November Mission Model Discussion: M03 - 3D PRINTING

Welcome to the November Mission Model Discussion! From now until just before Thanksgiving this space will feature ONE part of the FIRST LEGO League INTO ORBIT game challenge per day. The Robot Game is only 1/4th of the overall FIRST LEGO League challenge for teams this year!
This post is meant to be an aid, not a replacement for carefully reading the Challenge Guide and Updates!

Today we will explore M03 - 3D PRINTING

At the Beginning of the Match

The 3D Printer is secured to the mat in the Northwest quadrant of the board. The red LEGO brick is preloaded into the front of the 3D printer the internal bar is in its up-most position.

Required for Scoring

The LEGO brick is ejected by placing a Regolith Core Sample (obtainable in M05) into the 3D printer (typically from the top). Additional scoring is possible by placing the LEGO brick completely in the Northeast Planet Area (where the Lander M15 is located)

Points

0 - The red LEGO brick is still in the 3D printer or was not removed by placing the Regolith Core Sample into the 3D Printer
18 - The LEGO brick was removed by placing the Regolith Core Sample, and is not completely in the Northeast Planet area
22 - The LEGO brick was removed by placing the Regolith Core Sample  and it is completely in the Northeast Planet Area

Note from Oregon Head Referee Tom

Only a Regolith Core Sample (not Gas or Water) may be used in the 3D Printer.

Real World Impact

3D printing, especially from materials already found at an off-earth location reduces the payload of spacecraft and increases the ability to manufacture items that have not been transported, but may be needed. 3D printing in space provides a versatility for future long-term space exploration. It could useful in constructing shelter and supplies that will wear out on long missions.

Discussion

The 3D printer is a simple mission but requires a model from another mission. Does this multi-step component make this mission a  no-go for your team? Is it more efficient to attempt this mission immediately after collecting the Regolith Core, or is it better to do it in a different run?