Getting Started
Printing and Preparing Your 3D-PAWS Components
Building a 3D-Printed Automatic Weather Station (3D-PAWS) requires more than simply printing parts and snapping them together. Because printers, filament brands, and environmental conditions vary, careful material selection and proper post-processing are essential for a successful build.
This page outlines best practices for filament selection and part preparation before assembly.
Downloading the 3D-PAWS Print Files
All official 3D printable components for the 3D-PAWS are available in the public GitHub repository:
The repository contains organized STL files for each instrument and subsystem of the station. Files are grouped by component (e.g., rain gauge, wind sensors, radiation shield) to simplify printing and part management.
Before printing:
Download the latest version of the repository.
Review the folder structure to identify required parts.
Confirm your printer meets the recommended build volume (minimum 200 mm × 200 mm × 200 mm).
Verify scale and slicing settings before starting large prints.
Design updates are periodically released, so check the repository before beginning a new build to ensure you are using the most current files.
Choosing the Right Filament
Since the 3D-PAWS is designed for continuous outdoor use, UV resistance is critical.
Use ASA for Outdoor Components
We strongly recommend ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) for most components, especially those exposed to sunlight. ASA provides:
Excellent UV resistance
Good mechanical strength
Temperature stability
Long-term outdoor durability
For radiation shield components, use white, opaque ASA to maximize solar reflectivity and minimize heating of the sensors.
Recommended white ASA brands:
Polymaker
Overture
Approximately 2 kg of filament is required per station.
Keep Filament Dry
Humidity and filament do not mix.
ASA and ABS readily absorb moisture from the air, which can cause:
Poor layer adhesion
Surface defects
Stringing
Reduced strength
Store filament in a sealed container with desiccant and keep it dry prior to printing. If filament has been exposed to humidity for a long time, dry it before use according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
After Printing: Clean and Prepare Parts
3D printed parts require light finishing before assembly. Taking time here will make the build process much smoother.
Remove Supports Carefully
Some components include complex support structures.
Remove supports slowly and carefully.
Avoid twisting aggressively to prevent cracking.
Use picks, flush cutters, or pliers where appropriate.
Always check that support material has been completely removed from internal cavities and mating surfaces.
Remove Burrs and Surface Imperfections
Most parts will have small nubs, seams, or minor blemishes from the printing process.
Before assembly:
Lightly file all mating surfaces.
Remove small plastic nubs and stringing.
Clean push-fit and sealing surfaces thoroughly.
The 3D-PAWS design uses tight push-fit tolerances. Even small imperfections can prevent parts from seating properly.
Lightly Sand and Work Threaded Parts
Printed threads are functional but often tight at first.
Lightly sand threads if necessary.
Remove loose debris.
Thread components together slowly.
Back them out and repeat several times.
This process helps smooth minor imperfections and prevents cross-threading. Never force threaded parts together.
Dry Fit Before Final Assembly
Before gluing or permanently installing components:
Test-fit all parts.
Confirm alignment.
Ensure push-fit connections fully seat.
If something does not fit, inspect for leftover support material or minor surface defects before modifying the part.
Take Your Time
3D printing is both technical and practical. Small finishing steps — cleaning, sanding, and carefully working threads — greatly improve assembly success and long-term durability in the field.
Careful preparation now will result in a smoother build and a more reliable station outdoors.
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