Basic Considerations:Our 3d printer is a Makerbot Replicator (Gen 5).
Its maximum build size is 9.92 in x 7.83 in x 5.9 in. The material that our printer uses is PLA (polylactide.) It is food safe but porous so it cannot be cleaned thoroughly. The gasses produced by melting PLA are considered safe for humans. Our printer can only print in one color at a time. You can layer colors by changing the filament mid-print. The colors that you use in the design tool have nothing to do with your physical print. To print successfully, a design must:
There are companies that will print 3d designs in a variety of materials, that can do multicolor prints and that accommodate larger designs than we can print. One of my favorites is Shapeways. Go there if you want some inspiration! Thingiverse is a site for sharing designs. You can download files to assist with your designs, especially using some of the customizable design tools. (Legos, etc.) As a matter of lab policy, we do not print downloaded designs unless they are modified in some way. |
Getting Started: TinkercadThis web based CAD design tool is the one we use most for 3d design.
To set up an account: Go to tinkercad.com Register for an account (you may want to use your fwsu.org email) Begin learning about Tinkercad using the method of your choice:
New to Tinkercad:
Even if you have used it in the past, make certain you check out the scribble tool. It allows you to hand draw custom shapes which it then extrudes. So cool! And great for our younger innovators. |
Hand Drawing and 3d printing
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Going FurtherVectary is a more complex program but is still similar to Tinkercad.
Sculptfab is different. It gives you a ball of "clay" to work with. |