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:
These will be online soon
All other process / printers are accessed with the help of an RM