3D Printing
Welcome to the 3D printing guide! If you're reading this, you've likely finished your CAD prototype and are ready to turn those digital designs into real, physical parts. WCRL does not print parts for teams or pay for parts printed by teams, but don't worry—there are great on-campus resources where you can get your bot printed easily. In this guide, we'll walk through where to print on campus, how to export and slice your files, and how to choose the right materials for your combat robot.
Where Can You Print?
Watson Fabrication Lab
The Watson Fabrication Lab is a great option for Binghamton University students.
At this time, the Lab only provides free PLA prints for WCRL. However, if you have your own filament, you can request a technician to use that for printing. Submit a print to the Lab here.
Emerging Technology Studio (ETS)
The Emerging Technology Studio (ETS) is a makerspace open to all students and stocked with MK3S+ printers. It's a fantastic spot if you have questions or need a hand with printing. You can submit a print to ETS here.
Printing at ETS is free! Just indicate in form that the prints are for WCRL, and the fee will be waived. ETS offers the following filaments to students: PLA, PETG, TPU, ASA, ABS. It's also possible to bring your own filament to use on ETS printers (confirm with a technician first).
Logistics & Hours:
Monday–Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Weekends: Closed
How to Print
Exporting Your CAD Model
Once your CAD design is complete, export your body as a 3D mesh file like .STL or .3MF (set units to millimeters for accurate sizing). In Fusion 360, simply right-click your body and choose "Save as Mesh". Check out the Autodesk Guide if you need step-by-step help.
Slicing Your Print
Slicing is the magic step that turns your 3D CAD model into instructions that a 3D printer can actually follow.
While both the Fab Lab and ETS technicians can slice your files for you when you submit them, slicing them yourself gives you total control over how your robot is built! Fine-tuning your own slicing settings is one of the best ways to maximize your bot's durability and combat potential.
The Basic Slicing Workflow
- Import your model: Load your exported .STL or .3MF file into a slicer like PrusaSlicer or Cura.
- Pick a printer profile: Select the printer and nozzle size you'll be using.
- Adjust print settings: Tune your layer height, infill, walls, and supports depending on your part's needs.
- Slice and export: Hit "Slice" to preview the print layers, then export the generated G-code file to bring to the lab.
Need a quick tutorial? Check out Prusa's beginner guide to First Print with PrusaSlicer or the 3D Printing Basics Guide to get up to speed fast!
Tips for Optimal Slicing
A standard 0.2mm layer height offers a great balance of speed and strength. Use 0.3mm for quick rough prints or test fits, and 0.15mm if you need smooth surface detail for tight-fitting internal components.
For early prototype fits, use low infill (5–10%) to save time and filament. For battle-ready parts, use higher infill (20–40%) combined with 3 to 5 wall perimeters—extra wall perimeters often add way more structural strength against impacts than just cranking up infill percentage!
Position your parts so large flat surfaces rest directly on the print bed. Try to orient heavy load-bearing forces parallel to print layers rather than pulling layers apart, and minimize overhangs over 45 degrees to avoid relying too heavily on support material.
Printing Materials
Choosing the right plastic filament is essential for combat robot performance:
PLA
Most common and easy to print. Very rigid with great visual detail, but lower impact resistance (can shatter on high impacts).
PETG
Flexible enough to absorb hits with significantly better impact resistance than PLA. A solid choice for combat structural parts.
TPU
Rubbery, flexible material with exceptional impact resistance—perfect for shock-mounting electronics or flexible bumpers.
ABS
Tough and rigid material commonly used in industrial parts. Higher impact resistance than PLA, but trickier to print due to warping.