Prototyping Guide

Mandatory 3D Printing for all SLDPs

All SLDP groups, except RAD groups, will be required to design and 3D print a one-color logo. All specifications outlined in the Logo specification section must be met. All groups may design and print a two-color logo to meet the mandatory 3D printing requirement and will receive extra credit for using two colors. Deadlines for this mandatory print are outlined in the deadlines section below.

Groups must submit a .STL file of a logo through the 3D Printing Submission portal by Benchmark B and receive approval from a ProtoLab TA before final commissioning. If the team would like a physical copy of their print and are able to pick it up, they can request it to be 3D printed.The printed logo is a requirement for commissioning, and failure to do so will result in point penalties on the project grade.

3D Printing Extra Credit for HIR

For HIR groups, 3D printing extra credit is awarded for 3D printing one floor plan of the exterior of your building. Submit a .STL file of a single floor plan through the 3D Printing Submission portal and receive approval from a ProtoLab TA to get it printed before Comminssioning.

Specifications

Logos:

• Maximum material weight does not exceed 15 grams total
• Can be one or two colors
  • One color logos are mandatory for all SLDP groups except RAD
  • Two color logos are extra credit for all SLDP groups
  • Two STL files are required for two-color logos, submitted as a .zip file on the website
• Logos must be integrated with your project in some way:
  • Pin worn during final presentation
• Must be original content
  • Cannot be simple text or geometric shape
• Must be .STL extension with correct scaling (make sure the units are millimeters before exporting)

Figure 1: Example of a good logo

Figure 2: Example of a bad logo

RAD & BMD:

• Original designs
  • Must be different from other groups' submissions
• Form of manufacturing needs to be reviewed

Software

To design your logo you will need any CAD software as well as CURA. There are many options for software that can be used, the only necessary feature is that the software can export files as an STL (stereolithography) extension. Some examples of these pieces of software are:

• Autodesk Fusion 360 – Free student edition
• Autodesk Inventor – Free student edition
• 123D – Free (Online)
• TinkerCAD – Free (Online)
• Blender – Free (Open source)
• OpenSCAD – Free (Open source)
• Solidworks – Available in NYU computer labs
• Rhinoceros – Free for mac

To make a 2 color design you will need to save your logo in two separate STL files (one for each color) and submit both as a .zip file to the website. The two files are then imported into CURA and aligned, with separate extruders selected for each color.

Design Considerations

• Make a flat bottom: A large flat bottom increases the adhesion between the build platform and the part, keeping the part from shifting around during a print.
• Keep overhangs close to 45 degrees: Each layer of a 3D print needs to be supported from below. You can avoid adding additional supports to a print if all the overhanging parts are at no more than a 45 degree angle from vertical.
• Avoid thin walls and thin columns: Thin walls and columns often do not come out well. The thickness of a thin wall should be a multiple of 0.35mm. Thin columns will usually come out distorted because they melt under the nozzle.

Submission and General Guidelines

• Submission of your 3D designed parts will take place through the EG website using the “3D Printing Submission” tab of the left menu. DO NOT USE THE NORMAL SUBMISSION TAB. First, fill out the google form (this form will give you instructions for naming conventions for your files and additional options for asking questions). Then submit your .STL files and .gcode files in a .zip file to the website.
• Make sure to submit an STL with the correct scaling.
  • If you choose to build your model in inches, remember to convert to millimeters before saving the STL
• Please name the .STL files in the format Section_Project_PrintType_FileNumber i.e. A1_HIR_Logo_1, and the .gcode in the format Section_Project_PrintType. Please make sure the colors selected match the file number of the .STL and selected extruder in the cura setup (i.e. A1_HIR_Logo_1 should match your Color 1 option and Extruder 1 in your Cura setup).
• After your submission has been received, you will receive an email from Protolab about whether your print is approved/denied. If it is approved, your print will be printed on a rolling basis. If your print is denied, you will be informed why in an email, with the option to set up a Zoom meeting with a Proto TA if you wish to discuss your print further.
• If you are a RAD group, you have the option to self-print your design (if it is NOT a Logo) at the MakerSpace. If you are a RAD group, please only fill out the google form/submit non-logo prints to the website if you want Protolab to print your design.
• You can check the status of your print from the “3D printing Submission” tab. “Pending” means your print is in the process of being approved. “Approved” means your print is in the queue to be printed (“Denied” means you will need to make changes and resubmit.) “Printed” means your print is finished. “Picked Up” means your print has been delivered.
• Protolab will be contactless in Fall 2020. Your prints will be dropped off in your lockers once they are finished. You will be notified by email when your print is dropped off; please wait 3 days after it is dropped off before using your print.
• As you are submitting your 3D designs for your logos, course modifications, or robot parts, please keep in mind the requirements posted on the EG Manual. If you have any further questions, please email prototyping@eg.poly.edu.
• RAD/BMD: Prototyping TAs will have the final decision over whether or not a part should be 3D printed or manufactured using another method. Also, while some parts submitted for 3D printing may be taken from preexisting designs online, your end result should still be an original design in order to not violate NYU’s academic honesty guidelines.

Deadlines

• Initial STL file submission is due by Benchmark B (Week 9)
  • The 3D printing process can take multiple revisions, you are required to submit the first attempt by Benchmark A, but you will be allowed to make any modifications until the final deadline of Benchmark B. If you miss the Benchmark B deadline, subsequent submissions will not be considered.
• Final STL approval is due by Benchmark B (Week 9)
  • No further submissions will be considered after this date for extra credit prints
  • All submissions must be approved by this deadline
    • Exceptions applies to mandatory prints
      • Mandatory prints will be allowed to receive approval only for a one-color logo, with a penalty on Benchmark B for not meeting the deadline
• Printed part by Commissioning Deadline (Week 12 week of MM/DD)
• These deadlines are applicable to mandatory HIR prints, mandatory logo prints, extra credit prints fulfilling the mandatory logo print requirement, and all SLDPs extra credit prints

ProtoLab Schedule

• Monday, Tuesday and Friday 12PM to 6PM
• Wednesday and Thursday 2PM to 6PM