project 2 final draft

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Apr 3, 2024

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Ever since the early 2000s, 3D printing has skyrocketed in popularity . From enthusiasts to professionals, t hose innovations have since allowed anybody to fabricate anything of their choosing, with t he limit only being one’s imagination. With recent advancements having profound effects on not only towards hobbyists, but also manufacturing in general. The 3D printing community is well known for fabricating physical objects from digital formats. This essay will attempt to analyze how the 3D printing community communicates in different forms of writing ; it d o es so by their extensive use of By utilizing digital communication , the 3D printing community can communicate in a way that is easy to understand, informative, and entertaining. One of the ways members of the 3D printing community communicate with one another is via Reddit posts. On each post, every member is expected to be familiar with the terminology commonly used. It can be things from the prefixes on commands and what they do, the different types of printing and their abbreviations, even specific terms such as bed leveling. On R/3Dprinting, a Redditor that goes by the name of u/buba447, showcased a functional Simpsons TV via video clip. The finished product is roughly the size of one’s hand, plays the first 11 seasons and requires no internet connection. For this project, OP lists the parts used in his project, starting with a Raspberry Pi Zero, a speaker, a small display, and an SD card [1]. These parts may be familiar to those that are more experienced in a technical sense, but it does not account for those that are new to this community. Reddit as a platform, allows members of any subreddit to post many types of content. Ranging from traditional forum posts to short video clips. The aforementioned Reddit post represents a small glimpse into how this platform allows users to essentially showcase the many possibilities of 3D printing. Members on this subreddit can post content of their choosing, as long as it still falls within what’s defined in the rules. Because a large number of the posts are for the sake of not only showing off a final product, but also to demonstrate the functionality of the project, it benefits the viewer immensely by showing them the end result of a specific permutation of off the shelf parts without delving too far into the details. However, another important

aspect of Reddit is that it also allows other users to comment on the post in question. In the same Reddit thread, one user inquired on how the TV played episodes in random order, with another user responding with one line of code that enables said functionality, “omxplayer `ls simpsons*.mp4 | shuf | head -n1` “[1]. What the line of code is doing is it’s asking the video player, commonly referred to as omxplayer for Raspberry Pi’s to play video files after the commands in quotes have finished running. The previously mentioned command asks the Raspberry Pi to shuffle all files that start with the word simpsons and has the .mp4 file extension and then to play the first one. The Reddit comments is not only a learning tool, but also a space where collaborative work can be done. Here a member explains how the shuffle function works just from a single line of code. That explanation allows for users to create their own variations of that shuffle command, where said variations do not revolve around video files but where a command requires some form of randomness to it. On the other hand, the comments section enables many users to collaborate together to create practical and worthwhile additions to the original project. Here in the comments section, a few users had the idea of the inclusion of a solar panel to untether the project from the power source, that originally being through a cable. Although this is only a single instance of collaboration within the comments section, if this pattern were to be done on a larger scale, say for every post, then the resultant would be every member that posts will get useful feedback. Where users can collaboratively work on DIY projects on forum posts, a prerequisite for that to happen is owning a printer to start the project. Unfortunately, due to the large number of printers to choose from, deciding on which printer to get can prove time consuming and difficult. An article from Tom’s Hardware features a large list of popular 3D printers on the market, with each entry featuring reasons to buy and reasons to avoid [2]. The main reason this article exists is that it is purely made for new members. New members require an easy to find site with only the simple, yet important details of each printer. On the article, there are a significant number of differences that set each printer apart. Some of them construct structures by utilizing ultraviolet light while others print by melting plastic.

Some of them are restricted to smaller projects, while some of them allow for bigger ones. From the point of view of a new member to this community, choosing which one to purchase would be both rather difficult and time consuming . However, the article simplifies the process of deciding which one to purchase by only including key aspects in reasons to buy and reasons to avoid. Because of the simplicity, newer members will have an easier time finding the right printer rather than find the pros and cons of each printer by hand. This way, a new member only needs to decide on the pros and cons of each printer instead of the full picture. On the other hand, the article has printer specifications on each entry that appeals to the more experienced members. In each entry, it lists qualities such as the maximum build size down to the millimeter, whether the printer has automatic calibration of the print head to ensure that the printing does not fail at any point during the printing process, and whether it prints by melting plastic or via UV light [2]. In the case where an experienced member is looking for a new printer, the exact details is more important to them. In o ther words, the technical details listed for each printer are catered more towards long term members due to how specific those details are. If they were printing a large object, they would need to know just how big the maximum build size is for the printer in question , down to the exact millimeter. . That needs to be as precise as it can. This also extends to the level of detail that their project needs. If their project requires extremely fine and intricate details, they need to know how the printer constructs the object. The simple aspect of having technical details listed saves both time and effort for experienced members. Given that the most common printing styles is either melting plastic, also known as FDM or resin based, the inclusion of what printing technology is necessary in the article. In the case where forum posts fail to offer support, a member can always head to the dedicated 3D printing discord server for assistance. As seen in a help thread in the 3D printing discord server, a member, going by the alias iNtern had the issue of inconsistent lines showing up on his print at seemingly random intervals. He showed pictures of 3 different prints, all of which had the same issue but

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at different heights, with another user responding with, “Your Z rod on the K1 might be faulty or very odd making it reliable” [3]. Here K1 is referring to the Creality K1 printer and the Z rod referring to the rod responsible for the 3D printer’s vertical movement. In mathematics, 3D space has 3 axes, the X, Y, and Z. The X and Y axes are responsible for horizontal movement, while Z axis is for the vertical motion. Considering that FDM printers construct objects by melting the filament, typically made out of plastic, and successively stacking each layer on top of the previous, examining the Z rod for any issues would be an ideal first step to a solution. Although it logically makes sense to examine the Z rod when the inconsistency occurs after several successful layers, a bent Z rod is not a common issue within 3D printers as a whole. A problem as obscure as this may be overlooked by some members. Despite that, the size of the 3D printing Discord server directly appeals to how accessible support is. Discord is designed to not only allow users to communicate with one another in a one-on-one fashion, but to many other users publicly. In this case, it enables members to receive one on one support to address the more nuanced and complicated issues with their printers while also minimizing the time between when a support thread is created and when a member responds. There are many subtopics within the 3D printing community; each printer has its own set of pros and cons alongside unique technical details. While it isn’t realistic to assume each member is knowledgeable in every subtopic, each member does specialize in individual topics. This aspect allows all users to get specialized and reliable help on all of their problems, many of which would be covered under the vast expertise possessed from the community as a collective. While new members to the 3D printing community can ask others to help them understand the terminology used within the community and the overall printing process from start to finish, there are other resources that offer a more comprehensive explanation. One of which being a Github page that defines everything a new member would need to know with corresponding hyperlinks. It outlines the why one would 3D print, the four steps of printing, outsourcing printing services, which printers to get,

where to find models, all the way down to cleaning up the part afterwards. For new members, a comprehensive guide such as this one is invaluable. For instance, the section about slicing programs is defined as, “Slicing software takes a 3d model and turns it into instructions for the 3D printer. The instructions are generally exported in a GCode file which is a list of locations to move to, amount of filament to extrude, and other printer commands” [4]. As described in the page, slicing software is implied to be a key point in the 3D printing process. It is the very first step before any printing can be done. While the term GCode could be unfamiliar to the reader, the description defines it in an understandable way. This way, the reader will understand that in order to start printing, the instructions to construct the object from start to finish need to be generated first. Their understanding comes from a simple explanation of a technical term. Considering new members join this community quite frequently, it is important for the community as a collective to not discourage them with the use of abbreviated terms alongside commonly used terminology within resources tailored towards beginners. The extensive use of simple and understandable vocabulary on resources designed for beginners enables them to quickly obtain a solid grasp and understanding of the terms used, printing equipment and software. This structure is not limited to the Slicing software section, however. This pattern is used throughout this GitHub document, further exemplifying this community’s responsibility to put new members first. Another beneficial resource that this page provides are hyperlinks to corresponding resources. Going back to the slicers section, there are hyperlinks to not only the most popular ones used, but to a list of other slicing software, each one including the price, which operating systems they work on, and miscellaneous notes [4]. While the user can choose the one of two most popular slicing programs, it’s important for them to know if the slicing program they are looking at is compatible with their use case. In the list, some of the notes for some printers indicate that they are for very specific purposes. Some of which are best suited for resin printers, multicolor prints, and for specific printers exclusively. The inclusion of a list for users to choose which program to use further contributes to the priorities this

community has. Instead of forcing members to follow a ‘one size fits all’ type of solution, allowing them to choose and shape their use cases around the resources available rather than attempting to make a piece of software work when it is not compatible with their use case highlights the dedication this community has towards beginners. Although many members have an active involvement within the community, there are also many members that have a more passive role. Those members in question may not directly interact in forum sites or Discord servers, but will still see the content commonly shared on them. On the Reddit post showcasing a 3D printed Simpsons TV, all of the comments can be seen by any user [1]. In that post, there were a few comment threads that gave improvements to the original project, including but not limited to code that enabled the unit to play random episodes indefinitely. A fundamental design aspect of Reddit is the publicity of the comments section. That allows any user to view what’s in the comments section. Due to the public aspect of Reddit Because of that, , any user, including members that do not actively participate, will be able to view and learn from the comments section without commenting themselves. Within the comments section, the parts list, file to print the chassis, and enough details regarding the software setup are already present within the comments readily available . . In the case where a member wanted to make the TV for themself, the information present in the comments section would suffice. Another way members can indirectly interact with the community is via YouTube videos. In Shawn Gano’s timelapse video on printing Baby Groot, it highlights the possibilities of 3D printing in regards to highly detailed prints [5]. As the printer does its job, it gradually reveals that the object has a significant amount of minute details, especially in the shoulders and torso area, where the individual branches can be seen. At first, newer members may seem unsure on how detailed a specific print can get considering that the construction process involves stacking layers of plastic onto the next , however t he video clarifies that point of confusion as it visibly demonstrates that FDM printers have the capability to create quite detailed prints . That video in particular has an important aspect where it is providing a

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visual demonstration of the capabilities of a printer in regards to the level of detail, further showing that when it comes to 3D printing, there is no limit on the level of detail. Considering that most 3D printers, with the exception of resin-based printers, print projects in 2D layers, the video emphasizes that there is no limit on how complex one’s prints can be. For new members specifically, a video such as this provides valuable insight into the possibilities of 3D printing. This way, it encourages newer members to go beyond objects that are simple in nature. Whilst the 3D printing subreddit allows members to showcase and receive support on their projects, the content of the posts is limited to what one’s budget allows. Examining 3D printing on a larger scale has many implications for the future. On Instagram, a post from the user Archisource, shows the construction of a small house using the same technique of additive manufacturing many smaller scale projects use [6]. One of the most important design aspects of Instagram is the massive reach of posts. Popular posts have the possibility going viral and spreading extremely quickly. In this case, the post serves as a proof of concept that homes can be mass produced by automating the construction of the outer section Setting aside the small size of the house, the post is an excellent proof of concept that homes can be mass produced . This further implies t T hat the automated construction of homes has has major implications in regards to the housing market, where it has the possibility to affect both supply and price. The relationship between supply and price are inversely proportional; an increase in supply reduces the price. effects both price and supply. With that in mind, the post does show that there is a better and more efficient way to construct homes in the future. having a way to automate the process of constructing a home in an affordable but repeatable manner allows for an influx of homes to enter the market. Not only that, the video’s implications extend to construction workers. Throughout the course of the video clip, it shows the workers focusing on the smaller things such as the windowsill [6]. Even

though the video clip only shows the workers working on a hypothetical first floor of a home, it does highlight another benefit of partially automating the construction process of building a home, one of which being reduced hazards. Construction workers face many risks on the job, some of which being the possibility of falling from high heights, slipping hazards, and structural failures. However, the inherent precision that 3D printing provides, directly mitigates the risk of structural failures. The implications the video implies has a ripple effect of sorts when it comes to the overall safety of the construction workers; r R educing the risk of structural failures via 3D printing reduces the risk of struck-by hazards while which also reduces reducing the risk of falling. The integration of 3D printing into the process of building homes has profound implications to both the housing market and construction jobs as a whole. To conclude, writing is a key component of any community , especially for a community as large as the 3D printing community, where the communication within remains nearly entirely digital. The writing used is mostly informal , with common examples being popular social media platforms . T he only exception being the form of writing that classifies as documentation, where the specifics and clear language is a requirement . All of the previously mentioned examples of writing all work together towards the main goals of the community, to facilitate accessibility of new knowledge to new members and to allow members to view each other’s projects. Type Works cited Reddit post [1] “r/3Dprinting - I designed and printed a working Simpsons TV. Plays the first 11 seasons at random without internet. Knobs work too!,” www.reddit.com. https://www.reddit.com/r/3Dprinting/comments/p9lasb/i_designed_and_printed_a_w orking_simpsons_tv/ Article [2] Andrew Sink Contributions from Denise Bertacchi published, “Best 3D Printers 2022: FDM, Resin and Sub-$250 Models,” Tom’s Hardware , Mar. 11, 2022.

https://www.tomshardware.com/best-picks/best-3d-printers Discord texts Github page [3] “Random inconsistent layers,” drive.google.com , Oct. 05, 2023. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1bnbfhuJzy47FQ21LnR20yHTokFczPjaS? usp=sharing (accessed Oct. 15, 2023). [4] “Getting Started,” GitHub , Jun. 23, 2020. https://github.com/3D-Printing-Discord/wiki/wiki/Getting-Started (accessed Oct. 15, 2023). YouTube video [5] S. Gano, “Baby Groot - 3D Printing Time Lapse,” YouTube . Feb. 10, 2017. [YouTube Video]. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_QhY1aABsE Instagram post [6] “Instagram,” www.instagram.com , Oct. 08, 2023. https://www.instagram.com/reel/CyHKDusNcQf/?igshid=NzZhOTFlYzFmZQ%3D%3D (accessed Oct. 15, 2023).

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