Introduction to 3D printing
Introduction to 3D printing
Overview
Introduction to 3D Printers
Notes
- The NExT Lab provides access to;
- 30x Replicator+ 3D printers with a printable area of 295mm x 195mm x 165mm (LxWxH) and
- 2x Replicator Z18 3D printers with a printable area of 300mm x 300mm x 450mm (LxWxH).
Resources
Introduction to 3D Printing
Notes
- FDM 3D printing consist of four key elements:
- the shell
- infill structure
- support structure
- raft
Design Guidelines
What Geometry can be 3D Printed?
Notes
- 3D printable models need to be closed objects.
- In Rhino use the 'Properties' tab and check for a 'Closed Polysurface' or 'Closed Mesh'.
- Use the 'Shaded' display style, specifying a bright 'backface' colour via the display tab and add a custom colour for naked edges to highlight these objects further.
Object Scale for FDM 3D Printing
Notes
- For display models we recommend;
- minimum thickness of 2mm
- maximum width to span ratio of 1:4.
- For working parts we recommend prototyping your design to determine a suitable thickness based on the amount of force resistance required.
Display models: Massing vs Detailed
Notes
- It is important to consider the level of detail represented in your model.
- In digital models geometry can be infinitesimally small, however in manufacturing the level of detail able to be reproduced and the level of detail perceived by the human eye needs much larger allowances.
Modifying Detail for Massing Models
Notes
- Commands used in the video are;
- _Scale = 1/500
- _ZSA = Zoom Selected in All viewports
- _DupFaceBorder
- _ExtrudeCrv
- _Invert
- _PointsOn
- _ExtrudeCrvAlongCrv
- _BooleanDifference
Modifying Detail for Detailed Display Models
Notes
- Commands used in the video are;
- _Scale = 1/100
- _ThicknessAnalysis = min:1mm max:2mm
- _DupFaceBorder
- _ExtrudeCrv
- _PointsOn
- _SetPt
- _ExtrudeCrvAlongCrv
- _BooleanDifference
- _Box
- _ExtrudeSrf = 0.3
- _BooleanUnion
- _FilletEdge
- _BoundingBox
- _Scale1D
Mesh Preparation
Fixing Open Objects
Notes
- Do not print open objects. They can cause errors in the 3D print preparation software which may result your model not being printed as you have intended, such as;
- Areas may be missing
- Artifacts may appear as the object is attempted to be reconciled
- Excessive material may be used as unnecessary amounts of support structure is generated causing higher costs and longer print times.
- Helpful commands are;
- _SelOpenPolysrf
- _SelSrf
- _SelOpenMesh
- If your model is classed as 'Open' use _ShowEdges = _NakedEdges.
- To fix these objects you can use;
- _Cap
- _Sweep2
- _Loft
- _EdgeSrf
Object Intersections
Notes
- To check if objects are intersecting, select multiple objects and use the command _Intersect, or _MeshIntersect.
- In this example I have used the command _Move = Vertical, to fix this intersection issue.
- You may need to use the command _Scale1D or _DupFaceBorder and _ExtrudeCrv to fix your intersections
Aligning Objects
Notes
- You can use the command _Align = Bottom in the Left or Right viewport to ensure multiple objects are not located at different heights and will therefore require additional unnecessary support material to 3D print.
Meshing Guidelines
Meshing your Model
Notes
- Using the basic meshing slider accessed by using the _Mesh command
- The default 50% is a suitable compromise between file size and print quality. Use the command _Check to perform a diagnostic scan of your model, remember a 'BadMesh' is not always a problem just ensure your mesh contains no 'NakedEdges'.
- We strongly encourage you to learn more about mesh settings. Please start with the resources below.
Resources
- For more information on detailed meshing controls see here: Polygon Mesh Detailed
Fixing & Exporting a mesh from Rhino
Notes
- The command _MeshRepair will assist you to repair a 'badmesh', you should attempt to resolve any 'Degenerate Faces, Duplicate Faces and Inconsistent Normals'. Additionally you should 'Fill All Small Holes '
- The automatic mesh repair is a great for beginners and simple models. As you improve begin you modelling with mesh generation in mind to prevent issues like this.
Fixing a mesh online with NetFabb
Resources
- Use NetFabb online here
- Downloadable mesh repair tools including NetFabb Desktop, Autodesk Meshmixer or Blender.
MakerBot Print
Download and Install Makerbot Print
Resources
Adding Unconnected Printers
Notes
- The NExTLab has Replicator+ and Replicator Z18 printers available to use, these should be added as unconnected printers to your version of the Makerbot Print software
Importing and Orienting your Model
Notes
- Please note that printing multiple larger models on the same bed can sometimes lead to poor print quality.
Print Modes and Basic Settings
Notes
- If you are relatively new to 3d printing, we recommend using our custom settings.
Resources
- Learn more about PLA here.
- Learn more about Tough PLA here.
Custom Settings
Resources
- Learn more about custom settings in Makerbot Print here.
Custom Support Settings
Custom Infill Settings
Resources
- Read more about infill and shell settings here.
Print Preview and Cost Calculations
Resources
Makerbot Innovation Centre
Submitting a Print Request via the Innovation Centre
Notes
- We require job names to follow the below format:
- HoursOfPrintingFORFILE_1ofTotalNumberFilesInProject_Filename.makerbot
EG: 4hr_1of2_NewFile.makerbot
- HoursOfPrintingFORFILE_1ofTotalNumberFilesInProject_Filename.makerbot
- We require request names to follow the below format:
- HoursOfPrintingTOTAL_Rep+/Z18_Colour_Filename
EG: 24hr_Rep+_TrueWhite_NewFile
- HoursOfPrintingTOTAL_Rep+/Z18_Colour_Filename
- When submitting a request, please include one .stl including all jobs, as well as a .print and .makerbot file for each job within the request
Resources
- Access the MSD Innovation Centre
Editing a Print Request in the Innovation Centre
Notes
- Please use the following naming convention if you wish to make changes to your files prior to approval:
- HoursOfPrintingFORFILE_1ofTotalNumberFilesInProject_Filename_UPDATED.makerbot
EG: 4hr_1of2_NewFile_UPDATED.makerbot
- HoursOfPrintingFORFILE_1ofTotalNumberFilesInProject_Filename_UPDATED.makerbot