PracticalPrinting/Readme.md

# Practical Printing

Repository for all 3D printing resources at the TTL Makerspace!

A six week course for learning to use 3D Printing in practical & efficient ways.

## Week 1 : Intro to 3D Printing
Introduction to 3D Printing through a blend of hands-on & theoretical work. Set up our first print to discuss next week!

* What is 3D Printing (technical terminology, hardware, use cases)
* Different kinds of 3D printing machines, tools, and techniques
* What is a slicer, why do we need it, and how to use it 

## Week 2 : Old Skool Modelling
Our first dive into CAD for 3D printing through FreeCAD. Learn to translate real-world use cases & dimensions into the digital environment. Discover the most common 3D printing problems and how to accommodate for them.

* Common 3D printing issues (and how to fix them!)
* Intro to FreeCAD for 3D modelling
* Parametric Design
* Meshing & exporting a printable model
* Slicing 

## Week 3 : Scanner-Assisted Modelling (Part 1: 2D Scans)
Explore how familiar tools can be used to streamline 3D modelling through the use of your phone! Leverage existing tools to efficiently perform fit tests & print trials. 

* 2D Scanning/Photo Reference to 3D modelling workflow
* 3D Printing tolerances & fit tests
* Slicer tips & tricks

## Week 4 : Scanner-Assisted Modelling (Part 2: 3D Scans)
Experiment with using a Creality Otter 3D Scanner to model a replacement part for a broken item. Learn to design 3D models based on existing 3D models.

* 3D Scanning - how-to + tips & tricks
* Point clouds, meshes, and tessellation
* Manipulation of existing 3D models

## Week 5 : Designing for Resin Printing
TBC - Personalize your own custom keycaps printed on the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra resin printer. Discover the difference between the classic, FDM printing and resin printing.

* SLA vs. FDM Printing - why & use cases
* Design & slicing differences
* Post-processing requirements & additional techniques

## Week 6 : TBC - Intro to UV Printing



## Resources

### Examples
Examples of CAD files & 3D Models
* Jointer/Planer Knob Replacement - replacement for the broken knob
* BOFA Cap - cap for our BOFA fume extractor
* Vacuum Attachment - vacuum adaptor for a 2.5" hose
* Finch Leaf Example - example projct file for a leaf from Finch's thesis project; leaves are sliced with a pause to insert electronic components and the laser-cut acrylic leaf


### Guides
* Orca Slicer - Getting Started: Guide to setting up Orca Slicer on your personal computer. Covers printer & filament profile set-ups for new & existing installations of Orca Slicer. 
* More TBA!

### Printer Manuals
Manuals for all of the current, in-use 3D machines.
* Creality K1C User Manual
* Creality Scan Otter Manual
* Elegoo Saturn Ultra 4 Manual
* Qidi Q2 Quick Start Guide/Manual