An extensive examination of desktop 3D printing hardware will be provided in this session. It will examine the development of desktop 3D printers and demonstrate their manufacture and operation. Additionally, this course will include detailed lessons on how to use and maintain a 3D printer. Additionally, it will examine the many materials that may be produced using 3D printing and demonstrate how to make various objects using these resources.
Consider applying to the University of Illinois’ flexible, fully accredited online MBA programme, the iMBA, if you’re interested in this business course and an MBA at a price that can’t be beat. Please see the resources page for this course at onlinemba.illinois.edu for further details.
Week 01: 3D Printing Hardware Coursera Quiz Answers Quiz 01: Orientation Quiz
Q1. This course includes ___ modules.
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
Q2. I am required to purchase a textbook for this course.
- True
- False
Q3. Which of the following activities is NOT required in each module?
Watch the lecture videos.
Pass the practice quizzes.
Complete the module quizzes.
Complete the peer reviewed assignments.
Q4. The following tool(s) will help me use the discussion forums: Upvoting posts
Reporting inappropriate posts
Following a thread
All of the other options are correct.
Q5. If I have a problem in the course I should:
- Email the instructor
- Call the instructor
- Drop the class
- Report it to the Learner Help Center (if the problem is technical) or to the Content Issues forum (if the problem is an error in the course materials).
Quiz 02: Practice Quiz 1.1
Q1. What kind of 3D printer uses a powder as a material to print with?
Fused Filament Fabrication
Fused Deposition Modeling
Digital Light Projection
Powder bed Fusion
Q2. This kind of 3D printer uses a liquid to create a 3D object Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF)
Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM)
Stereo Lithography (SLA)
Binder Jetting
Q3. Who started the RepRap movement?
Adrian Bowyer
Matt Griffin
Hideo Kodama
Scott Crump
Q4. This is the most popular type of desktop 3D printer today.
Fused Filament Fabrication
Selective Laser Sintering
Powder Bed Fusion
Q5. How long has 3D printing been around?
5-9 years
10-19 years
20-29 years
30+ years
Q6. 3D printer kits always have excellent directions to assemble.
True
False
Q7. FFF 3D printers use what material to print with?
Filament
Resin
Powder
Sheets
Quiz 03: Practice Quiz 1.2 Q1. What are the key components of an SLA printer?
Galvanometer
Hotend
Build Plate
Build Plate
B and C
A and C
Q2. What is the advantage of an SLA printer?
There is no advantage
Higher resolution
Prints need no post processing
Q3. What do you often trade off when considering budget printers?
Customer support
Low investment up front
Advanced features
Q4. Which of these is not a common class of 3D printer?
Budget
Tinker
Workhorse
Precision
Q5. Where might you find options to 3D print without owning a 3D printer?
Makerspace
Library
Local enthusiast group
All of the above
Quiz 03:Module 1
Q1. Operator A says that 3D printers can print anything, Operator B says they can only print in specific materials. Which one is correct?
Operator A
Operator B
Both Operator A and B
Neither
Q2. When considering a kit printer vs a pre-built machine, what considerations should you make in this choice that are critical in the comparison?
How much time it takes to build the kit
What kind of motion system they use
Shipping Costs
What filament size the machine uses
Q3. According to the lectures, which of these is a critical point to consider when looking to purchase a machine for professional/institution use?
Is it the best price
Will the machine be fast enough for my needs
Will the company be around to provide support in the future
Type of motion system
Q4. Person A says that the RepRap movement is largely the reason we have desktop 3D printers today, Person B says, desktop 3D printers were developed by large companies to enter new markets.
Person A
Person B
Both Person A and B
Neither
Q5. Operator A says budget 3D printers are the best option for cost, Operator B says Budget 3D printers have limitations and often don’t offer any typeof troubleshooting or support.
Operator A
Operator B
Both Operator A and B
Neither
Q6. Select the components of a 3D printer that allow it to create a part.
Build Platform
Tool Head
Spindle
Vice
Q7. Operator A says, building a kit 3D printer is an excellent choice because when you build it you learn the ins and outs of the machine and it can be easier to work with, Operator B says professional desktop machines are an excellent choice because they provide documentation and support to troubleshoot issues with.
Operator A
Operator B
Both Operator A and B
Neither
Q8. What is a reason why 3D printing has not become ubiquitous in the world today?
Not enough 3D printable files available
Mass market didn’t all have the needs
Media hype slowed and people lost interest
Printers do not work well
Q9. What opportunities do service bureaus offer that most 3D printing users not have the ability to do Exotic Materials
Large build volumes
Lower cost
A and B
B and C
A and C
Q10. Which of these terms are synonymous with one another?
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) Stereolithography (SLA) and Digital Light Projection (DLP)
Laminate Object Manufacturing (LOM) and Binder Jetting
Week 02: 3D Printing Hardware Coursera Quiz Answers Quiz 02: Practice Quiz 2.1
Q1. Which of the following is not one of the subsystems discussed in this module?
Motion Mechanical
Extrusion
Extrusion
Control
Filament
Q2. The interactive interface is used to do what type of actions?
Slice the file for printing
Select processes on the printer
Control the stepper motors
Design parts
Q3. Desktop 3D printers are as simple to operate as a standard color paper printer True
False
Quiz 02: Practice Quiz 2.2
Q1. What are some of the importance areas to familiarize yourself with in your interactive interface?
How to cancel a print
How to start a print
How to calibrate the printer
All of the above
Q2. What are some of the more modern 3D printers using for displays?
Tethered computer
Digital screen and on panel buttons/dials
Touchscreen
VR/AR control
Q3. What is firmware?
The microcontroller that runs the machine
The software that lives in the microcontroller that controls the system The interactive interface menu system
The files that you send to the printer via USB or SD car
Quiz 02: Practice Quiz 2.
Q1. What is the standard coordinate system used in 3D printing?
Q2. What is the main purpose of the endstops?
Polar
Cartesian
Rectanguloid
Delta
To tell the printer it needs maintenance
Provide a physical spot that the machine cannot move beyond
Establish an initial position (home)
Tell the interactive interface that it is able to use specific menu
Q3. What kind of print bed has the ability to print any size object in 1 direction?
Circular
Rectangular
Belted
Replaceable
Quiz 03: Module 2 Quiz Q1. What menu option is the most logical to use when a print is failing?
Maintenance
Print
Abort Print
Tune
Q2. A 3D Printer controller board will take inputs from which sensors in order to control the motion system?
Endstops
Thermistor
Filament Detection
XYZ Stepper Motor
Q3. When the Control System is sending signals to the rest of the machine to begin a print, why doesn’t the machine just turn the heater on permanently til temp is reached?
So the filament won’t overheat
So the printer can warm up
To allow the sensor data to provide feedback while heating
All of the above
Q4. Operator A says PID controls are used to provide feedback to the printer so it can monitor itself while printing. Operator B says you can tune PID controls on a printer if you want to work with new materials. Which is correct?
Operator A
Operator B
Both Operator A and B
Neither
Q5. Operator A says the firmware is the software that interprets the gcode and gives instruction to the printer, Operator B says most 3D printers today operate on 32 bit processors to keep up with the demands of high speed printing. Which is correct?
Operator A
Operator B
Both Operator A and B
Neither
Q6. Which of the following is what processes the gcode into coordinate values?
MCU
Hotend
Stepper Motor
All of the above
Q7. What shape is a delta printers build envelope?
- Cylinder
- Rectanguloid
- Spherical
- Prism
Q8. Operator A says the build envelope is smaller than the interior of the machine because manufacturers want to limit your part size. Operator B says its because they have to compensate for the motion systems physical size. Which is correct?
- Operator A
- Operator B
- Both Operator A and B
- Neither
Q9. How does the firmware compensate for the type of machine you use (cartesian, delta, polar, etc)?
It doesn’t, they all operate the same
It estimates the changes from machine to machine
It uses an algorithm to change gcode into the appropriate steps of the motor It changes the way the motor reads steps to accommodate the type of printer Q10. Which of these are outputs that the control system operates?
Hotend fan
Y Stepper Motor
Endstop
A and B
A and C
B and C
Week 03: 3D Printing Hardware Coursera Quiz Answers Quiz 01: Practice Quiz 3.1
Q1. What type of extrusion system uses a stepper motor housed on the tool head?
Direct Drive
Bowden
Delta
Beta
Q2. The Hot End contains the following things
Hot Zone
Cold Zone
Heatbreak
Nozzle
All of the above
Q3. The PID loop in the hotend controls what?
The moderation of temperature
The Performance Initializer Dongle
The heated bed temperature
The difference between the heated bed and the hotend temperature range
Q4. What is the most common nozzle size and material in 3D printing?
4mm Titanium
.4mm Steel
.04mm Copper
.4mm Brass
Q5. Why is active cooling important in 3D printing?
It isn’t, you want to print hot and keep parts hot until print is complete
It allows certain materials to quickly stabilize and hold their position in a 3D space It allows printing without support in any part
It isn’t, the naturally cooling of materials is enough to do the work
Q6. What feature of a build plate is most commonly used and versatile in desktop 3D printing?
Heated Build Plate
Flexible Build Plate
Infinite Build Plate
None of the above
Quiz 02 : Practice Quiz 3.2 Q1. What is the most commonly used material in desktop 3D printing?
ABS
PETG
PLA
TPU
Q2. What types of plastics are not used in desktop 3D printing?
Crystalline
Semi Crystalline
Thermoplastic
Thermoset
All of the above
Q3. What are some considerations for 3D printing equipment when looking to print Polycarbonate or Nylon?
Drybox
Open Air printer
Material the nozzle is made of
All of the above
None of the above
Quiz 03 : Module 3 Quiz Q1. What advantage does a Bowden extrusion system have over direct drive?
Lower mass on the tool head
Improved force on the filament
Improved grip on the filament
None, Bowdens are inferior to direct drive
Q2. Operator A says the hotend is going to heat up the filament above the glass transition temperature of the material. Operator B says the hotend is going to heat it up to the melting point of the material.
Operator A
Operator B
Both Operator A and B
Neither
Q3. The purpose of the heat break is to
Prevent the filament from overheating
Allow the hotend to heat up quickly
Prevent heat creep into the cold end
All of the above
Q4. Why would anyone consider using a larger nozzle size than the standard .4mm
Gain more detail in the small features
Print faster
Print new materials
All of the above
Q5. When considering materials you are printing with, why is active cooling not always used?
Some materials warp from cooling
Some materials are printed cold
Both A and B
Neither
Q6. Why is build plate surface preparation and materials so important for desktop 3D printing?
All materials act the same when printed so being consistent is key
The part being printed needs to stay firmly planted on the build plate
The build plate moves and allows for possible misalignment
None of the above
Q7. What material is best suited for mechanical functional parts on a non-enclosed printer?
PLA
PETG
PolyCarbonate
Woodfilled
Q8. User A says that PLA is perfectly fine to use in a hot environment. User B says it would be better to use PETG or ABS. Which user is correct?
User A
User B
Both User A and B
Neither
Q9. If you were to make a part that had to be very durable and strong what material would be the best option?
PLA
PETG
Nylon
Nylon
Woodfill
Q10. User A says using a larger nozzle like .6mm would make your prints take less time. User B says using a .6mm nozzle would give your model less detail. Which user is correct?
User A
User B
Both User A and B
Neither
Week 04: 3D Printing Hardware Coursera Quiz Answers Quiz 01 : Practice Quiz 4.1
Q1. After a digital design is created, what is the next step in the process before you can print it?
Put the digital design into a slicer
Export a mesh file
Select the print menu on your printer
File must be authenticated
Q2. Which of the following best describes a mesh file?
A file that describes the surface geometry of an object by using polygons to represent the surfaces A file that is full of holes so the slicer knows where to place material
A file that dictates where to not place material so the printer makes the appropriate part
The file generated in CAD software like Fusion 360 or Blender
Q3. What type of file format should I export if I want to print a multi-color object?
STL
OBJ
DOCX
JPEG
Quiz 02 : Practice Quiz 4.2
Q1. Which of these is the most commonly used and largest database of downloadable 3D models?
My3DParts
Thingiverse
Youmagine
Pinshape
Q2. Which is the most logical progression of a digital file?
Model>Slice>Job File
Model>Export>Slice>Job File
Export>Model>Job File
Model>Job File
Q3. Which type of mesh file contains surface geometry and color data for printing in a single file?
STL
STEP
OBJ
Color printing is not possible
Quiz 03 : Module 4 Quiz Q1. Which of these is a repository for finding 3D printable models?
TinkerCAD
Fabbaloo
Google
Youmagine
Q2. Why don’t unsupported overhangs print well?
Without support the molten plastic will droop
Supports are not required ever, the print will be fine
The plastic will cool rapidly and shrink disproportionately
Unsupported overhangs are not possible printers always print them
Q3. User A says a Job File will only provide instructions to the printer on what to do, User B says that a Job File is only produced by using a slicing software. Which of these two users is correct?
User A
User B
User B
Both User A and B
Neither
Q4. What must you do with a 3D scanned file to 3D print it?
Nothing, the file is already printable
Translate the file into a mech surface geometry file
Blend the file so it is smooth
3D scans are not printable
Q5. If you download a file from Thingiverse, what is the next step you would take to 3D print it?
Import it into CAD software
Import it into a slicer
Put the file onto an SD card and print it
Print directly from Thingiverse
Q6. Operator A says a Multi color desktop printer can use an OBJ file to print with multiple colors, Operator B says a multi color desktop printer uses multiple STL files. Which Operator is correct?
Operator A
Operator B
Both Operator A and B
Neither
Q7. When a digital design is being created what considerations should you be thinking about for 3D printing?
Strength in the XY plane
Overhangs
Printing speed
All of the above
Q8. What does the job file have to do with the subsystems of a 3D printer?
The job file has nothing to do with the subsystems
The job file and slicer both talk to the printer to tell it what to do
The job file tells the printer subsystems what to do
The job file is run in the firmware so it is a part of the printer
Q9. Which change in the slicer will lower the time to print an object the most?
Changing infill from triangle to gyroid
Lowering the infill from 20% to 10%
Increasing the layer height from .1 to .2
All changes have equal impact on speed of printing
Q10. What impact does infill type and percent have on a print?
More infill means the part will be stronger
More infill means it will print slower
Infill type can make a part stronger or weaker
All of the above
Week 05: 3D Printing Hardware Coursera Quiz Answers Quiz 01 : Practice Quiz 5.1
Q1. Why is keeping the box from the printer a good idea?
Easier to ship it back if there is a defect
Easier to store the printer when not in use
Acts as a good table for the printer to rest on
There is no need just recycle it
Q2. Which of these is not a common 1st time print challenges?
Poorly oriented model
Poor bed leveling
Bad gcode
Print needed supports
Q3. What is the “hello world” print?
The pre-prepared file that is saved on your SD card
A print that says the words “Hello World”
A print that says the words “Hello World”
The programming language that you work to generate a part
The firmware’s first command
Quiz 02 : Practice Quiz 5.2 Q1. Which is not a type of bed leveling system?
Inductive Leveling
Capacitive Leveling
Manual Leveling
Self Leveling
Q2. Which is the most common type of leveling system on a 3D printer?
Force Sensitive Resistor
Manual Leveling
Accelerometer
Self Leveling
Q3. Why is having a routine checklist important?
Lowers risk of a failed print
Lowers the need for maintenance
Improves print speed
All of the above
Quiz 03 : Module 5 Quiz
Q1. Operator A says that 3D printer bearings don’t have any excessive load so they don’t need to be lubricated aside from when the factory does it. Operator B says you should lubricate rails every month to properly maintain the machine. Who is correct?
Operator A
Operator B
Both Operator A and B
Neither
Q2. What is the most common failure that a new 3D printer user and machine might experience?
1 point
Printer stops working ½ way through the print
Hotend won’t heat up
Parts won’t stick to the build plate
Won’t extrude material
Q3. What is the most logical thing to do before starting a long print?
Make sure was not used before
Make sure there is enough filament
Replace the nozzle
Turn off all other devices in the room
Q4. When you see this, what does that mean for the nozzle to build plate distance?
The nozzle is too close to the build plate
The nozzle is too far from the build plate
The nozzle is perfect in relation to the build plate.
The nozzle started too close but then moved too far.
Q5. If your bed leveling is not correct, what implications can that have on the part you are building?
Inaccurate tolerances
Part comes loose from the bed
Difficulty removing the part from the bed after printing
All of the above
Q6. When you hear popping sounds when printing what is this an indication of?
The hotend is too hot
The bed is not level
The slicer output bad gcode
The filament has too much moisture
Q7. Which is true about storing filament properly?
It can be stored anywhere in open space
It depends on the material
It depends on the material
It should be stored it in a ziplock bag with desiccant
It should be stored with similar materials
Q8. After prolonged use what is a common item to check to ensure proper printing?
Belt tension
Moisture in the air
Ambient temperatures
How many files are stored on an SD card
Q9. If you print the “hello world” print and the part fails on a brand new printer, which is likely the culprit?
The printer is defective
The bed is not properly leveled
The filament is bad
The user pressed the wrong buttons
Q10. Operator A says when printing you should always watch a printer since they often fail randomly, Operator B says if the first few layers are successful the chances of a successful print are high. Which is correct?
Operator A
Operator B
Both Operator A and B
Neither
Week 06: 3D Printing Hardware Coursera Quiz Answers Quiz 01 : Practice Quiz 6.1
Q1. After starting a print it is best practice to.
Wait till it finishes heating up and purges
Walk away and check in on the print once in a while
Watch the first layer
Watch the whole print in person or via webcam
Q2. When prints are finished for functional use what would be an appropriate measure of success?
Uniform color
Accuracy of the part
Ease of support removal
None of the above
Q3. After the print is done and you have removed your part you should Leave the printer in its current state so the next user knows it is available Clear off any remnants of printed material from the build plate Run a calibration to ensure bed leveling is proper for the next user Turn the machine off before it finishes cooling off
Quiz 02 : Practice Quiz 6.2 Q1. When sanding a part to achieve a high quality finish, you should
Use a palm sander
Use a dremel tool
Use a belt sander
Hand sand
Q2. Sanding parts to a very smooth finish should
Be done to every part printed
Start with dry sanding and end with wet sanding
Be done in a clean room
Be done with a power tool
Q3. Assembly of printed parts can be done by using
Glue
Epoxy
Fasteners
Snap Fits
All of the above
None of the above
Quiz 03 : Module 6 Quiz Q1. If the first layer is sparsely printing what is the best course of action?
Continue printing
Pause the print and take a closer look
Cancel the print
Increase nozzle temperatures
Q2. When a part is complete and you are inspecting it, what could be a potential issue if you find the part has warped from the print bed?
The material had too much moisture
The bed was not properly level
The bed was not properly prepped
A and B
B and C
A and C
Q3. Before starting a new print what should you check pertaining to the build surface?
It is free from previous print material
It is properly prepped with glue or other surface treatments if needed
It is properly secured in place
All of the above
None of the above
Q4. Why should you keep sanding speeds low when finishing a 3D printed part?
To allow the plastic to fill in the gaps
To reduce the heat in the part
To prevent the material from changing color
To keep the area more clean
Q5. When finishing a 3D printed part, what is the recommended finishing grit sandpaper?
80 grit
120 grit
500 grit
1000 grit
Q6. Operator A says you can use Super Glue on any printed part. Operator B says some materials don’t bond well with Super Glue and you should use epoxy resins instead. Which operator is correct?
Operator A
Operator B
Both Operator A and B
Neither
Q7. What are common modifications to a 3D printer to help print large structures quickly?
Enclosure
Updated Slicer
Larger Nozzle
Flexible print surface
Q8. Operator A runs a printing service with 50 printers. They have to lubricate the bearings once every 2 weeks on a routine schedule. Operator B runs a single printer at home for 20 hours a week and they say they lubricate their bearings every month. Who has the correct approach?
Operator A
Operator B
Both Operator A and B
Neither
Q9. What is the most appropriate location to find information on how to take apart your printers extruder?
The manufacturers website
A web search
Group forum
A mechanical engineer
Q10. Operator A is having difficulty printing with nylon. They say the prints warp frequently. Operator B has perfect nylon
Q10. Operator A is having difficulty printing with nylon. They say the prints warp frequently. Operator B has perfect nylon prints and they say they just added a larger nozzle, an enclosure, and a new extruder to their machine. Which modification has made the most significant impact on printing nylon for Operator B?
Larger nozzle
Enclosure
New extruder
None it was done in the slicer
Review:
Based on our knowledge, we urge you to enroll in this course so you can pick up new skills from specialists. It will be worthwhile, we trust.