6. 3D Scanning and printing¶
Group Assignment: Test the design rules for your 3D printer(s)
Individual Assignment: Design and 3D print an object (small, few cm3, limited by printer time) that could not be made subtractively 3D scan an object (and optionally print it)
Here is the link to the group page: - Group Page
Assignments¶
For the group assignment, we tested the design rules of the 3D printer by looking at various factors. I learned that we had to use FFF (fused filament fabrication) and learned that 3D printing is special because it is an additive process where we add material on top of each other rather than being a subtractive process like laser cutting, CNC, or vinyl cutting. I learned about the designing process in Fusion 360 and learned about Prusa slicer, which is recommended because it has better user interface.
For Prusa slicer, I learned that we should change print settings such as infill percentage and support based on the item we are printing (ex. hollow or thin and long). I also learned about the printing speed and temperature as well as the materials that can be used. I learned that we should not use ABS due to ventilation issues, while PLA, a 60% cornstarch based material, is recommended.
To test the printer, I did a parameter check using a design file from thingiverse.
The printed product allowed me to check parameters such as the smoothness, how well circles/holes are made, how far a bridge can be without the presence of a support for additive processes (3D printing), how clear texts shows, and whether other printer parameters were working properly.
Joints¶
For this week, I also created a box with joints/hinges through 3D printing. A reason why I used 3D printing to create this box is because of the additive feature of 3D printing that cannot be accomplished by subtracting processes. Because the box has a hollow area inside, it is only reasonable for us to use 3D printing to add layers on the side and bottom to ensure a box is formed. Moreover, since I want a 3D object with some height, it is more efficient to use additive methods that can consider support.
To create the file below for the hinged box, I first created a box by making a rectangular sketch and extruded. Then, I set parameters for the 2 sides of the hinges based on the midpoint of the long side of the box in which the hinge will be attached to. Then, I used center circles to create the circular hinges on the sides and then extruded the hinges. 2 center circles were used, with the larger, outer circle being used to extrude the hinge while the smaller, inner circle (in the middle of the larger circle) would be used as a hole for a cylindrical rod that would connect the circular hinges on opposite sides together. I then extruded the inner circle to create the cylindrical rod to finalize the hinge.
Then, to create a box that can be opened, I divided the box into 2 for the upper and lower parts by adding a new plane in between. Then, I adjusted the hinge and then used fillet to curve the sides. To make the box hollow, I used the shell function.
The YouTube tutorial that I followed is linked below:
Here is the link to my file:
- File
3D Scanning¶
For the scanning portion, I scanned my face using an online app on my phone called Scandypro. My instructor, Miriam, held my phone and moved around my head for a 3D scan.
I did not print my 3D scanned face, but I learned how to 3D scan an object!
