Slicer Manual : Bambu Studio : File Management

🗂️ File Management

Now that we have our files on the printer, on the computer, and in the design software, it’s time to properly organize and store them.

📌 Proper file management is crucial! If you don’t follow a structured organization method from the start, you’ll get lost in hundreds or even thousands of files later!

🔹 Why Is Proper Organization Important?

💡 Right now, you may have only a few dozen files.
📂 In a year, that number will grow to hundreds.
📁 In five years, you’ll be searching through thousands of files!

👉 If you don’t establish an organized storage system from the beginning, you’ll waste hours looking for files – I’ve been there myself!

🔹 The Problem with Slicers & the Solution

📌 Modern slicers have a bad habit of saving additional data inside the original solid file.

🚨 Why is this a problem?
✅ If you make changes and overwrite a file, you could lose the original version!
✅ If you add multiple parts to slice them together, the original model might get replaced!

👉 The solution:
Always ZIP the file that contains the original model structure! 🗜️

This way, even if you make changes, you’ll always have a secure backup of the original file.

🎯 Recommended File Organization System

📌 This is how I manage my files, and I recommend you do the same!
It will help us stay organized, especially when working together in lessons.

✅ Use clear folders and subfolders:

✅ Name your files properly!
📌 Instead of "model_1.stl", use "Gear_Mount_V2.stl" – so you always know what the file is!

✅ Always keep a backup file!
📌 Your ZIP archive will save you from lost edits!

🚀 By following this method, you’ll always find your files quickly and easily! 📂✨

🔹 File Management in 3D Design & Printing

📌 Why is Proper File Management Important?
Once you start working with 3D design and 3D printing, proper file organization is not just a good habit—it is absolutely essential.

✔️ Every file you create can be worth anywhere from a few hundred to tens of thousands of euros.
✔️ If a file is lost, it may require redesigning from scratch, resulting in wasted time and money.
✔️ A well-structured file organization will allow you to work faster and more efficiently without searching for lost files or facing production issues.

📂 File Organization Structure

1️⃣ Main Project Folder

📌 We create a central folder for each project, using a unique code for the file.
✅ The code can include the date, client name, or project ID.
✅ All other folders are structured within this main folder.

🔹 Example of folder naming:
📂 P-20240120-XYZ-ProductName

2️⃣ SOLID Folder (Original Design Files)

📌 Contains the original file received from the client or created by us.
✅ The file is stored as a ZIP to prevent corruption or accidental modification.

🔹 Why zip the file?
❌ Editing software (e.g., Fusion 360, Bambu Studio) tends to alter original files unexpectedly.
✅ With ZIP, we ensure we always have a "clean" backup copy.

🔹 Example of file naming:
📄 XYZ_Product_V1_20240120.zip

3️⃣ PROJECT Folder (Working Files for Editing)

📌 Contains all files used for editing before printing.
✅ Each milestone is saved as a separate ZIP to maintain a history of changes.

🔹 Example:
📄 XYZ_Product_Project_V2_20240201.f3d
📄 XYZ_Product_Project_V3_20240215.f3d (zipped milestone)

4️⃣ PRINT Folder (Final Print-Ready Files)

📌 Contains the final print files, ready to be sent to the printer.
✅ Files should not be editable to prevent unintentional modifications.
✅ File names must include:

✔️ Product code
✔️ Quantity
✔️ Print time
✔️ Print weight (grams)
✔️ Printer model and nozzle type

🔹 Example of file naming:
📄 XYZ_Product_10pcs_3h20m_85g_P1.6_BambuX1C.gcode

5️⃣ PRODUCT MEDIA Folder (Product Photos & Videos)

📌 Stores photos and videos of the product for documentation and marketing purposes.
✅ Useful when managing multiple designs and needing quick reference.

🔹 Example of contents:
📸 XYZ_Product_Photo_Front.jpg
📸 XYZ_Product_Photo_Side.jpg
📹 XYZ_Product_Showcase.mp4

6️⃣ PRINT MEDIA Folder (Printing Process Documentation)

📌 Contains videos and photos of the printing process and post-processing.
✅ Useful for training employees or diagnosing issues if something goes wrong.
✅ Includes a production checklist and notes on potential problems.

🔹 Example of files:
📸 XYZ_Product_Print_Phase1.jpg
📹 XYZ_Product_PostProcess.mp4
📄 XYZ_Product_Print_Info.txt (Checklists and settings)

7️⃣ CAD Folder (CAD Design Files)

📌 Contains the original CAD files (Fusion 360, SolidWorks, etc.).
✅ Saved as a ZIP for protection.
✅ If changes are needed, we use the last milestone of the file.

🔹 Example of file naming:
📄 XYZ_Product_V4_20240210.f3d (latest CAD version)

8️⃣ CONTRACT Folder (Contracts & Agreements)

📌 Contains all information regarding the collaboration with the client.
✅ Design & production contracts.
✅ Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs).
✅ Invoices & financial transactions.

🔹 Example of files:
📄 XYZ_Product_Contract_20240125.pdf
📄 XYZ_Product_NDA_20240126.pdf

📌 Enhanced Data Security

To protect our files from loss or accidental deletion, we follow a specific backup strategy:

✔️ Daily backups on an external hard drive.
✔️ Cloud backups (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive).
✔️ Keep at least 2-3 file versions to restore previous versions if needed.

🎯 Conclusion

🚀 Proper file management is ESSENTIAL if you want to be a professional in 3D design & printing.

✔️ A lost file can cost hundreds or thousands of euros.
✔️ Always keep backups in at least two locations.
✔️ Use a clear folder structure & file naming system.

📌 If you follow this methodology, you will never lose a file again, and your work will be much more organized and professional! ✅