Welcome to Lina’s Christmas 3D Printing Survival Guide! This special guide is designed to make your Christmas morning magical by introducing you to the fascinating world of 3D printing. With the Tronxy Crux1 and some creativity, you’ll be crafting custom ornaments, toys, and keepsakes in no time.
This guide is dedicated to Lina, our star maker-in-the-making! Lina, if you’re reading this, we’re so proud of you and can’t wait to see all the amazing creations you’ll bring to life. Your imagination is your superpower, and this guide is here to help you unleash it.
Let’s get started!
Step 1: Setting Up the Tronxy Crux1
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Unboxing and Assembly:
- Carefully unpack the printer. Most Tronxy Crux1 printers come pre-assembled. If any assembly is required, refer to the manual.
- Make sure the printer is placed on a stable and level surface.
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Level the Print Bed:
- Power on the printer.
- Use the manual leveling knobs under the bed to adjust each corner.
- Slide a piece of paper between the nozzle and the bed. Adjust until there’s slight friction as the nozzle moves.
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Load Filament:
- Preheat the nozzle to the filament’s recommended temperature (usually 190–210°C for PLA).
- Insert the PLA filament into the extruder until it extrudes smoothly from the nozzle.
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Test Print:
- Load the included SD card and select a preloaded test model. This ensures the printer is working correctly.
Step 2: TinkerCAD - Designing a Christmas-Themed Ornament
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Create a Free TinkerCAD Account:
- Go to TinkerCAD and create a free account.
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Start a New Project:
- Open the TinkerCAD editor and select “Create New Design.”
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Design a Christmas Ornament:
- Step 1: Add a Base Shape:
- Drag a sphere from the shapes menu to the workspace. This will be the base of your ornament.
- Resize it to about 50mm in diameter.
- Step 2: Add a Hole for Hanging:
- Drag a cylinder into the workspace and mark it as a "hole" in the shape menu.
- Resize it to about 3mm in diameter and place it near the top of the sphere.
- Group the shapes to subtract the hole.
- Step 3: Add Festive Decorations:
- Drag stars, hearts, or other shapes onto the sphere and attach them as decorations.
- Optionally, add text (e.g., “Merry Christmas” or the child’s name) using the text tool.
- Step 1: Add a Base Shape:
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Export the Design:
- Once the design is complete, click Export > STL.
Step 3: Printing the Ornament
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Prepare the File in a Slicer:
- Install slicing software (e.g., Ultimaker Cura).
- Import the STL file into Cura and select the Tronxy Crux1 as the printer model.
- Adjust settings:
- Material: PLA
- Layer height: 0.2mm
- Infill: 20%
- Support: None (unless your design requires it)
- Save the file as a G-code file.
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Print the Ornament:
- Transfer the G-code to the printer via an SD card.
- Start the print and watch the magic happen!
Step 4: Decorating the Ornament
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Paint or Add Glitter:
- Use acrylic paints or markers to add color.
- Apply a small amount of glue and sprinkle glitter for extra sparkle.
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Add a String:
- Thread a piece of string or ribbon through the hole and tie it into a loop for hanging.
Step 5: Create a Keepsake Memory
- Write the date and the child’s name on the ornament for a lifelong keepsake.
- Capture photos of the process to commemorate the fun Christmas morning activity.
Safety Tips
- Supervise the child when handling the printer.
- Keep the nozzle area away from small hands as it can get extremely hot.
- Ensure good ventilation while printing.
3D Printing Vocabulary with Links and References
3D Printer
A machine that creates three-dimensional objects by building them layer by layer from a digital design.
Learn more about 3D printing
Filament
The "ink" for the 3D printer, usually made of plastic like PLA or ABS.
What is filament in 3D printing?
PLA
A common type of filament made from plants. It's safe and easy to use for beginners.
PLA filament explained
Extruder
The part of the printer that heats up the filament and pushes it out to create layers.
How does a 3D printer extruder work?
Nozzle
The small opening at the end of the extruder where the melted filament comes out.
Choosing a nozzle for 3D printing
Build Plate (Bed)
The flat surface where the printer creates the object.
How to maintain a 3D printer bed
Leveling
Adjusting the printer bed to make sure it is flat and even with the nozzle.
A guide to bed leveling
Layer Height
The thickness of each layer of filament that the printer lays down.
Understanding layer height
Infill
The pattern and density of material inside the object. Makes the object strong without using too much filament.
What is infill in 3D printing?
Slicer
Software that turns a 3D design into instructions (G-code) the printer can understand.
Best slicer software for 3D printing
G-code
The file type that tells the 3D printer how to move and what to do.
Introduction to G-code
STL File
A type of file used to store 3D designs.
What is an STL file?
Support Material
Extra material printed to support parts of the design that hang in the air. Removed after printing.
How to use support materials
Raft/Brim
A base layer of material that helps the object stick to the print bed.
Difference between raft and brim
Overhang
Parts of a 3D print that stick out and may need support to print properly.
Tips for handling overhangs
Cooling Fan
A fan that cools the filament as it comes out of the nozzle to make it set faster.
Cooling fans in 3D printing
TinkerCAD Vocabulary with Links and References
3D Design
A digital model of something you want to print in 3D.
Getting started with TinkerCAD
Shape
Basic building blocks like cubes, spheres, and cylinders used to create designs.
Creating with shapes in TinkerCAD
Workspace
The area where you build your 3D designs.
TinkerCAD workspace basics
Resize
Changing the size of a shape by dragging its edges or corners.
How to resize shapes in TinkerCAD
Align
A tool to make shapes line up neatly.
Aligning shapes in TinkerCAD
Group
A tool that combines two or more shapes into one.
Using the group tool in TinkerCAD
Hole
A shape used to create empty spaces or cut-outs in your design.
Creating holes in TinkerCAD
Text Tool
A feature that lets you add words or letters to your design.
Adding text in TinkerCAD
Export
Saving your 3D design as a file (like an STL) so it can be printed.
How to export files in TinkerCAD
You can copy this directly into your notes for quick access! The links provide additional detailed resources for deeper learning.
Free 3D Design Repositories
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- One of the largest repositories of free 3D models.
- Great for beginners and features a variety of categories.
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- Community-driven platform by Prusa.
- Offers high-quality and curated designs.
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- Focuses on verified and tested models.
- Ideal for high-quality prints.
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- Offers free and premium designs.
- Features unique and artistic models.
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- Free designs shared by a collaborative community.
- Focuses on simplicity and easy downloads.
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- A search engine for STL files across multiple repositories.
- Helps discover designs from various sources in one place.
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- Free and paid designs.
- User-friendly interface with ratings for designs.
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- A mix of free and paid models, including STL files for printing.
- Good for detailed and professional models.
Premium 3D Design Platforms
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- High-quality models for professionals.
- Offers some free options alongside premium designs.
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- A marketplace for 3D designs, including print-ready files.
- Both free and paid options available.
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- Specializes in high-detail collectible models, especially for gaming.
- Premium designs with intricate details.
Niche 3D Model Repositories
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- Free 3D models related to space and astronomy.
- Perfect for educational or thematic projects.
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- Free models of artifacts from museums.
- Focuses on cultural and historical objects.
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- A repository for SketchUp designs.
- Includes many 3D-printable models.
Community Platforms for Collaboration
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- Features engineering-focused designs.
- Community-driven platform with CAD and STL files.
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- Browse designs shared by other TinkerCAD users.
- Perfect for simple and beginner-friendly projects.
Educational Resources for Learning and Customization
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- Great for learning to create parametric designs.
- Models that can be customized with code.
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Instructables 3D Printing Projects
- A collection of step-by-step guides with downloadable files.
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- Focused on viewing and downloading 3D models.
- Some models are free for 3D printing.
Search Aggregators
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- Search engine for 3D printable models from multiple platforms.
- Filters for free and paid designs.
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- Search, share, and collaborate on 3D designs.
- Includes a geometric search feature for finding similar designs.
More Project Ideas
Christmas-Themed 3D Printable Designs
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Cults3D - Christmas Ornaments
A collection of free 3D models for Christmas ornaments, including snowflakes, baubles, and festive decorations.
Explore designs -
Printables - Winter & Christmas & New Year's
Offers various decorations like snowflakes, bells, and Santa Claus miniatures.
Browse models -
Thingiverse - Christmas Collection
A diverse range of Christmas-themed designs, from ornaments to festive gadgets.
View collection -
Yeggi - Free Christmas Ornaments
Aggregates free Christmas ornament designs from various sources.
Find models
3D Printable Toys for Kids
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Cults3D - Toys
A vast selection of free toy designs, including action figures, puzzles, and educational models.
Explore toys -
Printables - Toys & Games
Features a variety of 3D printed games and toys for both indoor and outdoor play.
Browse toys -
Yeggi - Free Kid Toy Models
Searches multiple repositories for free 3D printable toy designs suitable for children.
Find toys -
All3DP - 3D Printed Toys
An article featuring a curated list of 3D printed toys that can engage and entertain kids.
Read more
Tips for Printing
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Check Print Settings: Ensure your printer settings match the requirements of the chosen design, including layer height, infill, and support structures.
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Material Selection: PLA is a common and safe filament choice for printing toys and ornaments.
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Supervision: Always supervise children when handling 3D printed toys, especially if they contain small parts.
These resources should provide a great starting point for creating festive decorations and fun toys with your 3D printer. Happy printing!