Hello everyone!
I'm running an introductory session on 3D printing this Wednesday at /usr/lib if anyone's interested in coming to check it out.
I'll be covering:
- What you can make
- What materials you can use
- Basic cost expectations of using online services such as Shapeways, Ponoko
- What software is available to use
- A quick demo on how easy it is to start making basic geometry in Blender.
- A lengthy Q&A at the end can be opened up, I can hang around for quite a while afterwards
3. WIKIPEDIA SEZ...
• “3D printing is a form of additive manufacturing technology
where a three dimensional object is created by laying down
successive layers of material.”
- Wikipedia
4. OR...
• “It's like bringing an inkjet printer into the third dimension!”
- Susan Hinton
15. 3D PRINTING:
• Adds rather than subtracts material to create the object
• Any waste is easily reused in next print run
• Print an object with moving parts all in one piece
• Fast way to test a design
• IT’S FRAKKING COOL!
16. SO, I WANT TO PRINT
SOMETHING.
Where do I start?
17. YOU WILL NEED...
•a computer
• 3D modelling software eg. CAD, Blender, Z-Brush
•A 3D printer or THE INTERNET
• Some pocket money
• Enthusiasm for learning by trial and error
23. THE PROCESS:
• 1) Create some cool stuff in 3D modelling software
• 2) Upload the model file to a 3D printing service online
• 3) Choose your material and order
• 4) Wait for it to arrive!
• 5) ???
• 6) Profit
27. EXAMPLE COSTS
• Plastic starts at $1.40 per cm cubed
• Stainless steel starts at $8.00 per cm cubed
• Glass starts at $6.00 per cm cubed
• most materials have a modest handling fee
28. AND WHERE DO I FIND FREE
SOFTWARE TO GET STARTED?
29. FREE 3D MODELLING WAREZ
• Blender (I use this) http://blender.org
• AutoDesk 123D http://www.123dapp.com/
• TinkerCAD http://tinkercad.com/ (browser based)
• Google SketchUp http://sketchup.google.com/
31. WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?
• It’s free!
• Blender can be a little tricky to learn at first
• You totally need a mouse (a trackpad will make you suicidal)
• Blender supports svg imports, can export to stl format
• There is good documentation and youtube tutes online
32. MOST COMMON TOOLS YOU
WILL USE IN BLENDER
• Scale - sizing of objects and polygons
• Extrude - give that mofo some depth, yo
• Boolean modifier - drill holes and scoop out areas
• Loop cut and subdivide - make some new detail to work with