3D Printing Guide

Introduction

At the Aero Maker Space, 3D prints are sorted by a queue system. Users are required to fill out a 3D print form to submit their parts for printing. The AMS operates two 3D print queues: the Standard 3D Print Queue (standard queue) and the Pro Printer Queue (pro print queue). This guide will walk through the process of submitting a print to the AMS.

Standard 3D Print Queue

The most commonly used print queue is the Standard 3D Print Queue (standard queue). The majority of prints can be accomplished with the Original Prusa MK4s. To begin a 3D print submission to the AMS, follow these steps:

1. Let a mentor know that you would like to submit a part for 3D printing.

2. Send an STL file to the AMS computer, either by email ([e-mail]) or via a USB stick. This way, a mentor can slice the files for you.

3. Fill out the standard queue form. A mentor can help you with this step.

4. Once the form is submitted, you will receive an email notification that says your part has been queued and is being processed for printing.

5. After the print has finished, a mentor will mark the print as "finished," and you will receive another email notifying you that your print has been completed and is now ready for pick-up.

6. Come by the AMS to pick up your print in the finished prints bin at the front of the maker space.

Pro Printer Queue

Sometimes, users who are part of a research lab, an engineering club, or just working on their personal projects need a more advanced printer to obtain their desired part. This can be accomplished by filling out the Pro Printer Queue (pro print queue). Pro printers are expensive to operate and therefore, are usually reserved for research groups. Thus, when considering a pro printer, think about what you need and if it can be done with a Prusa printer. Some items to consider are:

1. What material do I need to make this part with?

2. How much bed space will my part take up?

3. Does my part include complex geometry that prohibits breakaway supports?

If you are unsure about the validity of your pro print request, your questions can be addressed by a mentor on shift.

Filling out the pro print queue form is similar to the standard queue form. Follow these steps:

1. Let a mentor know that you would like to submit a part for the pro printers. Give a valid reason as to why your part cannot be completed on the standard queue.

2. Send an STL file to the AMS computer, either by email ([e-mail]) or via a USB stick. This way, a mentor can slice the files for you.

3. Fill out the pro print queue form. A mentor can help you with this step.

4. Once the form is submitted, you will receive an email notification that says your part has been queued and is being processed for printing.

5. After the print has finished, a mentor will mark the print as "finished," and you will receive another email notifying you that your print has been completed and is now ready for pick-up.

6. Come by the AMS to pick up your print in the finished prints bin at the front of the maker space.