AM Basics
What does "AM" stand for?
Additive Manufacturing.
What is the most common and accessible type of 3D printer, which melts plastic filament?
FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling).
This is the cheapest, most common, and easiest filament to print with, but it melts in the sun.
PLA (Polylactic Acid).
This filament is strong, heat-stable, and durable, but it releases noxious fumes while printing.
ABS.
If your unit is cut off from the supply chain during Large Scale Combat Operations (LSCO), what becomes your new supply line?
The 3D Printer / Additive Manufacturing.
What is the common name for the file format that slicing software uses?
STL or 3MF.
Which type of FDM printer is tall and tower-like, using three arms for very fast movement?
Delta printer.
If you need to print a flexible, rubbery part like a camera vibration mount, which filament do you use?
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane).
This filament is known for its high strength and excellent UV resistance, making it great for parts exposed to the elements long-term.
ASA or PETG.
You need to print a flexible, rubbery O-ring to keep water out of a tactical radio. Which filament must you use?
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane).
Which axis represents the vertical movement, or "altitude," of the print?
The Z-Axis.
Which type of printer uses a liquid chemical (resin) and UV light to create highly detailed parts?
SLA / Resin printer.
What does it mean if a filament is "Hygroscopic"?
It absorbs moisture from the air.
If you need to print gears that will experience friction, which filament is the best choice due to its low friction and high abrasion resistance?
Nylon (Polyamide).
When comparing a 3D printer's movements to flying your UAS, the X and Y axes represent your flat map grid. What does the Z-Axis represent?
Altitude (or Height).
According to the flowchart, what is the very first step in the 3D printing process?
Identify a Need or Problem.
What is a major "field usage concern" for resin printers that makes them difficult to use down range?
Resin handling is messy/hazardous, it requires cleaning/curing, and it's not good for dusty environments.
According to the slides, what is the best application for PLA?
Prototypes and display items (not functional parts).
What special part does your printer need to print abrasive filaments like Carbon Fiber (CF) or Glass Fiber (GF)?
A hardened steel nozzle.
You are printing a replacement battery hatch for your Ground Control Station (GCS) that will be sitting in the desert sun. Why must you use ABS or Nylon instead of PLA?
PLA will melt/deform under the heat of the sun and the electronics.
What does "BDRF" stand for?
Battle Damage Repair and Fabrication.
The Bambu printers in the classroom use which motion system? (Hint: It's fast and uses crossed belts).
CoreXY.
Why is TPU a better choice than PLA for printing a case or bumper for a piece of gear?
TPU is shatter-resistant and has high impact resistance.
You need to print a replacement part for a drone that needs to be extremely rigid but also as light as possible. What type of filament composite would you use?
Carbon Fiber (CF) composite (e.g., PA-CF).
If the printer nozzle is moving left and right, and front to back, but it is NOT moving up or down, which two axes is it moving on?
The X and Y axes. (Or "the flat grid").