Category Archives: Spring 2021

Michaela’s First 3D Print

Posted on by

On Tuesday morning, I had my first experience with 3D printing. I was a little nervous going in because I had no idea what I was doing, but I was also very excited to use the 3D printer. Once I saw how everything works and got my feet under me, it was surprisingly easy to 3D print. The worst part is just waiting for the print to be complete. I decided to print the JMU cube because I thought it was a really interesting design and I wanted to watch it get created. I also wanted something to keep on my desk that not only represent my school, but commemorates my first time 3D printing as well. I cannot wait to 3D print again!

Megan’s First 3D Print

Posted on by

This week I had the pleasure of 3D printing something for the first time! Before class, I was a little nervous since I had never been in a 3D printing lab let alone actually 3D print something. However, once I got to the lab my nerves slowly began to calm down, particularly after I realized that everyone else was just as nervous as I was. Throughout the whole process, Prof. Hooker was there to help all of us newbies and guide us through the process of scaling the models and then printing them. All in all, I found this project to be a nice introduction to the 3D printing process and I look forward to the other projects we will be doing throughout the semester.

Jonathan’s First Print

Posted on by

This past Thursday, I got to do my first 3D print ever. I decided to print the JMU cube model by @mathgrrl because I thought it looked neat, and I wasn’t sure how long or difficult other things from Thingiverse would be. I had never 3D printed anything before, so I was excited to see what the process involved and how the 3D printers worked. I was surprised to see that the printer itself was a lot smaller than I thought it would be, and it was neat seeing how the nozzle added layers so quickly and precisely. The process was very straightforward, and the whole thing printed quickly and without problem. However, my final cube print ended up being way smaller than I intended it to be, and it was a bit rough on the top and bottom (maybe due to its tiny size). It was still very interesting seeing how the process of 3D printing works from beginning to end, and I can’t wait to see what else is possible!

Julianna’s First Print

Posted on by

This past week I was able to use a 3D printer for the first time and it was just as cool, if not cooler than I imagined. I decided that I wanted to print the Flower Fob that @muzz64 on Thingiverse created. I can only imagine the work that goes in to actually creating this design but I am excited to learn. Downloading the design and transferring it to the printer was rather easy other than a few adjustments that needed to be made on my end. I never thought about how the printer knows what you want it to print so I was rather surprised when I found out it was through an SD card. Watching my flower fob print was so cool I could have sat there the entire hour and a half just to watch. Overall it was a super cool experience and I can’t wait to print some more and make my own designs!

Daniel Drecun’s First 3D Print

Posted on by

This Thursday, I had the opportunity to do my first 3D print since middle school and it was pretty neat. I printed the JMU cube partially because everyone else did, but mostly because I didn’t know how long some of the things I saved on Thingiverse would take. After my cube finished printing I got a general idea on how long a similar sized object might take which will definitely help in the future. I kept getting distracted because I had a really fun time watching the printer do it’s thing. I wish the filament I used hadn’t been grey though. It still looked cool and it was a million times better than the dice I made in middle school that broke immediately.

The .stl file was created by @mathgrrl on Thingiverse

Melissa’s First Print

Posted on by

I really enjoyed my first 3D printing experience! When we first started printing I ran into some trouble with getting the file to the printer so that it could print. After some trial and error, Professor Hooker helped us figure out that we needed to put the USB into the computer to switch the .stl over to the 3D printer. As I watched the printer, I noticed that as it prints, it creates a criss-cross design within the shape, I assume that this is for stability for the shape. I never knew how 3D printing actually worked so it was interesting to see that the material used was a long strip of something that looks like plastic. I also thought it was cool that the base and the printing piece itself both move in different directions in order to print the object. This model was created by @mathgrrl on Thingiverse.

Chance’s First Print

Posted on by

Prior to taking SMAD 305, I had very little 3D experience. I of course knew how the process worked, but there are many factors that come into play in which users should be aware of. Time is one of them that really came into play during my first print. My piece did not finish within the class timeframe so that will definitely be something that I pay much closer attention to in the future. While this project was very set and structured, I’m excited to see what innovation I can conjure up. Some other things that I will be looking to evaluate are structures alongside curvature in designs. Overall, I am looking forward to creating designs in the future.

  • Credit to @mathgrrl

Caroline’s First Print

Posted on by

Today I got to use the 3D printer for the first time. My first print went pretty seamlessly. I decided to print the JMU Cube, and the only issue I ran into was that the 308 print file was not on originally on the USB in my printer. It was really interesting to watch the printer run up close, I have never seen a 3D printer working in person before. Pictured below is my final project, I think it’s super cool and will be keeping it on my desk at home. I am excited to get on Thingiverse and search for other cool print designs for next time!

Daniel’s First 3D Print.

Posted on by

This past Thursday, I was able to make my first print! I printed the JMU cube from the Ultimaker 3D printer. I was very excited to be able to print my very first 3D model. When I entered the 3D printing classroom, I felt overwhelmed. This area wasn’t my type of forte, so I did not entirely know where to start. However, throughout the class with the assistance of Professor Hooker, I was able to complete my first print. Although it felt overwhelming at first, it was a simple process of making a 3D print. All I had to do was just turn on the computer and printer, make some adjustments throughout the 3D modeling program, and then print the model. This was the first time I was able to look up close at a 3D printer, to see all the filaments align with each other. Although it does take quite a while, I found it very satisfying to see the steps and process o f how every line stacks on top of each other to create a 3D print. I was very satisfied of how it turned out. I love how it looks and I am now looking forward to my next print towards the future!

My First Print – Daniel Cymes

Posted on by

Not only was this my first time completing a 3D print, but it was also the first time that I had stepped into a 3D printing lab. Learning how to use the Ultimaker 3 printer inspired me and made me eager to explore the numerous design opportunities that are now at my fingertips. By far, my favorite part of this experience was being able to watch the 3D printer do its job. Its precision, intricate detail, and uniform movements were mesmerizing to watch. Before this lab, I held the notion that the printer and the accompanying Ultimaker Cura were going to be extremely confusing and intimidating to use. To my surprise, it happened to be quite user-friendly. Now I am confident that through regular usage of the printers, I will develop a new skill and potential hobby.

Not only does this print serve a functional purpose, but it also displays my school spirit. I am already looking forward to my next print!