🎯 Lesson: Starting Your First Print

🧠 Focus: Learn how to successfully prepare and launch your first 3D print from start to finish using a slicer, file transfer, and printer interface.

✅ Lesson Summary

You’ve calibrated your printer—now it’s time to print! This lesson will guide students through the complete workflow of starting their first 3D print, including loading filament or resin, preparing files, monitoring the first layers, and ensuring the print completes successfully.

🎓 Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Select and prepare a 3D model for printing

• Slice the model using appropriate settings

• Transfer the sliced file to the printer

• Load filament or resin correctly

• Start and monitor the first few layers of a print

• Troubleshoot early-stage printing issues

📘 Lesson Content

🟩 1. Select or Design Your First Model

Choose a simple model to start with. Recommended sources:

• Thingiverse

• Printables

• MyMiniFactory

🧊 Start with a 20mm calibration cube or keychain—small prints are faster and easier to troubleshoot.

🟨 2. Slice the Model

Open your preferred slicer (e.g., Cura, Orca, Chitubox) and follow these steps:

1. Import your .STL or .3MF file

2. Choose the correct printer profile

3. Set basic parameters:

   • Layer height (0.2mm recommended)

   • Infill (15–20%)

   • Supports (enable only if needed)

   • Print speed (50 mm/s for FDM, default for resin)

4. Preview the print layers

5. Export the file as:

   • .gcode (FDM printers)

   • .cbddlp, .photon, .sl1, etc. (Resin printers)

🟥 3. Transfer the File to the Printer

Options depend on your printer:

⚠️ Always eject the SD/USB drive properly to avoid file corruption.

🟦 4. Prepare the Printer

🔁 For FDM:

• Preheat the nozzle and bed to match your material (e.g., PLA = 200°C/60°C)

• Load filament through the extruder until it flows smoothly

• Clean the print bed with isopropyl alcohol (for glass, PEI, or magnetic beds)

💧 For SLA:

• Pour resin into the vat

• Ensure FEP film is clean and intact

• Check build plate alignment and lock it in place

🟧 5. Start the Print

Begin the print via:

• FDM: Navigate to Print > Select File on your printer’s interface

• SLA: Use the printer’s touchscreen or remote control app

The printer will:

1. Home all axes

2. Heat up to target temperatures

3. Begin printing the first layer

🟪 6. Monitor the First Layers

The first layer is the most critical!

Watch for:

• Good adhesion (slightly squished lines)

• No warping or lifting corners

• Consistent extrusion

• Supports attaching properly (for resin prints)

🛠️ Troubleshooting Tips:

• Nozzle too far = loose lines, no adhesion

• Nozzle too close = filament smearing or clogging

• Clean bed and relevel if adhesion fails

🟫 7. Let It Run — But Check In

Once the first few layers look good:

• Let the print continue, checking occasionally for signs of failure

• Keep your workspace ventilated (especially for resin)

• Don’t leave the printer unattended for long until you’re experienced

🧠 Summary

Launching your first print is a huge milestone. With a calibrated printer and a properly sliced model, you’re on your way to turning digital designs into physical objects.

Checklist for a successful first print:

✅ Model selected and sliced
✅ File transferred correctly
✅ Filament/resin loaded
✅ Bed leveled / Z-offset tuned
✅ Print started and first layer monitored
✅ Final print removed and inspected