From Dreams to Reality: The Magic of 3D Printing - Elle Hunt & Troy Hunt - NDC Oslo 2024

FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) printers work by laying down layers of melted plastic filament to create 3D objects, with the Prusa Mark IV being a popular and reliable model

Different filament types serve various purposes:

• PLA: Common, brittle but easy to print
• PETG: Better impact resistance and flexibility
• Specialty filaments: Glow-in-dark, marble, wood-look, rainbow

Print settings significantly impact results:

• Layer height affects detail level (0.2mm standard)
• Infill percentage determines strength/material usage (5-30%)
• Nozzle sizes (0.4mm standard) affect detail and print speed

Free 3D model sources include:

• Printables (Prusa’s platform)
• Thingiverse
• Custom designs via TinkerCAD
• ChatGPT 4.0 can generate STL files

Multi-material printing enables:

• Multiple colors in one print
• Different materials for functional parts
• Purge towers to clean nozzles between color changes

Practical applications include:

• Custom parts/fixtures
• Decorative items
• Functional mechanisms (springs, hinges)
• Lithophanes (3D printed photos)
• Hydroponics systems

Building from a kit ($799) vs. pre-assembled ($1,099) provides:

• Cost savings
• Better understanding of printer mechanics
• Maintenance knowledge

Success factors include:

• Proper bed leveling
• Temperature control
• Print surface adhesion
• Material-specific settings