Introduction to 3D Printing
With Matthew Halpenny
Session 1 – 22/06/2025
Session 2 – 29/06/2025
2pm – 5pm
Series Cost: $85
In this 2 part workshop series, you’ll learn all the 3D printing basics needed to feel comfortable preparing and running your own 3D prints.
The sessions cover the basics of 3D printing equipment, digital objects (.stl, .obj, .3mf), slicing software, slicing parameters and techniques, preparing print supports, preparing and using the 3D printer, and post-processing techniques for 3D printed objects.
Workshop Format:
- 2 [2-hour] workshop sessions
- An optional hour of flexible time after each workshop for questions, discussion, & extra demos
Limited to just 12 spots, so RSVP early to secure your place.
Objectives
- Learn what 3D printing options exists, how they work, and what differentiates them
- Explore the open-source world of 3D printing and the online communities hosting free 3D files
- Learn the digital pipeline that translates 3D files to machine [printer] code
- In-depth review of Slicing software, the intermediary translating digital objects to printable files
- Learn the different 3D printing materials, the advantages of each, and how to setup printers to use them
- Simplify the overwhelming abundance of options available when 3D printing – learn what settings, materials, and print styles are most relevant for your objects
- Understand what may cause printing failures and how to avoid them
- Explore post-processing techniques for 3D prints
- Receive technical assistance while slicing and post-processing your objects
- And lastly, you get to go home with your own 3D printed object
Session One
3D Printing Basics: Types of Printers, Materials, and Digital Pipelines
- Types of 3D printers (FDM, SLA, Ceramic) and when to use each
- FDM 3D printing: common printers and where to find them
- Anatomy of a 3D printer
- Types of 3D filament: PLA, PETG, BioPlastics, and more
- Digital commons: open-source community databases for free 3D objects
- The printing pipeline: 3D files → G-code → tangible object
- Intro to slicing: using software (e.g., PrusaSlicer, Cura) to create machine-ready files
Session Two
Printing Objects: Preparations, Useful Parameters, and Running Your Own Print
- Model preparation: form, size, and positioning on the print bed
- Slicing parameters & material quirks: layer heights, infill patterns, speeds, temperature, supports for PLA & PETG
- Printer setup: adding filament and auto/manual bed leveling
- Live adjustments: improving adhesion and base security during printing
- File formatting and upload: correct file prep for your printer
- Initial print monitoring: identify and correct potential issues early
- Post-processing overview: simple methods and tools to enhance print quality
Preparation
Before coming to the workshop we recommend downloading the free slicing software, PrusaSlicer, which will be the demo slicer we explore during the workshop and our open studio sessions.
For this introductory series, we’ll be providing workshop participants with a demo 3D file that we’ll be using throughout the series to collectively learn the steps to get from digital file to tangible object – which you’ll get to take with you at the end of the series!
If you have your own 3D objects you’re curious about printing, feel free to bring them to any of the workshops as you’ll get the opportunity to discuss them during the open sessions.
Matthew Halpenny is an interdisciplinary artist and researcher from Montréal who works between the fields of biology, art, and technology. They use interdisciplinary art as a tool for community knowledge mobilization by using research-creation frameworks that emphasize process, research documentation, interactive art installations, and accessible knowledge sharing.
Their work has explored materials such as networked electronics, sensors, slime mold, microbial fuel cells, e-waste, and experimental digital fabrication using bioplastics.
