Instructor & Staff

Instructor
Resources

Helpdesk workflow guides, queue management reference, class documents, and tools for managing the GCI 3D Print Lab.

Helpdesk Guide → Class Documents

Helpdesk Overview

Roles & Responsibilities

Helpdesk students act as lab operators — reviewing files, managing the queue, monitoring printers, and supporting other students.

File Review

Review incoming student submissions for correct file naming, proper scale, print plate placement, and appropriate support structure. Approve or flag before adding to the queue.

Queue Management

Update job statuses in the Google Sheet as jobs move through the workflow. Ensure the live queue reflects current printer states in real time.

Printer Monitoring

Monitor active print jobs for failures or quality issues. Pause, cancel, or restart jobs as needed. Document any printer errors in the maintenance log.

Pickup & Handoff

Inspect completed prints for quality. Mark jobs as "Ready for Pickup" in the queue. Organize completed prints by Job ID for easy distribution.

Maintenance

Complete end-of-class cleanup tasks — clear failed prints, remove supports, and wipe down surfaces. Log any maintenance actions taken.

Student Support

Help classmates with file prep, Bambu Studio settings, and print troubleshooting. Refer unresolved issues to the instructor.

Helpdesk Workflow

File Review Checklist

Use this checklist when reviewing every student submission before adding it to the print queue.

✅ File & Naming

  • File is named using the correct format: Lastname_Firstname_Project_v1, or LastName_Keychain.3mf for training
  • File type is .3mf or .stl (not Tinkercad project links)
  • File link opens and downloads without error
  • Model is not empty, corrupt, or a placeholder

✅ Model Verification

  • Model is scaled to the correct size (not 1 mm or 1,000 mm)
  • Model is placed on the build plate (not floating above it)
  • No non-manifold geometry or obvious mesh errors
  • Estimate print time in Bambu Studio and check the lab schedule

✅ Print Settings

  • Supports are correctly configured for overhangs > 45°
  • Filament color requested is in stock — check the lab supply
  • Choose an available printer appropriate for the job
  • Print time is reasonable for the lab schedule

✅ Policy Check

  • Project type is allowed (no weapons, replicas, or commercial items)
  • Personal projects have prior instructor approval
  • Reprint requests have a valid reason (printer error vs. student error)
  • Student has completed 5-day training (for independent jobs)
If a submission fails the review: Flag it in the Google Sheet with a status of "Needs Revision" and add a note explaining what needs to be fixed. The student will resubmit after correcting their file.

Day-to-Day Operations

Daily Workflow

🌅 Start of Class

  1. Power on all assigned printers and verify they are ready
  2. Check the Google Sheet for new student submissions
  3. Review and approve pending files using the checklist above
  4. Start any jobs that are cleared and ready
  5. Update queue statuses: Submitted → Waiting → Printing

During Class

  • Check active prints every 10–15 minutes for quality issues
  • Watch for spaghetti failures on the first few layers
  • Verify filament is feeding properly from the AMS
  • Watch for clogged nozzles (grinding noise, no extrusion)
  • Check bed adhesion on the first layer before walking away

🌇 End of Class

  1. Inspect any completed prints for quality
  2. Mark completed jobs as "Complete" or "Ready for Pickup" in the sheet
  3. Organize completed prints by Job ID in the pickup area
  4. Remove failed prints and document the failure reason
  5. Clear supports and scraps; wipe printer exteriors and surfaces
  6. Check filament supplies and leave printers ready for the next class
  7. Update the maintenance log if any issues occurred

Queue Management

Queue Status Meanings

Update these statuses in the Google Sheet. They automatically appear on the public queue page.

Status Value Meaning Who Sets It Next Step
Submitted New submission, not yet reviewed Auto (Google Apps Script on submit) Helpdesk reviews the file
Needs Revision File failed review — student must fix and resubmit Helpdesk operator Email notification is sent; student resubmits
Waiting File approved, queued for printing Helpdesk operator after approval Assign to printer when available
Printing Actively printing on assigned printer Helpdesk operator when print starts Monitor for completion or failure
Complete Print finished, pending inspection Helpdesk operator on print completion Inspect quality, then set to Ready for Pickup
Ready for Pickup Passed inspection, available to collect Helpdesk operator after inspection Student collects from pickup area

Class Materials

Instructor Documents

Training slides, activity files, and supplemental materials for instructors.

Slides

Training Slides

Instructor presentation slides for each day of the 5-day training program.

Activities

Student Activity Pages

Guided student pages for each training day with interactive sections and progress tracking.

Reference

Reference Tools

Glossary and the resource library.

Print System

Print System Setup

Instructions for configuring the Google Apps Script backend, submission endpoints, and queue spreadsheet.

Policy

Lab Rules & Policies

Student-facing print rules, expectations, file naming conventions, and the reprint policy.