📋 Day 2 — Bambu Studio: From Model to Print Setup
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GCI 3D Printing Lab · 90-Minute Block

Day 2

Bambu Studio — From Model to Print Setup

Slicing · Settings · Preview · Guided Practice

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⏱ 5 min
🛠️ Setup

First: Open Bambu Studio

Setup Wizard — Do This Now

  1. Launch Bambu Studio from your Desktop
  2. Click Get Started in the Setup Wizard
  3. Add all three lab printers:
    • ✅ Bambu Lab A1
    • ✅ Bambu Lab P1S
    • ✅ Bambu Lab X1C
  4. Add filament: Bambu PLA Basic
  5. Click Finish

Already Set Up?

If the wizard doesn't appear, go to File → Printer → Add Printer to add any missing printers.

Make sure all three printers appear in the dropdown at the top of the workspace.

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⏱ 2 min

Today's Agenda

First Half (~45 min)

  • 🛠️ Bambu Studio setup wizard
  • Share out — what did you find yesterday?
  • Find your model on MakerWorld → Download and Open
  • What is a slicer? Key vocabulary
  • ▶ Watch Bambu Studio intro video

After Break (~40 min)

  • Guided notes — fill in the blanks
  • Navigate the workspace (rotate, pan, zoom)
  • Import → Slice → Preview walkthrough
  • Troubleshooting scenarios
  • Self-check + exit ticket
🧠 Brain break at approximately the 40-minute mark
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⏱ 2 min

I Can…

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⏱ 4 min
💬 Share-Out

Yesterday's MakerWorld Find

Share with a neighbor: What model did you find? Why did you pick it?

Then we'll share a few with the whole class.

💡 Bonus: Is your model something you could actually print in class this week?

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⏱ 5 min

How to Choose a Model That Prints

✅ Good signs

  • Mostly flat surfaces on the bottom
  • Thick walls and features (> 1.5 mm)
  • No tiny text or micro-details
  • Lots of positive reviews + photos
  • File type: 3MF or STL

⚠️ Watch out for

  • Lots of overhangs with no supports
  • Very thin walls or spires
  • Complex supports that may fail
  • File listed as "print at your own risk"
  • Extremely long print times (> 2 hours)
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⏱ 4 min

What is a Slicer?

  • Software that converts a 3D model into printer instructions (G-code)
  • Breaks the model into horizontal layers — like slicing a loaf of bread
  • You control layer height, speed, infill, supports and more
  • Bambu Studio is our slicer — built specifically for Bambu printers
  • Without slicing, the printer has no idea what to build
🍞

Think of slicing a loaf of bread — you see each layer. The slicer does this to your 3D model and tells the printer how to build each one.

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⏱ 3 min
📚 Vocabulary

Key Terms — Bambu Studio

Slicer Software that converts a 3D model into layer-by-layer G-code instructions for the printer. Bambu Studio is our slicer.
G-code Machine language the printer understands. Contains precise movement, temperature, and speed instructions for every moment of the print.
Infill The internal structure of a print. 15% = mostly hollow. 100% = solid. Higher infill = stronger but heavier and slower.
Layer Height How thick each printed layer is. 0.1 mm = high detail, slow. 0.3 mm = faster, less detail. 0.2 mm is the standard default.
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⏱ 10 min
▶ Play Video

Bambu Studio — Intro Tutorial

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⏱ 3 min
📚 Vocabulary

Key Terms — More Bambu Studio

Supports Temporary scaffolding for overhanging parts. Auto-generated by the slicer. Removed after printing — sometimes leaves marks.
Printer Profile The set of settings in Bambu Studio that matches your specific Bambu model (A1, P1S, X1, etc.). Must be correct for accurate results.
Preview Simulates the print layer-by-layer in Bambu Studio. Use it to verify support placement, check for gaps, and see estimated print time.
Slicing The process of converting a 3D model into G-code by dividing it horizontally into layers. Triggered by the "Slice" button in Bambu Studio.
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⏱ 2 min
⏸ Pause & Check

Before the Break — Quick Check

Thumbs up / thumbs down — no wrong answers:

  • Could you explain what a slicer does to someone who just walked in? 👍 / 👎
  • Do you remember where the Slice button is in Bambu Studio? 👍 / 👎
  • Could you explain the difference between layer height and infill? 👍 / 👎

After the break: guided notes, then hands-on Bambu Studio time.

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🧠
Brain Break!
Stand up · Move · Reset
10:00
🚶 Walk a lap around the room
💬 Talk about anything except class
🤸 10 jumping jacks
🧘 Breathe — you've got this
↺ Restart timer
11 / 22
⏱ 5 min
🎯 Guided Notes

Fill in the Blanks

From memory (or the video) — complete these on your student page, Part 3:

  1. Bambu Studio's main job is to convert a 3D model into _______ instructions.
  2. The two most common file formats to import are _______ and _______.
  3. Slicing breaks your model into horizontal _______.
  4. You can adjust layer height, infill, and _______ in print settings.
  5. The Preview feature lets you check the model _______ before printing.
  6. Selecting the correct printer profile tells Bambu Studio the _______ and capabilities.
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⏱ 5 min
🎓 Walkthrough

Step 1 — Open Your Model in Bambu Studio

Method A — Download and Open (Recommended)

  • Find your model on MakerWorld
  • Click Download → choose "Open with Bambu Studio"
  • Bambu Studio launches and loads the model automatically
  • ✅ No manual file import needed

Method B — Manual Import

  • Drag-and-drop an STL or 3MF file into the workspace
  • Or: File → Import → Local File
  • Model appears in the center of the workspace
  • Try the demo file: demo_plate.stl from the student page
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⏱ 5 min
🎯 Hands-On

Navigate the Workspace

🖱️ Mouse Controls

  • Rotate — Left-click + drag
  • Pan — Right-click + drag or middle-click + drag
  • Zoom — Scroll wheel (or Ctrl + scroll)
  • Reset View — Press R on the keyboard
🔄

Practice: rotate until you can see the bottom of the model, zoom in to see surface detail, then press R to reset.

💡 Getting comfortable with navigation now means fewer frustrations when you're slicing your real model.
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⏱ 5 min
🎓 Walkthrough

Step 2 — Adjust Print Settings

Layer Height

  • 0.2 mm — default, good for most prints
  • 0.1 mm = higher detail, longer print
  • 0.3 mm = faster, less detailed

Infill

  • 15% = light, decorative
  • 30–40% = functional parts
  • Keychain: 20–25% is usually good

Supports

  • Turn ON if model has overhangs > 45°
  • Support type: Normal is fine for most
  • Remove supports carefully after printing
📌 For most class projects: 0.2 mm layer height · 20% infill · supports off is a solid starting point
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⏱ 5 min
🎓 Walkthrough

Step 3 — Slice & Preview

How to slice

  • Click the Slice button (top right)
  • Bambu Studio processes the model — takes 5–30 seconds
  • You're automatically taken to the Preview tab
  • Check the estimated print time (shown at bottom)

What to look for in Preview

  • Drag the layer slider to inspect layer-by-layer
  • Check supports are where you expect them
  • Look for gaps, unexpected holes, or missing walls
  • Verify the first layer is solid and complete
⚠️ Always preview before printing. 30 seconds of checking now saves 2 hours of failed printing later.
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⏱ 8 min
🎯 Student Work

Bambu Studio — Try It Yourself

On your machine — follow along:

  • Open Bambu Studio on your computer
  • Import a sample STL (or your MakerWorld download)
  • Set: layer height 0.2 mm · infill 20% · supports off
  • Click Slice — then explore the Preview tab
  • Check print time — is it realistic for a class period?

✋ Raise your hand if you get stuck — don't skip ahead.

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⏱ 2 min

Need Another Explanation?

🎥 Alternative Videos

Different explanations work for different people. Try one of these:

🚀 Dive Deeper

Finished early or want to go further?

Covers: advanced settings, supports, multi-material, and more.

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⏱ 5 min

Spotting Problems Before You Print

🔴 In the model (Bambu Studio)

  • Gaps between layers in Preview → model may have holes/errors
  • No bottom layer → model may be floating above the plate
  • Extremely long print time → scale or complexity issue
  • Missing supports on obvious overhangs

🔴 During the print

  • First layer not sticking → bed alignment or temperature issue
  • No filament coming out → extruder jam or clog
  • Stringy webbing → retraction settings or wet filament
  • Print shifts mid-print → vibration or loose belt
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⏱ 5 min
✅ Student Self-Check

Check Yourself — Part 7

Students: check each box honestly on your student page. Only mark complete when you can say yes to all five.

  • I opened Bambu Studio and completed the setup wizard
  • I found my model on MakerWorld and opened it in Bambu Studio
  • I can rotate, pan, zoom, and reset the view in Bambu Studio
  • I sliced my model and checked it in the Preview tab
  • I can describe at least one thing that could go wrong with my print
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⏱ 3 min
✅ Check for Understanding

Quick Check

  1. What does Bambu Studio do to a 3D model file? What does it produce?
  2. What's the first thing you do after opening Bambu Studio?
  3. What does infill percentage control?
  4. Why is it important to preview before sending to the printer?
  5. You see gaps in the Preview at layer 10 — what does that suggest?
20 / 22
⏱ 3 min

Exit Ticket & Submit

Before you leave:

  • Part 7 on student page — click Generate My Responses
  • Output includes your reflection, model name, model link, and quiz score
  • Paste into your Digital Notebook in Google Classroom
  • Click Mark Complete on Part 7

Tomorrow: Day 3

  • TinkerCAD — design your own keychain
  • You'll need your school logo image downloaded
  • Bring your model — you may need it
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Day 2 Complete

Great work today.

You learned how to take a 3D model and prepare it for printing.

Day 3: TinkerCAD — you'll design your own keychain from scratch.

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📋 Speaker Notes — Day 2