Quick-Start Guide
Last updated
Last updated
Jump right in with this quick start guide for 3D Printing on our new Bambu X1-C Print Farm.
This guide covers:
Considerations for your 3D model/modelling process
Our template files
Setting up and previewing your print
Exporting and submitting to NExT Lab
Layer Lines - 3D prints build up objects layers by layer.
Overhangs - parts of the object that require the printer to deposit thin plastic in thin air
Supports - automatically generated removable structures to 'support' overhangs.
Shells/Surfaces - the other walls of the model, expressed as a number of layers.
Infill - the interior of the model is usually printed with a pattern to save plastic.
Overhangs- You will want to minimise these by splitting up the geometry to remove overhanging parts completely or orient your geometry to reduce overhangs.
Orientation for aesthetic - layer lines are more obvious in certain orientations, such as gentle horizontal slopes as 3D printing is essentially built from very thin slices of a model. You may wish to orient your geometry or break up the model into pieces for the best finish on each surface.
Orientation for function - layer lines are also where the 3D print is the weakest; horizontal loads will break. If printing a functional part, you will need to orient your model so loads act perpendicular to the layer lines.
We recommend scaling your model in your CAD software.
Ensure it fits in the 3D printer build volume; 256mm x 256mm x 256mm.
If the model is too large to fit in this volume, split it up.
Ensure the model is a closed mesh.
Ensure no part of the model is unreasonably thin (< 2mms roughly) if it needs to be supported.
Export all your printing geometry as ONE .stl file to be prepared in the next steps.
Slicing refers to generating the data 3d printers need to produce your model. This is done in a slicing software where you can set and modify settings and preview the outcome.
It is a critical step in the process so pay special attention to the following steps. This will ensure you achieve the best outcome for your project and mitigate any potential printing failures.
Download and install Bambu Studio.
Follow the prompts to complete the initial setup as follows:
If you are prompted to select or download a network adapter, please select no. This is not required.
Once installation is complete you should see the Bambu Studio home screen.
We have prepared a template for you that is pre-populated with all the settings you need. These are optimised for our printers and filament. Download the file below:
Once you download is complete, return to the main screen in Bambu Studio and select 'Open Project' on the top right-hand side. Open the template you downloaded in the previous step.
To verify that you have loaded the correct template; cross-check with the below.
In [2] above, change the material of the build plate to your desired material. Please refer to the farm's material list to see what is currently available >
The cube in the template folder is a placeholder, please remove it before proceeding.
Import the .stl file you wish to print by dragging and dropping it onto the slicer screen.
The slicer will alert you if your .stl file exceeds the boundary of the print bed.
Select your object and right click -> split -> to objects.
You should now be able to select all your objects individually.
You may need to add multiple build plates to your project. This can be useful if your print is large and cannot fit on one print plate, or you wish to print some elements in a different colour.
To do this select the 'Add Plate' button. Additional plates will be added and made active. Note: Inactive plates will always appear faded.
Select your objects and arrange them on the plates as required.
Carefully arranging your print plates can improve efficiency and success of your print.
Bambu slicer includes an inbuilt function to simplify this process called 'Auto-Orientation'
Below are some additional methods to explore, if the native function does not suit your project.
Select all your objects on a plate and press the auto orient button from the top menu.
With your objects still selected press the auto-arrange button to optimize the rotation and spacing on the print plate.
Since you are using the NExT Lab Template, all the key settings have been set for you. This includes supports.
For the majority of prints, there should be no need to alter these settings.
If you have a complex print, lots of overhangs, or additional strength requirements and wish to make some manual adjustments for your outcome or intentions, please visit this page:
Slicing & SettingsIn order to submit a job, we require two file types:
.stl file with your 3D Geometry
.3mf file(s) of G-code
Important: Ensure you use the correct.
For Single-Plate projects, follow these instructions:
File -> Export -> Export All Objects as one STL
⬥ Save this in a safe place using the correct naming convention.
Press the Slice Plate button on the top right-hand corner.
This will take a moment to generate the G-code and sliced preview. Review the preview to ensure the print is coming out as expected.
Once complete press the 'Export Plate sliced file' button.
⬥ Save this in a safe place using the correct naming convention.
You are now ready to submit the job for printing!
Keep a copy of your setup in case NExT Lab needs to ask for any changes using:
File > Save Project As
STL Files
3MF Files
Ensure all files submitted follow the correct
To submit your job, navigate to the NExT Lab Print Portal and follow the instructions.
Keep tabs on your emails for the status of your request.
You will receive an e-mail update when:
Your request has been submitted to the queue and the Onedrive link to upload your files to.
Your request has been approved and is awaiting printing.
Your request has been successfully printed and is ready to collect along with a Shopify payment link. We require payment prior to collection.
If there are any problems, instructions will given via email.
