> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://stem-docs.intellectualpoint.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Advanced 3D Printing

> Build, calibrate, and master a real FDM 3D printer. Learn materials science, slicing, and troubleshooting, then design and print a capstone project.

## From a box of parts to a working machine

Welcome to the **Advanced 3D Printing** STEM Workshop. Over five days you will take a brand-new Flashforge Adventurer 5M printer out of the box, assemble it piece by piece, calibrate it, and use it to bring your own designs to life. This is a hands-on, build-it-yourself camp - by Friday you will own a machine you understand from the inside out.

<Info>
  This is a fully virtual, facilitator-led camp. Each student receives a Flashforge Adventurer 5M 3D printer kit shipped to their home. You will assemble and keep your printer.
</Info>

<Frame caption="The FDM 3D printer you will build and master this week">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/intellectualpoint/O5GrjWnEycOQFaAQ/images/adv3d/printer-anatomy.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=O5GrjWnEycOQFaAQ&q=85&s=65f04e27f207004e2dd9f3caddef2ee1" alt="Labeled diagram of an FDM 3D printer showing extruder, hotend, nozzle, build plate, and filament path" width="1536" height="1024" data-path="images/adv3d/printer-anatomy.png" />
</Frame>

### What you will learn

By the end of this week you will be able to:

* **Explain how FDM 3D printing works**, from filament to finished part
* **Assemble a 3D printer** from the box, including the LCD, filament path, base plate, spool holder, and power
* **Calibrate and level** the printer and run your first successful print
* **Slice a 3D model** into G-code using Orca-Flashforge and send it over Wi-Fi
* **Choose the right filament** (PLA, PETG, ABS, TPU, Nylon, PC) for any job
* **Select nozzles and build surfaces** based on material and goal
* **Diagnose and fix** the most common print failures
* **Maintain and upgrade** your printer for the long haul
* **Design, print, and present** a capstone project in the camp contest

### Your week at a glance

<Steps>
  <Step title="Day 1: Foundations">
    The history of 3D printing, how FDM works, the anatomy of your printer, and the kickoff of your capstone contest project.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Day 2: Unboxing and assembly">
    Unbox your Adventurer 5M and build it step by step - accessories, LCD, filament tube, base plate, spool holder, and power supply.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Day 3: First print, calibration, and software">
    Load filament, run calibration, install the slicer, learn nozzles, and send your first print.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Day 4: Filaments and materials science">
    Compare filament types, learn drying and storage, choose build surfaces, and explore colors and additives.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Day 5: Troubleshooting, maintenance, and capstone">
    Fix common print problems, maintain and upgrade your machine, then present your capstone project for judging.
  </Step>
</Steps>

### The capstone contest

Throughout the week you will plan, print, and present a project of your own in the **3D Printing Capstone Contest**. You pick your project on Day 1, print it across Days 2-4, and present it on Day 5. Winners choose a spool of premium tri-color silk filament.

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Choose and plan" icon="lightbulb">
    Pick a model to design or download, get it approved, and present your plan to the class on Day 1.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Design and print" icon="printer">
    Slice, print, and (optionally) post-process your project across the middle of the week.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Present and win" icon="trophy">
    Show your work on Day 5. You are judged on effort and problem-solving, not just perfection.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

### Camp format

* **Schedule**: Monday through Friday, 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM daily
* **Delivery**: Fully virtual with live facilitator-led instruction
* **Duration**: 3 hours per day, 5 days
* **Hardware**: Flashforge Adventurer 5M printer kit (shipped to each student)

### Your printer at a glance

The **Flashforge Adventurer 5M** is a fast, beginner-friendly FDM printer with automatic calibration and Wi-Fi printing.

| Specification          | Value                                 |
| ---------------------- | ------------------------------------- |
| Build volume           | 220 x 220 x 220 mm                    |
| Default nozzle         | 0.4 mm (0.25 / 0.6 / 0.8 mm optional) |
| Layer thickness        | 0.1 - 0.4 mm                          |
| Max print speed        | 300 mm/s                              |
| Max nozzle temperature | 280 C                                 |
| Supported filaments    | PLA, PETG, TPU, PLA-CF, PETG-CF       |
| Connectivity           | USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet                  |
| Weight                 | \~10.8 kg                             |

### Before you start

<Check>
  Confirm your Flashforge Adventurer 5M kit has arrived and you have a clear, flat workspace and a pair of scissors ready for Day 2.
</Check>

<Warning>
  The extruder and heated bed reach high temperatures during printing. Never touch the nozzle or bed while the printer is heating or running, and always print in a well-ventilated space.
</Warning>