02 DMaF 3D Printing - Preparing & Slicing

Learn how to import, slice, and export 3D models using Bambu Studio ready to upload to the 3DPrinterOS platform. Often, models need to be split into parts, positioned to sit flat on the build plate, and rotated for optimal printing. In this exercise, you’ll practise these steps by spelling out your Unikey from a single file made up of letters and numbers.

DMaF Lab
20 steps

BambuStudio

Model Acquisition

Search for 'DMaF' on [Printables.com](https://www.printables.com/) . This is just one of many websites where you can find files for 3D printing.

Click on this '[DMaF Exercise](https://www.printables.com/model/1762027-dmaf-exercise-orienting-and-splitting-letters-and)' model

Navigate to 'Files' tab and click 'Download'

Importing Files

Open Bambu Studio and navigate to '**Prepare**' tab.

Click on '**Add**'.

Select the .STL file and click '**Open'** to import it.

Model Modification

The exercise file we downloaded isn’t arranged ideally for 3D printing.\ It contains multiple bodies within a single .stl file, and they are not positioned flat on the print bed.

Use the '**Auto Orient'** button, or the **'Lay on Face'** tool, to place the model flat on the build plate.

The model is now positioned flat, but it remains combined as a single file.

Click **'Split to Objects'** to separate the model.\ This will allow you to arrange the individual letters and numbers for your Unikey.

To copy an object right-click model, select '**Clone**', and specify number of copies.

Select and remove any unnecessary characters, leaving only the letters of your Unikey.

Click **'Arrange All Objects'** once more before slicing.\ This will position them optimally near the centre of the build plate for safer printing.

Click '**Slice plate**' with updated layout.

**\*\*\*IMPORTANT\*\*\***\ Always check the preview. Move the slider down to confirm that the ***first layer makes good contact with the build plate***—otherwise, it may detach and cause the print to fail.\ Review the layer simulation carefully and adjust the model’s orientation if needed. Bambu Studio will display warnings in the bottom-right corner of the window if it detects any issues—watch for these and address them.

Inspect the summary to see the filament used and the estimated print time.\ The "cost" given is not accurate, the correct price will be shown in 3D Printer OS before printing.

If you need to make changes to the layout or slicer settings go back to the "Prepare" tab.

You can preview the sliced file by returning to the "Preview" tab.

When you are ready to print click the drop-down arrow and select **'Export Plate Sliced File'**.

Name the File: Unikey_Filament type_Colour_part name eg. **SCHO9200_PLA_White_Massing Model 1** Enter name and click '**Save**'. **Note:** You no longer need to specify the printer’s nozzle size as was previously required.