How to 3D Print

Interested in 3D printing? Check out the instructions below to get started!

Step 1Make or find a 3D object file, like an .stl or .obj file. Step 2Import the 3D object into a slicer software. Step 3Prepare and slice your 3D files into a g-code file. Step 4Transfer the g-code file to a 3D printer. Step 5Set and run the 3D printer. Step 6Remove your print when it's finished and clean up.

Step 1

Make or Find a 3D Object

You can download a ready-made model at many online resources, like

You can make your own models with software like the ones below. Each has free access for educational use. If you're new to making 3D models, Tinkercad is the best place to start.

Tinkercad — browser-based, basic (best place to start)
OnShape — browser-based, used by some UMass robotics teams
Fusion 360 — an industry standard that we use most in PCM
SolidWorks — an industry standard for fields like engineering

Step 2

Slicer Software

We use two main slicers that correspond to our 3D printer ecosystems: Prusa Slicer and Bambu Studio.

Add 3D Printers to Your Slicer Software

Prusa Printers: To add a printer to Prusa Slicer, open Configuration > Configuration Wizard… Then follow the steps to get set up.

CORE Family: Prusa CORE One (HF0.4 mm nozzle)
MK4 Family: Original Prusa MK4 Input Shaper (0.4 mm nozzle)
MINI Family: Original Prusa MINI & MINI+ Input Shaper (0.4 mm nozzle)
MK3 Family: Original Prusa i3 MK3S & MK3S+ (0.4 mm nozzle)

Bambu Printers: To add a printer to Bambu Studio, under the Prepare tab, click on the upper left Printers button, then choose —Select/Remove printers (system presets)–.

Bambu Lab P1S
Bambu Lab X1 Carbon
Bambu Lab H2D

Step 3

Prepare and Slice

The slicer software translates the 3D models into g-code that the 3D printer can interpret as instructions.

Layer Height

good choice: 0.24mm or 0.20mm

How tall each layer of extruded material will be.

Filament

good choice: PLA

This is the type of plastic filament that the final object will be made of.

Printer

Select the model of printer you'll be using (MK4, P1S, etc.).

Supports

Sometimes models will have overhangs — places where the model isn't supported by material underneath it.

Infill

good choice: 15% or 20%

The interior of a 3D print volume is usually not filled with 100% plastic.

Steps 4 & 5

Export and Transfer to Printer

Once you're done setting up the print and slicing it into g-code, you'll export the g-code to the printer.

Load the g-code onto the printer, then navigate the printer's menus to start your print.

Step 6 — Finishing Up

Once the print has finished, the bed and nozzle will begin to cool. If you remove your print right away, watch out for places where it might still be hot.

Remove the build plate from the printer and bend it so that you release parts of your print.

Please don't use metal tools to scrape your prints off the build plate. It can damage the coating on the steel plates.

Once the build plate is clear, please spray the plate with 91% isopropyl alcohol and wipe it down with a paper towel.

Remove support material carefully from your print. You can recycle the support material in our recycling boxes.

Enjoy your new 3D print! Share a picture of your new print in our Discord!