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Course Description: Mastering FDM 3D Printing with Bambu Labs/Orca Slicer

Unlock the full potential of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing with our comprehensive course designed for makers, designers, engineers, and hobbyists. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this course offers a deep dive into the fundamentals, advanced techniques, and practical applications of FDM 3D printing, with a special focus on optimizing your workflow using Bambu Labs/Orca Slicer.

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What You'll Learn:

- Fundamentals of FDM 3D Printing: Understand the core principles, history, and key terminology of FDM technology, and explore how it compares to other 3D printing methods like SLA and SLS.

- Printer Hardware & Technical Aspects: Gain hands-on knowledge of FDM printer components, including hotends, extruders, nozzles, and motion systems. Learn essential maintenance, calibration, and safety protocols to keep your printer running smoothly.

- Slicer Software Mastery: Dive into the advanced features of Bambu Labs/Orca Slicer, including adaptive layer height, dynamic support generation, and material-specific profiles. Discover how to optimize slicer settings for different materials and project requirements.

- Troubleshooting & Problem Solving: Develop the skills to diagnose and resolve common 3D printing issues such as layer shifting, poor bed adhesion, stringing, and thermal runaway.

- Project-Based Learning: Apply your knowledge through hands-on projects, from model preparation to post-print analysis. Learn how to set project goals, choose appropriate materials, and fine-tune settings for optimal results.

- Real-World Applications: Explore case studies and simulated scenarios that demonstrate how FDM 3D printing is used in industries like medical prototyping, automotive design, and art.

Course Structure:

The course is divided into 7 modules, each combining theoretical knowledge with practical exercises. You'll engage in group discussions, hands-on lab sessions, and real-world case studies to reinforce your learning. By the end of the course, you'll complete a final assessment and reflective journal to consolidate your skills and prepare for future projects.

Who Should Enroll:

- Beginners looking to build a strong foundation in FDM 3D printing.

- Intermediate users seeking to enhance their technical skills and slicer software expertise.

- Professionals in design, engineering, or manufacturing who want to leverage 3D printing for prototyping and production.

- Hobbyists and makers interested in exploring the creative possibilities of 3D printing.

Course Outcomes:

By the end of this course, you will:

- Have a comprehensive understanding of FDM 3D printing technology and its applications.

- Be proficient in operating, calibrating, and maintaining FDM printers.

- Master advanced slicer settings to optimize print quality and efficiency.

- Develop troubleshooting skills to overcome common printing challenges.

- Be equipped to plan and execute complex 3D printing projects with confidence.

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Supplementary Materials:

- Access to user manuals, online resources, and community forums for ongoing support.

- Recommendations for further reading, video tutorials, and advanced workshops to continue your learning journey.

- A project journal template to document your prints, settings, and troubleshooting steps for future reference.​​​

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Why Choose This Course?

This course is more than just a technical guide—it's a hands-on learning experience designed to empower you with the skills and confidence to tackle any 3D printing project. With a focus on real-world applications and collaborative learning, you'll leave the course ready to innovate and create with FDM 3D printing.​​​

Join us and take your 3D printing skills to the next level!

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Prerequisites: 3D Printing History  

Duration: Self-paced with hands-on lab sessions and group discussions. 

Tools Required: Access to an FDM 3D printer and Bambu Labs/Orca Slicer software (trial versions available). 

Enroll today and start your journey toward mastering FDM 3D printing!

This hands-on course provides a comprehensive introduction to 3D printing, covering its history, technologies, materials, and real-world applications. Designed for beginners, the course explores fundamental concepts such as CAD design, slicing software, printer operation, and post-processing techniques. Students will gain practical experience by creating and printing their own 3D models while learning industry best practices.

Key topics include:

• The evolution of 3D printing, from early prototypes to modern industrial uses

• Design principles for functional and aesthetic 3D models

• Operation of FDM and resin printers, including calibration and troubleshooting

• Material selection, from basic plastics to advanced composites

• Post-processing methods like sanding, painting, and chemical smoothing

Through a mix of lectures, demonstrations, and projects, students will develop the skills to bring digital designs to life. The course also examines emerging trends like bioprinting, metal additive manufacturing, and sustainable practices. By the end, participants will complete a final project showcasing their ability to design, print, and refine a 3D-printed object.

Ideal for makers, engineers, artists, and entrepreneurs, this course requires no prior experience—just curiosity about the transformative potential of 3D printing. Whether for prototyping, custom fabrication, or creative expression, students will leave with a strong foundation in this revolutionary technology.

This class introduces students to ORCA Slicer, an open-source slicing software for 3D printing. Students will learn how to prepare 3D models for printing, optimize settings, and troubleshoot common issues. 

This comprehensive course is designed to equip sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and 3D printing enthusiasts with the skills needed to successfully sell 3D printing services, products, and solutions. Whether you're working for a 3D printing company, starting your own business, or looking to expand your technical sales expertise, this course provides actionable strategies to identify high-value clients, communicate effectively, overcome objections, and close more deals.

Through a mix of technical training, sales psychology, and real-world case studies, you’ll learn how to position 3D printing as a cost-effective, innovative solution across industries like manufacturing, healthcare, education, and consumer goods.

What You’ll Learn:

✅ 3D Printing Technology & Materials – Understand FDM, SLA, SLS, and metal printing to speak confidently with clients.

✅ Target Market Strategies – Identify and reach high-potential buyers in engineering, medical, education, and more.

✅ Consultative Selling Techniques – Ask the right questions to uncover client needs and position your solution.

✅ Pricing & Proposal Strategies – Learn how to structure quotes for prototypes, production runs, and subscriptions.

✅ Handling Objections – Master responses to common pushbacks like “It’s too expensive” or “We have our own printer.”

✅ Closing & Retention – Use proven tactics to seal deals and build long-term client relationships.

✅ Tools of the Trade – Leverage CRM software, quoting tools, and portfolio platforms to streamline sales.

This course provides an in-depth exploration of the two primary 3D printing material categories—thermoplastic filaments (FDM/FFF) and photopolymer resins (SLA/DLP/LCD). Students will learn the properties, applications, advantages, and limitations of each material type, along with practical guidance on selecting the right medium for different projects. 

By the end of this course, learners will be able to: 

- Identify key differences between filament and resin-based 3D printing. 

- Select appropriate materials for functional, aesthetic, or industrial applications. 

- Understand post-processing techniques (sanding, curing, etc.) for each material. 

- Troubleshoot common printing issues related to material choice. 

- Apply safety best practices when handling resins or high-temperature filaments. 

 Course Modules 

 Module 1: Introduction to 3D Printing Materials 

- Overview of additive manufacturing technologies 

- Comparison of FDM vs. resin printing workflows 

- Key terminology (e.g., tensile strength, HDT, curing) 

 Module 2: Filament-Based 3D Printing (FDM/FFF) 

- Material Deep Dives: PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, Nylon, PC, composites 

- Printing parameters (temps, speeds, bed adhesion) 

- Post-processing: Sanding, acetone smoothing, annealing 

 Module 3: Resin-Based 3D Printing (SLA/DLP/LCD) 

- Resin Types: Standard, tough, flexible, castable, dental, high-temp 

- Curing mechanisms and UV light requirements 

- Post-processing: Washing, curing, support removal 

 Module 4: Material Selection & Applications 

- Choosing between filament and resin for prototypes, functional parts, and art 

- Case studies (e.g., aerospace, healthcare, consumer products) 

- Cost analysis and sustainability considerations 

 Module 5: Safety & Best Practices 

- Handling toxic resins (ventilation, PPE) 

- Filament storage (moisture control, drying) 

- Printer maintenance for abrasive materials 

 Learning Outcomes 

✅ Technical Knowledge: Understand material properties like strength, flexibility, and thermal resistance. 

✅ Practical Skills: Calibrate printers for different materials and troubleshoot failures. 

✅ Decision-Making: Confidently select materials based on project requirements. 

✅ Safety Compliance: Follow protocols for hazardous materials and equipment. 

 Who Should Enroll? 

- Hobbyists looking to optimize their 3D prints 

- Engineers/Designers seeking material-specific prototyping knowledge 

- Educators teaching additive manufacturing 

- Entrepreneurs evaluating 3D printing for production 

 Assessment & Certification 

- Quizzes: Module-based multiple-choice tests (e.g., filament vs. resin properties) 

- Hands-On Project: Submit a printed object with documentation on material selection 

- Final Exam: Comprehensive test covering all modules 

This comprehensive course is designed for 3D printing enthusiasts, makers, and professionals who want to maximize printer performance, extend hardware lifespan, and achieve flawless prints through proper maintenance and troubleshooting. Whether you use FDM (filament) or resin (SLA/DLP) printers, th​is course provid​es step-by-step guidance on preventive care, calibration, and problem-solving.

Course Objectives​​

By the end of this course, students will:​

✅ Understand critical maintenance routines (daily, weekly, monthly) for FD​M and resin printers.

✅ Diagnose and fix common 3D printing issues (clogs, layer shifting, adhesion prob​lems, etc.).

✅ Perform advanced calibrations (PID tuning, E-steps, bed leveling).

✅ Safely handle printer components (hotends, belts, FEP films, resin tanks).

✅ Extend printer lifespan by preventing wear and damage.

✅ Optimize print quality through proper machine upkeep.

Who Should Take This Course?

🖨️ Beginners who want to avoid costly mistakes and keep their printer running smoothly.

🔧 Intermediate users looking to refine maintenance skills and troubleshoot complex issues.

🏭 Professionals & educators managing multiple printers in workshops or labs.

Course Format

📖 Guided Lessons – Detailed written guides with images/videos.

🛠️ Hands-On Exercises – Real-world maintenance tasks.

❓ Quizzes & Assessments – Test your knowledge (like the 10-question MC quiz provided).

🔗 Additional Resources – Printable checklists, troubleshooting flowcharts, and community support.

Topics Covered

1. Fundamentals of 3D Printer Maintenance

• Why maintenance matters
• Differences between FDM & resin printer care

2. Daily/Pre-Print Checks

• Nozzle inspection & cleaning
• Bed leveling techniques
• Filament/resin handling best practices

3. Weekly & Monthly Maintenance

• Lubrication (rods, screws, bearings)
• Belt tensioning & alignment
• Extruder gear cleaning
• FEP film replacement (resin printers)

4. Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Under-extrusion & clogs
• Layer shifting & warping
• Resin printing failures (stuck prints, blurry details)

5. Advanced Calibration & Upgrades

• PID tuning for stable temps
• E-steps calibration
• Firmware updates (Marlin/Klipper)

6. Safety & Long-Term Care

• Handling toxic resins safely
• Preventing fire hazards (thermal runaway)
• When to replace worn parts

Prerequisites

🔹 Basic familiarity with 3D printing (owning a printer is helpful but not required).

🔹 No advanced technical skills needed—beginners welcome!

Outcome

By completing this course, you’ll save time, filament, and frustration by mastering proactive printer care—ensuring high-quality prints every time!

Unlock the full potential of your 3D printer with Mastering ORCA Slicer, the most comprehensive course available for optimizing print quality, speed, and reliability. Whether you're a beginner looking to understand slicing fundamentals or an advanced user seeking expert-level tuning techniques, this course provides step-by-step guidance through ORCA Slicer’s powerful features.

What You’ll Learn:

✅ Core Slicing Principles – Master layer height, infill patterns, supports, and adhesion settings for flawless first layers.

✅ Advanced Print Optimization – Fine-tune retraction, cooling, speed, and material-specific profiles for perfect results.

✅ Troubleshooting & Fixes – Diagnose and solve common issues like stringing, warping, and layer separation.

✅ Experimental Features – Implement pressure advance, arc fitting, variable layer height, and fuzzy skin for next-level prints.

✅ Workflow Efficiency – Save time with custom profiles, macros, and automation techniques.

Who Is This For?

🖨️ 3D Printing Beginners – Learn slicing best practices from the ground up.

🔧 Intermediate Users – Optimize settings for stronger, faster, and higher-detail prints.

⚙️ Advanced Makers & Professionals – Dive into expert-level calibration and troubleshooting.

Why Take This Course?

✔ Hands-On Learning – Follow real-world examples and calibration tests.

✔ Comprehensive Resources – Includes cheat sheets, test models, and profile templates.

✔ Community & Support – Get help from instructors and fellow students.

By the end of this course, you’ll confidently slice any model with precision, troubleshoot issues like a pro, and achieve professional-grade 3D prints every time.

Enroll Now and Elevate Your 3D Printing Game! 🚀

This hands-on course provides a comprehensive introduction to additive manufacturing (AM) with a specialized focus on  Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), one of the most widely used 3D printing technologies. Participants will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to design, optimize, and fabricate parts using FDM printers.

Take your 3D prints to the next level with our Post-Processing Mastery Class! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced maker, this hands-on workshop will teach you essential techniques to refine, strengthen, and perfect your 3D-printed models.

What You’ll Learn:

✅ Surface Finishing – Sanding, priming, and smoothing techniques for PLA, ABS, and resin prints.

✅ Painting & Detailing – How to prep and paint prints for professional-quality results.

✅ Support Removal & Gap Filling – Cleanly removing supports and repairing imperfections.

✅ Chemical Smoothing – Using solvents like acetone (for ABS) and alternatives for other materials.

✅ Advanced Techniques – Polishing, electroplating, and texture application for unique finishes.

✅ Tool & Material Guide – Best tools, adhesives, and coatings for different post-processing needs.