The most commonly used 3D printer is FDM, or fused deposition modeling. This is the type of printing that most of us think of when talking about 3D printing. FDM printers come in all different shapes and sizes, and each one will operate differently. There are, however, standard parts and accessories for every 3D printer.
Build plate: Ultimately where your project is built, and a part that could make or break your print. The filament is melted onto the surface of the build plate, and is built bottom-up. Not all surfaces look exactly the same, so it’s important to know the type of surface you’re working with. In addition to the build plate and surface on your printer, you can purchase adhesive sheets that sit on top of the build plate. Adhesive sheets can be helpful, as you can remove them from the build plate and gently twist them to more easily remove your print.
• Glass is a common surface, and helps provide a smooth finish for your prints. However, many glass surfaces require blue painter’s tape, or a glue stick, or even a spritz of aerosol hairspray so that the print can adhere properly. The type of adherence aid you use depends on the type of filament you’re working with.
• PEI is a surface sheet that is placed on the build plate, and has great adherence right out of the gate. However, this great adherence could mean that filaments like PETG can get a little stuck to the surface, and you may face difficulty removing the print.
• Aluminum surfaces can also be build plates on their own, but also pair well with adhesive sheets
Working with your Build Plate
It’s important to maintain and clean your build plate; for most filaments, a clean surface means better adherence (however PETG might actually adhere better to a slightly dirty build plate). The build plate can also get extremely hot, so use caution while handling the printer after a job.
Extruder: This is the most important part of your printer. It contains a motor and other mechanical pieces — this is called the cold end. It also contains a nozzle (and other parts) — the hot end — where the filament comes out onto the build plate. The filament is placed into the cold end of the extruder, melted, and then pushed out through the nozzle. Basically, it’s a mechanical hot glue gun! Some 3D printers have two or even multiple extruders so that two different kinds of or color filaments can print at one time. This is sometimes called “dual-extrusion.”
A word about nozzles:
Like your build plate, it’s important to clean and maintain your extruder’s nozzle. Filament may build up on your nozzle, and keeping it clean will lead to fewer filament jams for your printer. Depending on your plan for your printer, you may also want to invest in different nozzle sizes. Nozzle diameters range from 0.25mm to 1mm, with smaller nozzles providing more detail and larger ones creating a faster print. A standard nozzle diameter is 0.4mm, with 0.35mm being another common type.
Filament spool: Every 3D printer will have a spot to place the filament so that it can be easily loaded into the extruder. Sometimes this is a spool inside or outside the printer.
Information Screen: Depending on your printer, this is where you can select files for printing, load/unload filament, track the progress of your print job, view the temperature of the nozzle, & more. This screen might also contain a slot for an SD card to print your design.
Software: Most of the time you will be using the software that is recommended by the manufacturer of your printer. However, you may also elect to use alternate programs for printing. Please see Introduction to 3D Printing for Libraries for software recommendations.
Material: The material used for FDM is plastic-based filament, generally found on a reel. There are many different filament types, including some that are mixed with wood and metal. Please see Introduction to 3D Printing for Libraries for material information.
Tips & Tricks for FDM 3D Printing
• You might need certain tools to help you lift a 3D print off the build plate. We find that a metal or plastic label scraper works well for this — just be gentle, as some prints could be brittle or thin and may break easily.
• Most 3D printing software uses millimeters to size objects. Always be sure to communicate this to patrons who want to use the printer to ensure proper sizing.
• Thingiverse is your best option for finding 3D objects to print.
• Filament jams in your extruder are inevitable, so be sure to read your manufacturer’s solutions for these jams, as not every extruder is the same.
o However, some of the time you can clear a jam by heating up the extruder and pushing through new filament.
• Trial and error is ultimately your best method for learning about your printer. Don’t be afraid to make a mistake, and know that every problem is fixable.
For more detailed information about your 3D printer, it is best to consult the manufacturer’s guides. Most manufacturers also have user forums where you can ask questions or simply read answers and solutions to problems you might encounter. You can also visit MatterHackers for filament and in-depth guides to general 3D printing.