Day 1: Foundations of 3D Printing

🎯 Learning Objectives

Understand how FDM 3D printing builds objects layer by layer
Identify the key parts of a Bambu printer and what each one does
Compare PLA and PETG, and know which to reach for and when
Set up a reusable filament spool the right way — before anything gets wasted
Explore MakerWorld and find at least one model you'd actually want to print

⏱️ Time Guide

Part	Activity	Time
1	Intro to 3D Printing	15 min
2	Printers	10 min
3	Parts	20 min
4	Filament	15 min
5	Spool	10 min
6	Explore MakerWorld	15 min
7	Submit	5 min

🚀 Goal

Today you're building the foundation. By the end of class, you'll know how 3D printing actually works, what the machine parts do, and what you'd like to make with one.

📖 How to Use This Page

Work through one part at a time — top to bottom
Complete each activity before clicking Mark Complete
Pause when the teacher asks you to
Your progress saves on this device — refresh won't lose your work

✅ Success Criteria

I can explain how FDM printing builds an object one layer at a time
I can point to and name the key parts of a Bambu printer
I know the difference between PLA and PETG and when to use each
I know how to load a filament refill into a reusable spool without wasting it
I've explored MakerWorld and found at least one model I'd actually want to print

📚 Day 1 Vocabulary

These are the key terms you'll need for today. Review them before you start, and refer back as you go. 📖 Open Full Glossary

Extruder — The mechanism that grips and pushes filament into the hot nozzle. If the extruder slips or jams, the filament won't feed and printing stops.

Nozzle — The small metal tip that heats filament to a liquid state and deposits it layer by layer on the build plate.

Build Plate / Print Bed — The flat surface where your print is built, one layer at a time. A clean, level plate is essential for a successful first layer.

Bed Leveling — The process of ensuring the build plate is the correct distance from the nozzle across its entire surface. Bambu printers use automatic bed leveling to do this before each print.

Filament — The plastic material (usually a spool of thin wire) that the printer melts and builds with. Common types are PLA and PETG.

Print Bed Alignment — Making sure the removable build plate is correctly seated and flat before printing. A misaligned plate can cause prints to fail or fall off mid-print.

Step 1 of 7 Active Intro to 3D Printing

Watch the full video first, then complete the quiz. You can reset the quiz if you want more practice.

Step 2 of 7 Locked Printers

While you watch: Pay attention to what makes each printer different. Think about which one you'd want to use and why.

Which printer would you choose for this class, and why?

Step 3 of 7 Locked Parts

👨‍🏫 Teacher Demo

Pause here — your teacher is about to walk you through a real Bambu printer. Watch where they point and listen for what each part does during a print. This is way easier to understand in person than on a screen.

Identify the nozzle, bed, extruder, and frame
Listen for what each part does during a print
Watch how bed leveling works and why it matters
Pay attention to how the bed plates align properly
Ask questions if something is unclear

✅ While Watching — Student Checklist

Check each box as your teacher covers it. Only move on when you can honestly say yes to all five.

I can point to the nozzle and explain what it does
I can point to the build plate and explain why it needs to be level
I can point to the extruder and explain how filament gets to the nozzle
I know why touching the nozzle is dangerous and how to handle the bed plate correctly
I know what to watch for during a print (first layer, filament flow, unusual sounds)

📋 Instructor Punch List — Live Demo

This section is for the teacher. Use it as a checklist during the live demonstration.

🖨️ Introduce the printer and point out all major parts (nozzle, bed, extruder, frame, spool holder)
🔥 Explain the extruder — how it grips and feeds filament into the nozzle under heat
📐 Explain bed leveling — why the first layer must be at the right distance from the nozzle, and what happens when it's off
🔲 Show how to properly align the bed plates — demonstrate correct placement and common mistakes
▶️ Demonstrate safe startup and basic operating procedures
👁️ Point out what students should watch for during a print (first layer adhesion, filament flow, any unusual sounds)
🤲 Emphasize correct handling of the printer and bed plate — do not touch the hot nozzle, handle the plate by the edges only

🧠 Matching Activity

You just saw it in person — now let's see if it stuck. Match each part to what it does.

Nozzle

Bed

Extruder

Frame

Give it a shot before scrolling down to the descriptions 👀

🔥 Nozzle

Melts filament and places it during printing

🛏️ Bed

Surface where the object is printed

🎯 Extruder

Pushes filament into the nozzle

📦 Frame

Provides structure and stability

🛠️ Troubleshooting Challenge

Work through each scenario on your own first. It's okay if you're not sure — that's the point. Use the hint if you need a nudge.

Work through one scenario at a time.

Real technicians do this every day — now you are too 🔧

Step 4 of 7 Locked Filament

Watch for these ideas:

Which filament is the go-to for beginners — and why?
When would you choose PETG over PLA?
Why does moisture ruin filament, and how do you prevent it?

Step 5 of 7 Locked Spool

Wait before you unwrap anything — your teacher will tell you when it's time.

Important: Don't remove the plastic wrapper on the filament refill until your teacher checks your spool setup. If it unwinds too early, the whole roll can tangle — and that's an expensive mistake to fix.

Check each box only after you understand the process:

I watched the video and understand the process
I know how the refill sits inside the reusable spool
I will not remove the wrapper until my teacher checks my setup
I'm ready for a quick check from my teacher

Step 6 of 7 Locked Explore MakerWorld

Browse at least 5 models before you decide on one. Look across categories — something useful, something fun, something you'd actually want to own. Be ready to share what caught your eye.

Explore models and find inspiration.

🔗 Open MakerWorld

🔍 Top Categories to Explore

🛠️ Tools (phone stands, organizers)
🎮 Fun prints (toys, gadgets)
🏫 School items (keychains, name tags)
🏠 Practical items (hooks, holders)
🎨 Creative designs (art, decorative prints)

Paste the URL to the model you found: What model stood out most to you, and why?

Step 7 of 7 Locked 📤 Submit Your Work

📌 Instructions: You did a lot today. Click Generate My Responses below to pull together everything you wrote and paste it into your Digital Notebook in Google Classroom.

Your summary (copy and paste into your Digital Notebook in Google Classroom):