We were supposed to characterization of our machine, which is in our case was MAKERBOT Z18 . So we performed a series of tests to check the capabilities of our 3D printer. The tests included :
1. Bridge Test
This was the test which was supposed to test the ability of the printer to print a layer between gaps without any support i.e print over air.
This test was inconclusive for us as we forgot to turn off the support over the printer's default settings
2. Overhang Test
This was the test which was performed to check what all angles can be printed without any need of support material. We 3D printed test parts with different angles ranging from 15 degrees to 80 degrees. Overall conclusion with this test was Makerbot was able to print the angles above 25 degrees smoothly, although it printed the surface at 25 degree also but with a rough finish. Also a 15 degree overhang was attempted to be printed but it was not able to print it.
3. Wall thickness Test
This test was performed to check the strength of the thick surfaces and check the minimium width that can be printed with the printer. A range of test parts were printed whose width ranged from 0.25mm to 2mm. Overall conclusion with this test was, the printer was able to print even 0.25mm width test part and all the parts were strong upto expectations.
4. Orientation Test
This test was performed to check the best possible orientation which should be used to get, for this test we used the letter "L" and printed it in different orientations
5. Holes Test
This test was performed to check what would be the minimum hole which can be printed via our 3D printer. The diameters which were printed ranged from less than 1 mm to 3 mm . Overall conclusion was the printer was able to print holes above the diameter of 1 mm. Also the holes will not collide if the distance between the two holes is more than 1 mm.
The printer we have used is MakerBot Z18, Its a fantastic printer with the following capabilities...
> It can support a bridge of about 60mm after that bridge sags.
> It is able to print overhangs of about 25degree's.
> It is able to print a min wall thickness of 0.25mm.
> It can print the best results in horizontal orientaion as it doesn.t require any support in that case.
> It can print holes about 1mm in diameter perfectly.
The design files were downloaded from one Fabacademy student (Dipali Kamble,Class of 2016), She was working as intern in AKGEC FABLAB and suggested these tests.