AR 3D Printer Tutorial

Platform: Mobile Augmented Reality (AR)
Engine: Unreal Engine
Device Requirements: AR-supported mobile device (Android)

Overview

AR 3D Printer Tutorial is a mobile AR application designed to teach users how to use a 3D printer—specifically the Bambu Lab A1—through an interactive, gamified experience. By scanning a marker in the real world, users can place a virtual 3D printer, explore its components, and simulate a print process with visual and audio feedback. This project was done as part of the 2025SS Virtual and Augmented Reality: Advanced Topics and was also used for the class 2025SS Free and Open Technologies.

Creator: Renate Zhang

Features

Educational Focus

• Introduces users to key components of a 3D printer
• Guides users through setup and printing in an interactive way
• Encourages hands-on learning via immersive AR interactions

Core Functionality

• Image Tracking (Hiro Marker): Printer is placed precisely using a tracked image marker
• World-Anchored Interactions: The printer remains fixed in AR space relative to the environment
• UI Buttons (2D):
  • Start tutorial
  • Show component highlights
• 3D Buttons in AR:
  • Interact directly with the printer (e.g. press a virtual button on the printer’s display to start printing)
• Component Overlays: Toggle labels and highlights for extruder, bed, spool, etc.
• Animated Print Process: See the printer animate a simplified print in real time

Special Features

• Dynamic Content Generation: Simulate printing different models such as cubes, logos, or custom objects
• Parametric Print Models: Customize the model’s size, shape, and color via UI
• Spatial Audio: Directional sound effects simulate the printer's real acoustic behavior

How It Works

1. Launch the app and scan a Hiro marker to place the virtual printer.
2. Use on-screen (2D) UI to start the tutorial or highlight printer parts.
3. Interact with 3D buttons embedded in the printer, such as tapping the virtual screen to begin a print.
4. Customize the print model and watch the animation simulate the printing process.
5. Learn about key printer components with toggled highlights and visual overlays.

Tech Stack

• Unreal Engine with AR template
• ARCore / ARKit for image tracking
• Blueprints & C++ for logic and interaction
• 3D Models of the Bambu Lab A1 printer and printable objects
• Spatial Audio for immersive sound feedback