3D Printer technology is still not very familiar to most people. This is because its use is still limited and the price is quite expensive so that only some people can have it. Moreover, not everyone has an insight into how 3D Printer machines work and how to operate them. In fact, this insight is needed as a basis for starting three-dimensional printing.
If a beginner wants to learn 3D printing, then he must understand the whole picture of the printing process. The process consists of several stages which are the basic method of operating a 3D Printer. The following are the stages of operating the 3D Printer in sequence:
1. Design Preparation
The first stage of course begins with preparing a three-dimensional digital design. You can create object designs using the Autodesk Fusion 360 application. Be sure to check every corner of the object so that every detail is as expected. The application was automatically connected to the 3D Printer, making it easier for beginners.
In the print field, select the 3D Print option and then adjust the settings. Previously, don’t forget to download a special application such as Repetier host to connect Autodesk with a 3D printing machine. You can control the operation of the printer directly through this interface application.
2. Object Position Setting
In the Repetier Host application view, there are several setting options that you can adjust to your needs. The most basic setting is setting the position of the object to fit the print area or printer bed. The goal is that the object is firmly attached to the base so that the object does not shift or formup while being printed.
3. Setting the Density and Speed of the 3D Printer
The next stage is setting the object density level to determine its density. A density of 0% means that the print has no voids or lines at all while a density of 100% means that the object will be completely filled with filament. Then, don’t forget to adjust the speed of the printing machine to be right. Because if it is too fast it will cause the filament to still melt before it has time to stick to the object.
4. Connectivity Preparation
3D Printer technology is equipped with control and setting features directly through the computer. Settings that can be made include adjusting the nozzle temperature, nozzle height, and determining the print area limits. However, the basic setting that must be done is the connectivity.
As addup solutions Select the Serial Connection connection if you want to set up the printer directly without going through the server. Select Port – Auto to facilitate the connection of the printer and computer.
5. Setting Up 3D Printer Machine with Computer
After the connection has been successfully connected, all the basic components of the 3D Printer can be managed via the computer. Settings that can be made include extruder temperature, cooling fan temperature, bed temperature, nozzle motion speed, and the amount of filament material that comes out.
6. 3D Design File Storage
This storage stage is needed so that we don’t have to rearrange the design if we want to print it again. The final design file can be saved via the print preview column. There are two storage options, namely saving on a computer or SDcard. If the object to be printed has large dimensions, the file should be stored on the SDcard because the printing will take a long time so it can be left behind.
7. Object Printing
This is the final stage of the process of printing the object. Before that, make sure the filament or printing material to be used is installed correctly. If everything is ready, just click Print like printing in general. The 3D Printer engine will automatically perform the calibration, heating the nozzle and bed according to what has been preset on the computer.