Contents

Title: ........................................................................................................................................................ 2
Objective/Assignment: ............................................................................................................................ 2
Diagrams: ................................................................................................................................................ 2
Abstract: .................................................................................................................................................. 3
Introduction:............................................................................................................................................ 3
Procedure and Answer to the Assignment: ............................................................................................. 3
Laptop Holder Design: ........................................................................................................................ 3
Exporting the Model as STL: .............................................................................................................. 3
Slicing the Model: ............................................................................................................................... 3
3D Printer Setup:................................................................................................................................. 3
Printing the Laptop Holder: ................................................................................................................ 3
Cooling and Solidifying: ..................................................................................................................... 4
Post-Processing: .................................................................................................................................. 4
Results:.................................................................................................................................................... 4
Conclusion: ............................................................................................................................................. 7
Recommendations: .................................................................................................................................. 7
References:.............................................................................................................................................. 7
Title:
Additive Manufacturing/3-D Printing

Objective/Assignment:
To describe the 3D printing process for a laptop holder

Diagrams:

Figure 1 An Image of a 3-D Printer

Abstract:

The objective of this laboratory report is to describe the 3D printing process for a laptop
holder that was designed using SolidWorks. The laptop holder design was created in
SolidWorks, exported as an STL file, and then to be 3D printed using a 3D printer. The report
details each step of the process, including design, slicing, printing, and post-processing, in
order to produce the final laptop holder.

Introduction:

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a revolutionary technology that allows

the creation of three-dimensional objects from digital designs. SolidWorks, a popular
computer-aided design (CAD) software, was used to design the laptop holder, which was
then exported as an STL file, a standard format for 3D printing. The 3D printing process
utilizes FDM technology, where layers of thermoplastic filament are to be deposited to form
the laptop holder.

Procedure and Answer to the Assignment:

Laptop Holder Design:

The laptop holder was designed using SolidWorks. The design included precise dimensions
to ensure compatibility with the laptop and provide stability. The features, such as ventilation
holes and cable management channels, were added for practicality.

Exporting the Model as STL:

Once the laptop holder design was completed in SolidWorks, the 3D model was exported in
STL format. The STL file represented the laptop holder as a mesh of triangles, which the 3D
printer could interpret for layer-by-layer printing.

Slicing the Model:

The STL file was imported into slicing software. The slicing software divided the 3D model
into thin horizontal layers and generated a G-code file with printing instructions for the 3D
printer. Slicing parameters, including layer height, infill density, and print speed, could be
chosen based on the desired balance between print quality and printing time.

3D Printer Setup:

The 3D printer that can beused for this project can be a FDM-type printer. The printer's build
platform can be leveled, and the printing material, PLA (polylactic acid) filament, can loaded
into the printer.

Printing the Laptop Holder:

The laptop holder printing process begins with the 3D printer's print head heating up to the
appropriate temperature. The heated PLA filament can be then extruded through a nozzle
onto the build platform. The printer's XY motion system moves the print head according to
the G-code instructions, creating the first layer of the laptop holder. Subsequently, the print
head can built subsequent layers, layer by layer, until the complete laptop holder was formed.

Cooling and Solidifying:

After each layer was deposited, the PLA material is then cooled and solidified, adhering to
the previous layers. Cooling is essential to maintain the structural integrity of the laptop
holder during printing.

Post-Processing:

Upon completion of the printing process, the laptop holder can be carefully removed from the
build platform. Some post-processing steps, such as removing support structures and sanding
rough edges, could be performed to improve the laptop holder's aesthetics and functionality.

Results:
The 3D printing process was successful explained, after the 3-D Model of the Laptop holder
was designed, below is the picture of the Laptop Holder Model, also the sliced imaged of it
and the sample G-Code of the Laptop Holder.

Figure 2 3-D Model of Laptop Holder

 Figure 3 Sliced 3-D Model of Laptop Holder
Sample G-Code for the Laptop Holder

; Sample G-code for a Laptop Holder

; Sliced using Generic Slicing Software

M107 ; Turn off the fan

G90 ; Absolute positioning
M82 ; Set extruder to absolute mode
G28 ; Auto home all axes

; Preheat the printer to the desired temperature

M104 S200 ; Set extruder temperature to 200°C
M140 S60 ; Set bed temperature to 60°C
M190 S60 ; Wait for the bed to reach the target
temperature
G92 E0 ; Reset the extruder position to zero
G1 F1500 E5 ; Prime the nozzle

; Begin printing the laptop holder

G92 E0 ; Reset the extruder position to zero
G1 F300 Z0.2 ; Move the nozzle to the starting position
(0.2mm above the bed)
G1 F9000 X10 Y10 ; Move to the first corner of the laptop
holder
G1 F1500 E10 ; Extrude filament while moving to the
starting point

; Layer 1
G1 F900 X20 Y20 ; Move to the second corner of the first
layer
G1 F1500 E20 ; Extrude filament while moving to the
second corner
; Continue with the G-code for the first layer

; Layer 2 and subsequent layers

; Add G-code to move the nozzle to the appropriate positions
and extrude filament for each layer

; Finishing
M104 S0 ; Turn off the extruder temperature
M140 S0 ; Turn off the bed temperature
G92 E0 ; Reset the extruder position to zero
G1 F3000 E-5 ; Retract the filament
G28 X0 Y0 ; Move the print head to the home position
M84 ; Turn off the motors

; End of G-code
Conclusion:

The 3D printing process for a laptop holder, designed using SolidWorks and which can then
be printed with PLA filament on an FDM 3D printer, was described comprehensively and
successfully.

Recommendations:

Equipment needs to be provided to the students to successfully hold their printing process in
the school.

References:

Wunti, E. (2023). Mechatronics Engineering Laboratory Manual. Bauchi: Abubakar Tafawa

Balewa University.

Gibson, I., Rosen, D., & Stucker, B. (2016). Additive Manufacturing Technologies: 3D
printing, Rapid Prototyping, and direct digital manufacturing. Springer Verlag.

Smid, P. (2008). CNC Programming handbook: A COMPREHENSICE guide to practical

CNC Programming. Industrial Press.

Planchard, D. C. (2021). Engineering design with SOLIDWORKS 2021: A step-by-step

project based approach utilizing 3D solid modeling. SDC Publications.