Intro to 3D Printing with Bambu printers

Goal: Build a strong foundation of how 3D printing works, then connect that knowledge to the Bambu A1 printer you will use in class.

Quick laugh: Think of a 3D printer as a very focused robot that makes stuff one layer at a time.

Objectives

• Explain the difference between additive and subtractive manufacturing in your own words ( Evidence: Video Connection prompt #1).
• Identify major Bambu printer components and describe each part’s function ( Evidence: Component Hunt + Printer Anatomy Check).
• Describe how a digital model is turned into layers for printing ( Evidence: Video Connection prompts #2 and #3).
• Document observations and reflections clearly ( Evidence: Demo Observation Log + Exit Ticket).

Success Criteria

• I can explain additive vs. subtractive manufacturing in 1–2 clear sentences.
• I can identify at least 5 printer components and describe each function accurately.
• I can complete all Day 1 evidence tasks and submit all required work.

Steps

Instructional Flow: Learn (video/resources) → Practice (Day 1 tasks) → Submit (Before You Submit Checklist + Copy Day Notes).

1. Step 1: Watch Intro Video (8 min)
   Assignment: Watch the How 3D Printers Work warm-up video, then complete Video Connection Prompts and Check for Understanding (Video Transcript).
2. Step 2: Locate and Identify Parts (10 min)
   Assignment: Complete Timed Component Hunt (3–5 Minutes), then complete Printer Anatomy Check for key parts (nozzle, bed, AMS, touchscreen, frame/gantry). Use the Bambu Academy Components Reference and AMS Guide while locating parts.
3. Step 3: Observe Demo Print (10 min)
   Assignment: Observe a demonstration print and complete the Demo Observation Log, then review spool loading with the Load a Spool Guide.
4. Step 4: Complete and Submit Day 1 Tasks (17 min)
   Assignment: Complete the remaining Day 1 tasks (Safety & Setup Checklist, Reflection, and Exit Ticket), then finish the Beginner Bambu Lab course module. Finally, click Copy Day Notes and paste into your Digital Notebook Day 1 entry.

Optional Supports

• Rubber Duck Model (optional demo file)

Deliverable: Completed Day 1 tasks and labeled photo of printer setup.

Day 1 Activity Log

Guidance: Use complete sentences. Include one safety detail and one real observation from class in your answers.

Word Bank (Support)

• Additive: building by adding material layer by layer
• Subtractive: shaping by removing material
• Slicing: splitting a digital model into printable layers
• Nozzle: heated tip that extrudes filament
• AMS: system that manages filament feeding/material options
• Gantry: frame/motion system guiding print head movement

Timed Component Hunt (3–5 Minutes)

Before writing part functions, physically point to each part on the printer. Have a partner or teacher initial when complete.

Part	Located? (Yes/No)	Partner/Teacher Initials
Nozzle
Print Bed
AMS
Touchscreen
Frame / Gantry

Video Connection Prompts

• Use key terms from the video: additive, subtractive, digital model, slicing, and layers.
• Reference the “icing on a cake” example when explaining layer-by-layer printing.

Prompt from Video	Your Response
What is the difference between a subtractive process and an additive process?
Explain how the printer builds an object layer by layer (use the cake icing comparison).
According to the video, how does a digital model become print instructions?
Name two materials or real-world products mentioned in the video.
What is the AMS on a Bambu printer, and how can it help during a print job?

Check for Understanding (Video Transcript)

Answer using details from the Day 1 video transcript. Be specific and use key vocabulary when possible.

Question	Your Answer
According to the transcript, which process builds an object by adding material in layers?
In subtractive manufacturing, what happens to the starting material?
What does slicing do to a digital model before printing starts?
What comparison from the transcript helps explain layer-by-layer printing?
Name one real-world product or use case mentioned in the transcript for 3D printing.

Demo Observation Log

Sentence starters: “I noticed…”, “This matters because…”, “I still wonder…”

What I Observed	Why It Matters	Question I Still Have

Printer Anatomy Check

• Match each row to the exact label wording shown on the provided diagram.
• Add one note about how the part affects print quality or safety.
• Connect at least one part to the video (for example: nozzle extrudes material, slicer tells where each layer goes).

Use this diagram to identify parts and explain each part’s function in your own words. If the image does not load, open it directly: Bambu Parts Diagram.

Use the numbered callouts below to match the labels on the image, then write each part’s function.

1. Callout 1: Nozzle
2. Callout 2: Print Bed
3. Callout 3: AMS (Automatic Material System)
4. Callout 4: Touchscreen
5. Callout 5: Frame / Gantry
6. Callout 6: Filament

Safety & Setup Checklist

• I know how to safely load and unload filament (Load a Spool Guide).
• I understand not to touch the nozzle or bed while heated.
• I can start and stop a print from the touchscreen.
• I can identify when a print is complete and ready to remove.
• I acknowledge that I completed the Beginner Bambu Lab course.

Reflection

1. What idea from the intro video helped you understand 3D printing the most, and why?

2. Using the video, explain how slicing and the nozzle work together to create a final model.

Exit Ticket Rubric

Criteria	Beginning	Proficient	Advanced
Additive vs. Subtractive	Definition incomplete or unclear	Correct comparison with basic detail	Accurate comparison with strong example
Slicing Explanation	Minimal or incorrect process steps	Correctly explains model-to-layers process	Explains process and why it affects print quality
Component Function Accuracy	Part/function mismatch or vague	Mostly accurate part/function description	Accurate description with quality/safety connection

Exit Ticket (End of Day 1)

Exit Question	Your Answer
In one sentence, define additive manufacturing.
What does slicing do before a print starts?
Name one printer part and describe its job.
What is one safety rule you followed today?

Extension (Optional Challenge)

How might AMS improve workflow, reliability, or material use in a classroom 3D printing lab?

Before You Submit Checklist

• I inserted a labeled photo of the printer setup into my Digital Notebook Day 1 entry.
• I used Copy Day Notes and pasted Day 1 responses into my Digital Notebook.
• I inserted proof/screenshot of Beginner Bambu Lab course completion into my Digital Notebook Day 1 entry.

Goal: Create a custom 3D model using Tinkercad and prepare it for slicing.

Quick laugh: If your text is super tiny, your printer might treat it like a secret and hide it.

Objectives

• Create a print-ready model with appropriate thickness and dimensions ( Evidence: Design Checklist).
• Use basic design rules for successful 3D printing ( Evidence: Design Idea + Sketch/Outline).
• Export and submit a valid STL file with supporting evidence ( Evidence: Submission checklist + reflection).

Success Criteria

• I can explain my design purpose, size, and print limits.
• I can produce an STL that matches classroom print requirements.
• I can correctly submit both the STL and screenshot evidence.

Steps

Instructional Flow: Learn (tutorial/resources) → Practice (Day 2 activity log) → Submit (Before You Submit Checklist + Copy Day Notes).

1. Step 0: Watch TinkerCad Introduction Video (5 min)
   Assignment: Watch this video for a quick introduction to TinkerCad before you start designing.
2. Step 1: Access Tinkercad (8 min)
   Assignment: Go to Tinkercad.com and log in with your school Google account. If you need a quick platform tour, watch this Tinkercad Tutorial.
3. Step 2: Build Your Model Draft (15 min)
   Assignment: Create a name tag or keychain (3 mm thick, text raised at least 1 mm), then complete ProjeSSct Name, Describe your design idea, and Sketch or outline your idea. Watch this How to Make a Keychain in Tinkercad video if you need a walkthrough. For adding a key ring and letters, use this Tinkercad key ring + letters tutorial. Need an example? View this example keychain model.
4. Step 3: Verify Design Readiness (5 min)
   Assignment: Get a teacher or peer design check, then complete Design Checklist (confirm flat base, readable details, and size limits).
5. Step 4: Export STL (5 min)
   Assignment: Export your model as an STL file.
6. Step 5: Document and Submit Day 2 Work (7 min)
   Assignment: Complete Reflection, then insert your STL filename/link and screenshot in your Digital Notebook Day 2 entry and finish Before You Submit Checklist. STL note: upload file to Google Classroom, log filename/link in Notebook.

Deliverable: STL filename/link and screenshot in your Digital Notebook (STL file uploaded to Google Classroom).

Goal: Learn slicing basics and prepare your design for printing in Bambu Studio.

Quick laugh: Slicing is the part where your model stops being a dream and becomes robot instructions.

Objectives

• Apply core slicing settings for a basic classroom print ( Evidence: Slicing Settings Log).
• Read the layer preview before final export ( Evidence: Prediction + reflection responses).
• Prepare and submit a print-ready 3MF file, then begin printing with teacher approval ( Evidence: Submission checklist).

Success Criteria

• I can set and record key slicer values accurately.
• I can support one print-quality prediction using the layer preview.
• I can submit an approved 3MF and begin printing safely.

Steps

Instructional Flow: Learn (slicer walkthrough) → Practice (Day 3 activity log) → Submit (Before You Submit Checklist + Copy Day Notes).

1. Step 1: Review Slicer Workflow (8 min)
   Assignment: Watch the Slicer Software Walkthrough Video, then open Bambu Studio.
2. Step 2: Import Model File (5 min)
   Assignment: Import your STL file.
3. Step 3: Configure Slicing Settings (10 min)
   Assignment: Adjust settings: Layer Height 0.2 mm, Infill 15%, No Supports, and record them in Slicing Settings Log.
4. Step 4: Preview Layers and Predict Results (7 min)
   Assignment: Preview the print layers, save your 3MF file, then complete Prediction.
5. Step 5: Submit for Teacher Review (5 min)
   Assignment: Insert your 3MF filename/link in your Digital Notebook Day 3 entry for teacher review before printing. 3MF note: upload file to Google Classroom, log filename/link in Notebook.
6. Step 6: Start Print and Finalize Notes (5 min)
   Assignment: After teacher approval, start your print, then complete Reflection and Before You Submit Checklist.

Deliverable: 3MF filename/link documented in your Digital Notebook, approved, and print started (3MF file uploaded to Google Classroom).

Goal: Analyze your print results and document any issues or improvements.

Quick laugh: A failed print is just useful data wearing a messy disguise.

Objectives

• Evaluate print quality using specific evidence ( Evidence: Print Log + photo).
• Find likely causes for common print issues ( Evidence: Common Issues and Fixes table).
• Plan one clear improvement for the next print attempt ( Evidence: Reflection + submission checklist).

Success Criteria

• I can describe print quality with specific evidence (not just general comments).
• I can match at least one issue to a likely cause and realistic fix.
• I can identify one high-impact change for my next print.

Steps

Instructional Flow: Learn (inspect output) → Practice (Day 4 activity log) → Submit (Before You Submit Checklist + Copy Day Notes).

1. Step 1: Remove Print Safely (5 min)
   Assignment: Carefully remove your print from the bed.
2. Step 2: Inspect Print Quality (10 min)
   Assignment: Inspect surface quality, edges, lettering, and first-layer behavior, then complete Print Log.
3. Step 3: Capture Photo Evidence (5 min)
   Assignment: Take a clear photo of your print and insert it in your Digital Notebook Day 4 entry.
4. Step 4: Troubleshoot and Submit Day 4 Work (15 min)
   Assignment: Complete Common Issues and Fixes, Reflection, and Before You Submit Checklist.

Deliverable: Photo of your finished print and completed reflection form.

Goal: Apply your learning by remixing or improving your model.

Quick laugh: Today is your “director’s cut” — same idea, better version.

Objectives

• Create and apply meaningful design improvements ( Evidence: Remix ideas + final summary).
• Document how your final version changed from the original ( Evidence: Changes Made from Original field).
• Reflect on your design process and your next version plan ( Evidence: Final reflection responses).

Success Criteria

• I can explain at least three intentional design improvements.
• I can show clear differences between my original and final version.
• I can propose next-step improvements based on what I learned this week.

Steps

Instructional Flow: Learn (review + remix plan) → Practice (Day 5 activity log) → Submit (Before You Submit Checklist + Copy Day Notes).

1. Step 1: Choose Remix Direction (7 min)
   Assignment: Choose one: remix a model from Printables.com or improve your previous design.
2. Step 2: Redesign in Tinkercad (15 min)
   Assignment: Modify or redesign in Tinkercad, then record ideas in List three changes or remix ideas.
3. Step 3: Export and Capture Evidence (8 min)
   Assignment: Export the final STL file, then take a screenshot of your new model.
4. Step 4: Complete and Submit Final Work (10 min)
   Assignment: Complete Final Design Summary, Final Reflection, and Before You Submit Checklist, then insert your final STL filename/link plus screenshot into your Digital Notebook Day 5 entry. STL note: upload file to Google Classroom, log filename/link in Notebook.

Deliverable: Final STL filename/link, screenshot, and reflection paragraph in your Digital Notebook (STL file uploaded to Google Classroom).