3D Printing 201: Better Prints & Smarter Settings

You know the basics of using the 3D printers at Make – now it’s time to go deeper.

In this hands-on class, you’ll learn how to move beyond “press print and hope” and start making more intentional choices about your 3D prints. We’ll look at how slicer settings, filament type, nozzle size, temperature, speed, orientation, supports, and model design all affect the final result.

This class is built around practical troubleshooting and experimentation. Why did that print fail? Why are the layer lines so visible? Why is the part weak, stringy, rough, warped, or not fitting the way it should? You’ll learn how to read those problems, understand what settings actually do, and make smarter adjustments for your next print.

We’ll also explore when to use different materials, how to think about cost and strength, and what kinds of post-processing can improve the look and feel of a finished part. Whether you’re making art pieces, toys, functional hardware, prototypes, custom fixtures, or weird experiments, this class will help you get more confident and creative with 3D printing.

This is a great next step for anyone who has taken the 3D printing badge class or already has basic 3D printing experience and wants to get better results from the printers at Make.