Introduction to 3D printing

Introduction to 3D Printers

Notes

1. The NExT Lab provides access to;
   1. 30x Replicator+ 3D printers with a printable area of 295mm x 195mm x 165mm (LxWxH) and
   2. 2x Replicator Z18 3D printers with a printable area of 300mm x 300mm x 450mm (LxWxH).

Resources

1. MakerBot Website

Introduction to 3D Printing

Notes

1. FDM 3D printing consist of four key elements:
   1. the shell
   2. infill structure
   3. support structure
   4. raft

Next: Design Guidelines

What Geometry can be 3D Printed?

Notes

1. 3D printable models need to be closed objects.
2. In Rhino use the 'Properties' tab and check for a 'Closed Polysurface' or 'Closed Mesh'.
3. 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

1. For display models we recommend;
   1. minimum thickness of 2mm
   2. maximum width to span ratio of 1:4.
2. 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

1. It is important to consider the level of detail represented in your model.
2. 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

1. Commands used in the video are;
   1. _Scale = 1/500
   2. _ZSA = Zoom Selected in All viewports
   3. _DupFaceBorder
   4. _ExtrudeCrv
   5. _Invert
   6. _PointsOn
   7. _ExtrudeCrvAlongCrv
   8. _BooleanDifference

Modifying Detail for Detailed Display Models

Notes

1. Commands used in the video are;
   1. _Scale = 1/100
   2. _ThicknessAnalysis = min:1mm max:2mm
   3. _DupFaceBorder
   4. _ExtrudeCrv
   5. _PointsOn
   6. _SetPt
   7. _ExtrudeCrvAlongCrv
   8. _BooleanDifference
   9. _Box
   10. _ExtrudeSrf = 0.3
   11. _BooleanUnion
   12. _FilletEdge
   13. _BoundingBox
   14. _Scale1D

Next: Mesh Preparation

Fixing Open Objects

Notes

1. 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;
   1. Areas may be missing
   2. Artifacts may appear as the object is attempted to be reconciled
   3. Excessive material may be used as unnecessary amounts of support structure is generated causing higher costs and longer print times.
2. Helpful commands are;
   1. _SelOpenPolysrf
   2. _SelSrf
   3. _SelOpenMesh
3. If your model is classed as 'Open' use _ShowEdges = _NakedEdges.
4. To fix these objects you can use;
   1. _Cap
   2. _Sweep2
   3. _Loft
   4. _EdgeSrf

Object Intersections

Notes

1. To check if objects are intersecting, select multiple objects and use the command _Intersect, or _MeshIntersect.
2. In this example I have used the command _Move = Vertical, to fix this intersection issue.
3. You may need to use the command _Scale1D or _DupFaceBorder and _ExtrudeCrv to fix your intersections

Aligning Objects

Notes

1. 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.

Next: Meshing Guidelines