle to create a model.
TOP TIP: Pay attention to the type of filament you are using: PLA is the most common type, and is less sensitive to moisture. If you are using PETG or Nylon filaments, storing them in an airtight container will help to prevent moisture absorption which could lessen the print quality.
Safety Tips
3D printing can be a lot of fun, especially for children. However, it is important to remember that safety is important. Here are a few tips to help ensure your child is safe.
- Always supervise your child during printing
- The nozzle gets very hot. You should avoid touching it whilst the printer is on.
- Keep the workspace tidy to prevent accidents or damage to the printer.
Getting Started
Before you can start printing, you want to prepare the printer to ensure you create a successful project:
Turn on the Printer: Ensure it is properly plugged in; you can check that the printer is on by looking to see if the screen wakes up or if any parts of the printer move.
Check the Filament: Is the spool of your choice loaded? If not, thread the filament carefully into the printer, ready to go.
Calibrate the Printer: Use the “Auto Bed Level” function to perform this. You will probably need to help your child with this part, especially during their first attempts using the 3D printer.
Picking a Model to Print
Choosing the right project is probably the most fun part, because there are so many options available. It can be easy to go for something wild and exciting, however we would recommend starting with something small and fun, like a keychain or a simple toy, perhaps even a fidget toy.
Use a slicing programme to prepare the model. There are a variety of programmes available, and the best one to choose will depend on the 3D printer that you own, for example Bambu Studio is best for Bambu printers. Using the slicer is really easy.
- Start by choosing the design you want to create.
- Press the “Slice” button to ready it for the printer
TOP TIP: “Slicing” is necessary because 3D printing works in a similar manner as icing a cake. It works in layers or “slicers” and builds up to create the model.
Finally, send the model to your printer for processing. The method used to transfer the model to the printer will vary dependent on the type of printer you own, however common methods include USB and printing over Wi-Fi.
Starting the Print
This is where the real magic happens.
Begin by pressing to “Start” on the printer screen. You will want to keep a close eye on the first few layers of printing, to ensure that the base is smooth and adheres to the build plate.
TOP TIP: Most printers will tell you how long the print is going to take, so be patient and let the printer do its thing. Do remember to check in with it from time-to-time, to check for any failures.
After Printing
Once your model has finished printed, it is crucial that you leave it before removing and/or handling anything, because the build plate can be incredibly hot,
Once the plate has cooled, carefully remove the model. This can be tricky at first, however, don’t be afraid to bend the plate a little.
Continuing your 3D Printing Journey
This is, of course, only the very beginning of your 3D Printing journey, so make sure you encourage your child to think about their next project:
- Design your own Creation: Introduce your child to beginner-friendly tools such as Tinkercad to bring your ideas to life. We recommend creating an account for them, and exploring the software with them.
- Experiment: Try new models and encourage them to learn how to tweak things such as settings for better results.
REMEMBER: It is okay when things go wrong. In fact, failures in 3D printing can be great learning experiences. Allow your child to figure out what went wrong for themselves, so that they can learn how to fix them. Absolutely assist them if they are struggling, but there is so much space for learning in the world of 3D printing.