Fabrication
3D Printing
Turn a drawing on screen into something you can hold.
Unlike carving wood or molding clay, a 3D printer builds objects by adding material layer by layer, starting from the bottom and working its way up. In this Tech Crest you will learn how 3D printers work, how to use them, and how to troubleshoot common printing problems.
Last updated
April 30, 2026Requirements
17 itemsSections
5Target time
~5 hoursFor completion
Student / Scout name
Team number / Unit
Trainer / Leader name
Start date
The process
- Identify a trainer with your coach's approval and confirm their availability.
- Meet with your trainer. Discuss your plan of work and timeline.
- Complete the requirements at your own pace. Check off items as you go.
- When you have satisfied all requirements, present yourself for review.
- Trainer verifies completion and submits the Tech Crest Completion Form.
Scan to Submit
Tech Crest Completion Form
When all requirements are satisfied, trainers use this form to officially record the completion and provide feedback.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdAa-BEWEFTD-7Xy7xBCb7xANrmGfLe8Cgs4L2bm5YexYSiRQ/viewform
Disclaimer
Tech Crests™ are developed by Scouting Robotics, Inc in partnership with FIRST Robotics Competition Team 321, the RoboLancers. Copyright is assigned to Scouting Robotics, Inc. All rights reserved. This document is provided freely for public review. Teams may implement the Tech Crests™ system if they agree to use the provided completion form to provide usage tracking data and feedback. Tech Crests™ is a registered trademark of Scouting Robotics, Inc.
Scouting Robotics
scoutingrobotics.org
Page 1
Safety
1 requirement
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1. Explain risks in working with a 3D printer. What parts of the printer should you avoid when the printer is on?NotesTrainer initials
Scouting Robotics · 3D Printing
Section: Safety
Page 2
3D Printing Basics
4 requirements
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2. Learn the fundamentals of 3D printing:
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2a. Identify the following parts of a 3D printer: filament, extruder, printing bed, build plate, hot end, X axis, Y axis, Z axis.NotesTrainer initials
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2b. Explain in your own words how a 3D printer works.NotesTrainer initials
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2c. Explain what types of robot parts are appropriate and inappropriate to make on a 3D printer.NotesTrainer initials
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2d. Identify three different filament materials, explain the differences between them, and give an example of a good use for each.NotesTrainer initials
Scouting Robotics · 3D Printing
Section: 3D Printing Basics
Page 3
Preparing a Print
5 requirements
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3. Explain each aspect of preparing a file for printing:
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3a. Explain how a file is prepared for printing, including what information is encoded in a CAD model, an .stl file, and G-code.NotesTrainer initials
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3b. Explain print supports and tell why a print might need supports.NotesTrainer initials
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3c. Explain the difference between a raft, brim, and skirt, and tell when it is appropriate to use each.NotesTrainer initials
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3d. Define bed adhesion and explain why it is important for a successful print.NotesTrainer initials
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3e. Define purge line and explain its importance.NotesTrainer initials
Scouting Robotics · 3D Printing
Section: Preparing a Print
Page 4
Troubleshooting
1 requirement
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4. Match pictures to the printing issue and explain what you would do to address each: underextrusion, overextrusion, layer shift, layer separation, nozzle clog.
NotesTrainer initials
Scouting Robotics · 3D Printing
Section: Troubleshooting
Page 5
Demonstrate Skills
6 requirements
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5. Design and prepare your print:
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5a. Design a simple part to print using the CAD software of your choice (Onshape, for example) OR select a simple part to print that someone else designed (downloaded from Thingiverse or Printables, for example).NotesTrainer initials
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5b. Select appropriate filament, bed texture, perimeters, top and bottom layers, infill, print orientation, and supports for your part. Justify your choices.NotesTrainer initials
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5c. Slice a file and send it to the printer.NotesTrainer initials
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6. Run your print:
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6a. Prepare your printer by cleaning and installing the correct printer bed, performing Z-calibration, and loading the correct filament.NotesTrainer initials
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6b. Start the print and watch the completion of the first layer to make sure the print is proceeding correctly. If the print fails, troubleshoot and restart the print.NotesTrainer initials
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6c. When the print completes successfully, remove your finished part from the bed. Remove any supports or raft/brim/skirt from the part. Remove the purge line from the bed.NotesTrainer initials
Student signature
Date: ____________
Trainer signature
Date: ____________
Next step — Trainer action required
After signing, the trainer submits the Tech Crest Completion Form at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdAa-BEWEFTD-7Xy7xBCb7xANrmGfLe8Cgs4L2bm5YexYSiRQ/viewform to record this completion and provide usage feedback.
Scouting Robotics · 3D Printing
Section: Demonstrate Skills
Page 6