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Welcome to Advanced 3D Printing

Today kicks off the Advanced 3D Printing STEM workshop. Over the next five days you will build a real 3D printer, learn how it works from the ground up, and use it to design and print a project of your own.
Schedule: Monday through Friday, 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM ET each day. Today is all foundations - do not unbox your printer yet. We build together on Day 2.
By the end of today you will:
  • Understand where 3D printing came from and how far it has come
  • Explain how an FDM printer turns filament into a finished part
  • Identify every major component of your printer and what it does
  • Choose your capstone contest project and present your plan

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How this week works

This camp is hands-on. Each day builds on the last, and most days end with real work on your own machine.

Day 1: Foundations

Learn the history, the science, and the anatomy of your printer. Pick your capstone project.

Day 2: Unboxing and assembly

Build your Adventurer 5M piece by piece, following along with the video guides.

Day 3: First print and software

Load filament, calibrate, install the slicer, and send your first print.

Day 4: Materials science

Master filaments, drying, build surfaces, and additives.

Day 5: Troubleshoot and present

Fix common problems, maintain your machine, and present your capstone.

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What you will need this week

Your printer kit

The Flashforge Adventurer 5M kit shipped to your home. Keep it boxed until Day 2.

A clear workspace

A flat, sturdy surface with room to spread out parts. A desk or table works well.

A pair of scissors

You will need scissors to open the box and trim filament during assembly.

Your home Wi-Fi info

Know your network name and password. You will connect the printer to Wi-Fi on Day 3.

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Today’s schedule

Come to Day 2 with your printer box nearby, unopened, and your workspace cleared. We unbox and assemble live together.
Once you begin assembly, be careful not to lose any parts. Kit components are not individually replaceable, so keep small screws and tools organized in your workspace.