3D Making Introduction

 

Workflow

There are several steps to taking a idea and creating a object. Each step has several methods.

These are some examples workflows:

Download thing -> CAM -> "Print" -> "thing" post work

"idea" -> CAD - > CAM - > "Print" -> Casting -> "thing" post work

Scan -> CAM -> "Print" -> "thing" post work

Line Art -> 2.5D software -> CAM -> Mill --> "thing" post work

"idea" -> CAD -> Printing service

Processes

Download thing: 3D objects are availible from public and private archives like Thingiverse , GrabCAD , McMaster (hiding in their parts details),  and for pay sites.

Scan: A process that uses lasers, photographs and software to collect 3D information about existing objects. Like the sense

CAD: computer aided design software

CAM: This a general classification of software used to turn a STL 3D object file into information the mill or printer can understand

Print: This is the action converting information into a solid object by additive (FDM, Light polymerised, or subtractive (milling, laser cutting, plasma cut) processes. 

Printing service: Print for hire, these services have abilities beyond the average hobby printers - Shapeways, Ponoko, Pololu https://www.protolabs.com/

Post work: Removal of printing artifacts such as defects, support material, refining surface finish, surface sealing, painting, etc. 

Casting: This is the process of using materials that change from liquid to solid to replicate the surface of another object - plaster, smooth-on, oogoo, hotmelt, aluminium, resin, glass. 

CAM

Nearly all methods require some CAM (slicer, gcode generation, etc.). The CAM software depends on the "print" machine. 

Some of the processes can be skipped depending on the desired end result.

Post Work

3D printing directly to ABS or PLA plastic is often the end of the process. However, artifacts and support removal and surface refining is covered here.

Lost foam casting  and Lost PLA casting are useful for Aluminium, brass, and bronze casting. - High Temperature Casting

Casting in a release mold or roto-molds are useful for resin plastics. - Resin casting Gears!

Plaster, Ceramic slip and Ceramic Drap molds are useful for glass molds and ceramics.

Printers

Classes presently cover these printers: 

 Printer, Prusa i3 Mk3

 Printer, Replicator 2

 Printer, Flashforge Finders

 Printer, Roland Pink Foam!

 

These will be online soon

 Printer, Robo 3d R1+

 Printer, Lulzbot mini

All other process / printers are accessed with the help of an RM