Aim:
To prepare a digital 3D design for real-world printing using slicer software.

Requirements:

• Computer with Tinkercad or BlocksCAD

• Slicer software (e.g., Cura, PrusaSlicer)

• A pre-designed model (such as a keychain or cube you made earlier)

Steps:

1. Open Your Design

   • Go to Tinkercad (or BlocksCAD).

   • Open the design you have created, for example, your keychain or box.

2. Export the Model

   • On the top-right of the screen, click Export.

   • Choose the file type .STL (this is the most common 3D printing format).

   • The STL file will download to your computer.

3. Open in Slicer Software

   • Start Cura or PrusaSlicer.

   • Click Open File and import your STL model.

   • Your design will now appear on the virtual print bed.

4. Adjust Print Settings

   • Layer Height: Choose how thick each layer of plastic will be (e.g., 0.2 mm for normal quality).

   • Infill: Decide how solid your object will be (e.g., 20% infill = partly hollow, saves material).

   • Print Speed: Choose how fast the printer works (slower speed = better quality).

5. Preview the Print Path

   • Click Preview to see how the printer will build the object layer by layer.

   • You can rotate the view to check if the design looks correct.

6. Save the G-Code

   • Once ready, save the sliced file as G-Code.

   • This is the final file that the 3D printer reads to know exactly how to move and where to place plastic.