My first 3D print

The printer I used was Prusa M4KS and as software for slicing the model I used PrusaSlicer 2.9.4 So I began by downloading the software, opened it and went through the initial set up.

Clicked None on the right and then selected which printers I expect to use. Following instructions I selected Creality, Prusa, and Ultimaker, and selected a few printers from those manufacturers, specifically Prusa M4KS which I was going to use now. For filament I selected generic PLA and Generic PTEG. These settings can be edited in the drop down menus on the right -> Add/Remove filaments/printers

I wanted to print a phone stand to help in filming my documentation with my phone (freeing my both hands for demonstrating), so I searched for a one in Thingiverse and downloaded this one which was small enough to be printed quickly enough, 22 minutes to be exact (preference for this task was 10min).

I opened the file with Prusa Slicer, and clicked Slice. Slicing means that the 3D model is sliced into many “2D” -layers that are stacked on top of each other and have X and Y coordinates, which the printer understand. Then I examined how the print is going to be printed with the sliders, one layer on horizontal slider and multiple layers on the vertical slider (in video below I grabbed a wrong handle at first and moved up only one layer).

Then I clicked Export G—code at the bottom right and saved it on a flash drive that I had taken from the 3D printer, and then plugged it back in the printer.

Before starting to print, I realised that the filament was running out, and received some guidance from a class mate on how to change it. It was quite straightforward: in the main menu press Filament and then Change filament (alternatively first Unload and after that Load). Then wait for the nozzle to heat up so the filament can be removed by pulling it out. Then we added new roll of PLA filament above the printer, cut the twisted parts away and pushed the head of the filament in the nozzle. It didn’t go too far in it to be enough. Chose PLA and affirmed the load. The nozzle purged a bit of the new filament, and it is good idea to purge a bit more to ensure the readiness for the print.

Then I was ready to go on with the printing... Pressed Print in the main menu and selected my file from the list, and then pressed Print. Printed started to print and 25 minutes later I came to see the outcome which was a success and works as it’s supposed to.