Final Quiz

Test your understanding of the entire 3D printing guide with this comprehensive quiz covering design, preparation, operation, and post-processing.

### Which file format is most commonly exported from Tinkercad for 3D printing? 1. [x] STL > STL files are widely supported by slicers and are the standard for FDM printing. 1. [ ] DOCX 1. [ ] PSD ### To avoid sagging overhangs without supports, what design guideline should you follow? 1. [x] Keep overhang angles at or above 45 degrees > Angles steeper than 45° usually require supports to print successfully. 1. [ ] Use a 90-degree overhang on every edge 1. [ ] Increase layer height to 0.5 mm ### You need two parts to slide together easily but stay aligned. Which fit and clearance should you design for? 1. [ ] Press fit with 0.1 mm clearance 1. [x] Slip fit with 0.2 mm clearance > A slip fit allows easy assembly and disassembly while maintaining alignment. 1. [ ] Loose clearance fit with 0.5 mm clearance ### When naming your G-code file for submission at USF, which example follows the required format? 1. [ ] Project1.gcode 1. [x] Garcia_M_SEC2_Brace.gcode > The required format is LastName_FirstInitial_Professor_Section_ModelName.gcode. 1. [ ] gear.gcode ### Your .3mf submission was automatically rejected by the Jotform system. What is the most likely cause? 1. [x] You used File > Save instead of "Export plate sliced file" from the dropdown menu > A regular project save does not contain slicing data. You must use "Export plate sliced file" to embed print time, filament usage, and validation data. 1. [ ] You forgot to name the file correctly 1. [ ] The model was too large for the build plate ### Why should you preview the sliced model before exporting the G-code? 1. [ ] It automatically starts the print 1. [x] To catch missing supports or adhesion issues ahead of time > Previewing helps identify problems before you waste time and filament on a failed print. 1. [ ] It changes the filament color ### After a print completes, what is the first step before removing the part from the build plate? 1. [x] Allow the build plate to cool to room temperature > Cooling lets the plastic harden and release naturally, protecting both the print and the build plate. 1. [ ] Flex the plate immediately while it's hot 1. [ ] Turn off the printer and walk away ### While printing, the corners of your part are lifting off the build plate. What is the recommended first adjustment? 1. [x] Add a one-layer brim in the slicer > A brim increases surface area on the build plate, improving adhesion and reducing warping. 1. [ ] Switch to a metal filament 1. [ ] Increase print speed by 50% ### Thin plastic hairs appear between features of your print. What change often helps reduce this stringing? 1. [x] Lower the nozzle temperature by 5–10 °C > High nozzle temperatures can cause filament to ooze and form strings between travel moves. 1. [ ] Disable cooling fans entirely 1. [ ] Double the infill percentage ### During normal operations, when is the DFX lab generally open? 1. [x] Monday through Friday, 8 am–5 pm > These are the standard hours when the University is open. 1. [ ] 24/7 access, including holidays 1. [ ] Weekends only, 9 am–3 pm ### Why should you keep your USB drive with you while the printer is running? 1. [x] You may need it to restart or adjust the print without re-slicing > Having the drive nearby allows quick intervention if something goes wrong. 1. [ ] The printer will erase the drive when finished 1. [ ] To keep it warm for the next print ### The slicer automatically created a second build plate when you imported multiple models. What does this indicate? 1. [x] The parts do not fit on one plate with their current orientation > Multiple plates are generated when models exceed the build area together. 1. [ ] The slicer detected a filament jam 1. [ ] Your computer is low on memory ### A design requires a bridge spanning 30 mm. What modification would most improve print success? 1. [x] Redesign to shorten the span or add supports > Bridges longer than about 20 mm are unreliable without redesign or support. 1. [ ] Increase layer height to 0.3 mm 1. [ ] Disable retraction settings entirely ### In an FDM printer, which component pushes filament toward the hotend? 1. [x] Extruder > The extruder feeds filament into the hotend where it is melted. 1. [ ] Heated bed 1. [ ] Cooling fan ### Compared to subtractive methods, what is a primary advantage of additive manufacturing? 1. [x] It creates complex parts with minimal material waste > Additive processes build objects layer by layer, using only the material needed. 1. [ ] It requires cutting away more material 1. [ ] It limits design flexibility ### Why should you choose the bottom face of your model early in the design process? 1. [x] To minimize bad overhangs and ensure good bed adhesion > Knowing the orientation from the start helps you avoid troublesome overhangs. 1. [ ] To make the slicer run faster 1. [ ] To reduce the STL file size ### Your model must be exactly 5.5 mm tall, but you plan to slice at 0.2 mm layer height. How can you improve Z‑accuracy? 1. [x] Adjust the layer height so the model height divides evenly > Matching layer height to model height avoids rounding errors during slicing. 1. [ ] Increase infill to 50% 1. [ ] Switch to tree supports ### At USF, what infill density is recommended for most functional prints? 1. [x] 15% > This density balances strength and material use for typical parts. 1. [ ] 5% 1. [ ] 50% ### Which Orca Flashforge tools automatically rotate and position parts for optimal printing? 1. [x] Auto Orient and Arrange All Objects > These features analyze models to find the best orientation and layout on the build plate. 1. [ ] Tree Supports and Gyroid 1. [ ] Preheat Bed and Extruder ### Before starting a print, which step belongs on your pre‑flight checklist? 1. [x] Verify the build plate is clean and properly installed > A clean, secure plate promotes good adhesion and prevents failures. 1. [ ] Disable the cooling fan 1. [ ] Remove the USB drive ### What tool should you use first to remove large support structures after printing? 1. [x] Flush‑cutters > Snipping big supports with flush‑cutters makes the remaining cleanup easier. 1. [ ] Hammer 1. [ ] Screwdriver