How to use the 3D printers at the academy
Guidelines for 3D printing
The printers are located in the Metal/Digital Workshop. During exam periods, each person may use one printer at a time. The opening hours to access the 3D printing room is 8:00 - 15:30.
When your print is finished (successful or failed), weigh and pay for it in the Metal Workshop — 0.3 DKK per gram.
You can use the computer in the 3D printing room to prepare your file. Bring your .stl file on a USB drive and open it in PrusaSlicer.
A good all-around print setting is “MK4 Detail – Brim + Support.”
The recommended maximum print size is 230 × 190 × 190 mm (W × L × H).
If you need assistance, please ask one of the technology instructors: Torben, Paul, or Emil.
Step 1: 3D file format - .stl
The first step ist that you need a 3D model to print. The file must be in .stl format.
You can create your own model using CAD software such as Rhino or Autodesk Fusion 360, or download a ready-made model from websites like www.makerworld.com
Step 2: File preperation - Prusaslicer
Once you have your .stl file, open PrusaSlicer to prepare it for 3D printing. PrusaSlicer is available on the desktop computer in the 3D printer room.
You can also get PrusaSlicer on your own computer. Follow the steps in the guide: Setting up PrusaSlicer on your own computer
Step 3: Importing the .stl model
In the top left corner, choose "Import" and "Import STL/3MF/STEP..."
Step 4: Choose your file (USB)
Choose your .stl file. If it is on a USB drive, you must choose the usb drive in the left menu. Click open.
Step 5: Fix errors if needed
Your 3D model should now be loaded and appear in PrusaSlicer. If a warning appears on the right, hover over the warning icon and right-click to fix the errors.
Step 6: Printing setting
The right side of the program is for choosing the printer type and and print setting. Start with choosing the printer version.
Printer:
Choose the printer version based on what is available. We have MK4, MK4S, and MK3 printers.
MK4 printers are numbered 1–10
MK4S printers are numbered 11–14
MK3 printers are unnumbered (older models)
Check which printers are available in the printer room and select the corresponding version. The printer number is written on a yellow label. MK4S or MK4 are preferred, as they are faster and provide better print quality.
Print setting
Choose 0.1 mm Detail for high-quality, detailed prints, or 0.2 mm Speed for faster prints with simpler shapes.
Filament
We always print using white, black, or grey PLA. The filament spools are changed by the staff. If a printer runs out of material, please contact an instructor in the workshop.
Enable supports
Make sure Supports are enabled everywhere to ensure your model can be printed successfully. Supports are temporary structures othat hold up overhanging parts of your model during printing. Without them, the printer may try to print in mid-air, causing deformation or failed prints.
Infill (15-20%)
Set the infill to 15–20% — this is usually enough to make the print strong and stable while keeping print time and material use low. Higher infill is only needed for parts that must be extra durable or load-bearing.
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