DFAB 111 Introduction to Desktop 3D Printing introduces students to standard operating and maintenance procedures for common desktop 3D printing machines. Students will receive hands-on training in operating and designing parts for common 3D printing technologies.
Accessibility Services Notice
Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 2 |
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| Total Credits | |
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| Total Hours | 45 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | 11.25 |
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| Lab (lab, field, computer) | 11.25 |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Produce Fuse Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Stereolithography (SLA) printed parts
- Assemble, operate and upgrade a 3D printer
- Calibrate machine parameters to enhance part quality
- Demonstrate knowledge of programming language for 3D printers
- Maintain logs and record keeping
- Identify and troubleshoot problems on machines
- Prepare parts for successful 3D printing in slicing software
Teaching and Learning Approach
Hands-on, experiential learning: Students spend significant lab time operating printers and troubleshooting
in real time.
Reflection as a learning tool: Weekly lab reflections develop critical awareness and connect technical skills
to personal learning.
Scaffolded progression: Course begins with printer assembly and calibration, then moves through slicing,
materials, troubleshooting, and ends with a culminating project.
Integration with parallel courses: The lamp project is shared with DFAB103 (CAD/Design), emphasizing
cross-course collaboration.Learning Resources
Hardware: Ender 3 V3 KE, Bambu A1 printers, Formlabs SLA printers.
Software: Bambu Studio, PreForm, Meshmixer.
Materials: PLA, PETG, SLA resins.
Learning Materials: Instructor slides, curated OER articles/videos, student reflection sheets.Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered
1. History and principles of 3D printing, overview of FDM & SLA technologies, applications.
2. Components of FDM printers, how they work, calibration concepts.
3.Slicing workflow in Bambu Studio (orientation, infill, supports, bed adhesion).
4.Lab protocols, printer operation, material handling (PLA, PETG), safe practices.
5.Common print failures (stringing, warping, adhesion issues) and solutions.
6.Introduction to SLA technology, safety, resins, PreForm software basics.
7.SLA post-processing steps (print removal, washing, curing, resin handling).
8.Optimizing prints for strength, weight, and efficiency (walls, infill, varying infill. orientation)
9.Understanding G-code, modifying print instructions, workflow optimization.
10.Workflow integration: CAD to slicing to print. Project considerations.
Assessment
| Title | Learning Outcomes | Value |
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| Weekly Lab Reflections (Weeks 9) | 2â€" 3,5 | 5% weekly, totaling 40% |
| Final Lamp Project | 2,3,4 | 15% |
| Lamp Project Reflection | 3,5 | 10% |
| Quizzes (2 total) | 1,4 | 10% |
| Printer Upgrade Prints | 2,3 | 10% |
| G-code Workshop Task | 4 | 5% |
| SLA Print Task | 2,4 | 10% |
| Total | 100% |
Grading Table
Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table
| Percentage |
Letter Grade |
GPA |
| 90-100 |
A+ |
4.33 |
| 85-89 |
A |
4.00 |
| 80-84 |
A- |
3.67 |
| 76-79 |
B+ |
3.33 |
| 72-75 |
B |
3.00 |
| 68-71 |
B- |
2.67 |
| 64-67 |
C+ |
2.33 |
| 60-63 |
C |
2.00 |
| 55-59 |
C- |
1.67 |
| 50-54 |
P |
1.00 |
| 0-49 |
F |
0.00 |
| |
DNW |
0.00 |
See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.