Week 17 Wildcard week

This week, I want to address a real classroom problem — when students first start school, I often mix up their names, which can be really frustrating as a teacher. So, I explored the idea of directly 3D printing students’ names onto fabric, making it easier to identify each child clearly and avoid confusion.

Assignments of the Week

Design and produce something using a digital process (incorporating computer-aided design and manufacturing) that was not covered in another assignment. Document the requirements your assignment meets and include everything necessary to reproduce it.

1.1 Hero Shots

This week, I will 3D print a name tag on white mesh fabric. The purpose of this design is to help better distinguish students at the beginning of the school term. The image below shows the final product.

1.2 Design

I chose Fusion 360 for modeling because it's convenient and intuitive for me to build geometry with it.

1.2.1 Drawing the Chinese Name

Using the Sketch tool and Text feature, I entered the Chinese name "李修齐" (Li Xiuqi) and selected a bold, connected font such as Heiti or Source Han Sans.

1.2.2 Extruding to Solid

I used the Extrude tool to turn the text sketch into a 3D solid model with a height of 2mm.

1.2.3 Merging Strokes

Since each Chinese character consists of multiple strokes, they may be treated as separate solids after extrusion. I merged them using the Combine tool:

• 01. Go to the top toolbar → Modify → Combine
• 02. Select all the strokes (hold Shift while clicking)
• 03. Choose one as the Target Body

• 04. Others as Tool Bodies

• 05. Set Operation to Join
• 06. Optionally check Keep Tools if needed

1.2.4 Exporting STL

Export the model by going to File > Export or right-clicking the body and choosing Save as STL.

File

File.STL

2. 3D Printing on Fabric

2.1 Slicer Settings

Parameter	Recommended Setting	Description
Layer Height	0.2 mm	Smooth edges on characters
Wall Thickness	1.2–1.6 mm	Increased strength (3–4 lines)
Bottom Layers	2–3	Improved base coverage
Top Layers	2+	Ensures surface solidity
Infill	100%	Solid letters
Print Speed	30–40 mm/s	Prevent nozzle from lifting fabric
First Layer Height	0.2 mm	Adhesion-friendly height
First Layer Speed	15–20 mm/s	Stability during startup
First Layer Temp	Bed: 60℃ / Nozzle: 200–210℃ (PLA)	Improves bonding
Z-offset	-0.05 to -0.1 mm	Press filament onto fabric

Slicing

2.2 Securing the Fabric

I secured the fabric tightly on the print bed by stretching and tying it around the edges, ensuring it remained flat and did not shift or warp during printing.

Use the edges of the gauze on the back to tie knots for fixation.

Place the fixed gauze onto the printing platform, and use the platform’s magnetic attraction for secondary fixation to ensure smooth printing.

2.3 Printing

During the first few layers, I closely monitored the print to ensure good adhesion and avoid failure. The print process went smoothly.

2.4 Final Result

The final result turned out very well — the name is clearly printed and adheres firmly to the mesh fabric.

2.5 Files

G-code