This assignment is about writing down what I learned in 3D scanning and printing. It covers things like the contrast between additive and subtractive manufacturing processes, the rules and limitations for designing objects to be 3D printed, the various materials and methods used in 3D printing, different types of 3D printers and software, as well as the process of 3D scanning. I've also described how I used a 3D printer and scanner for both.

3D printing:

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a method of creating three-dimensional objects from a digital design.
In 3D printing, objects are built up layer by layer using materials like plastic, metal, or resin. Each layer is like a thin slice of the final object.

There are different types of 3d printers.
1. Stereolithography (SLA)
2. Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
3. Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)

In our fab lab at Vigyan Asham, we have two 3D printers which is Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
1. Fracktal works
2. Flashforge

I first learned about Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) from my instructors, Google and the Formlabs website.

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)

Fused deposition modeling (FDM), also called fused filament fabrication (FFF), is the most common type of 3D printing. FDM printers use melted plastic filaments like ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) or PLA (Polylactic Acid), pushing them through a hot nozzle. The melted plastic is then deposited layer by layer onto a platform. This process continues until the entire object is formed.

3D Printing Material

The most usual materials used in FDM 3D printing are ABS, PLA, and mixes of these. Some advanced FDM printers can also work with special materials that have extra qualities like better ability to withstand heat, impacts, chemicals, and stiffness.I used this material for my assignment this week.

MATERIAL: ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene)

FEATURES:

Tough and durable
Heat and impact resistant
Requires a heated bed to print
Requires ventilation

MATERIAL: PLA (polylactic acid)

FEATURES:

The easiest FDM materials to print
Rigid, strong, but brittle
Less resistant to heat and chemicals
Biodegradable
Odorless

Group Assignment

This week, our group focused on a project about 3D Scanning and Printing. In simple terms, we learned about two main ways to make things with technology: adding layers (additive manufacturing) and cutting away from a solid block (subtractive manufacturing). We also studied different methods and materials used in 3D printing, and we took a close look at the specific 3D printer available in our Fab lab. We documented how we used the 3D printer for our group project, listing the materials and tools we used, and explaining how we prepared the printer to create our objects by generating a special code called G code. Finally, we summarized the important guidelines to follow when designing objects for our particular 3D printer.
Please find my groupr assignment link click here

Individual Assignment

Additive and subtractive manufacturing

Additive manufacturing is a process that adds successive layers of material to create an object, often referred to as 3D printing. Subtractive manufacturing, as the name suggests, is the opposite.

Rather than adding layers, subtractive manufacturing involves removing sections of a material by machining or cutting it away. It can be carried out manually or, more commonly, by a process known as Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining.

Difference between additive and subtractive manufacturing

Additive Manufacturing	Subtractive Manufacturing
Involves adding layers of material to create an object	Removes material from an object
Processes include 3D printing, direct digital manufacturing, rapid prototyping or additive and layered fabrication	The process is either by: manual removal, traditional machining or CNC machining
Uses computers and specialist 3D printing equipment to create products or prototypes	Uses computers and robotics to assist standard machining processes, e.g., turning, drilling or milling
The layering often leaves a slightly 'stepped' or rough surface which needs to be finished post-printing by sanding or blowing	A variety of surface finishes can be machined, including smooth, stepped, mottled, etc.
Intricate and hollow objects can easily be built up in layers	Milling undercuts and intricate shapes can be difficult
Best suited for smaller items or parts, especially in plastic	Best suited for manufacturing voluminous items and parts, especially in metal
Depending on the size of the object, 3D printing can be a slow process	Relatively fast process
Software is available to directly link the design to a 3D printer, so a machine operator isn't necessary	A CNC machinist is required to operate the mill or machine and oversee the production. However, new automated software means that programming machine-executable code is no longer needed
Overall, 3D printing is a fairly cheap process	Generally, more expensive than additive manufacturing

This week, I completed an individual assignment where I designed and printed a 3D model, as well as conducted a scanning process. I documented the steps I took to complete the Scanning & 3D printing process in detail. During this assignment my local instructor Dipali guided me for 3D printing and Scanning.

3D Printer

Why 3D Printer

Due to the curved shape of my design for the flowerpot, it is not feasible to manufacture it using other processes, as its complexity is high. Therefore, I choosed for additive manufacturing using a 3D printer

I have created a simple design in solidworks then I Save that design of small flowerpot and download that file in stl file format and saved in pendrive. Then I moved towards the printing process.

My design for 3D print

3D printer requires the G-code file for printing object.So I have the task to convert the stl file into G- code by slicing. Steps for slicing are documented below.

Now, Open Flashpoint software to convert your STL file into G-Code format

Selected the load file option to choose my .stl file for slicing into G-code

After successfully loading our file, we can adjust our file views by clicking on the view option

I have explored different features in flashprint software like...

Move: You can move your model by using X, Y, and axis.

Rotate:If you want to change the direction of your model, then by using the rotate option, you can fix your model at a specific rotation.

Scale: You can increase or decrease the size of a 3D model by using the scale option.

Cut: You can use the cut option in an existing selected model to print multiple parts.

Duplicate: You can duplicate an existing model by using the duplicate option.

Arrange: You can arrange your multiple models by giving them customized space by using the arrange space option...

Slicing

After all I have done slicing and by saving configuration I got G-code file format for my 3d printer.

Choose Printer & Material for Printing

I started by using a 3D printer Fracktal for the first time. First I decided to choose PLA material to print my object and ready with G-code file and uploaded it to printer.

Click Extrude.

Cut the PLA wire in 45 degree and then pull this wire into extruder

Load the PLA material.

Then Calibrate the printer to prepare for printing.

The extruders and the printing base need to be calibrated for improve the accuracy of printing. It is important step.

Click yes for this notification

Then I start for printing but there was an issue with the machine. The temperature settings kept increasing on their own, causing a material to be waste so I stopped this machine and shift to the another machine in my lab.

So, I stopped the job and switched to another machine, the Flashforge Guider II S

Then After switched on the machine first i have level the bed by doing calibration. Selected the material set the temperature and selected the file to be print. Then print the object.

This is my final object I made in 3d Printer

Scanning

In our lab we have sense scanner. Steps for scanning are documented below.

Step 1: Search Sense Scanner

Step 2: I installed the sense software for first generation.

Step 3: Then installed sense.

Step 4: Click activate scanner and enter code.

Step 5: Then you get guidance interface for movements for scanning for mouse and keyboard.

Step 6: Then select Person Or Object for scanning.

First I selected the human and scanning result is below.

Then I selected the object. In that we have been again ask for the object size.

Then I selected for small object. There we can edit scan like crop, Erase and solidify.

Here is the output of house in my lab which created on leser scan.

Key Learning..

In this assignment I am learn about the additive and subtractive manufacturing.
Can able to operate 3D printer and scaner.
Also aware about file format stl, G-code and how to do Slicing.

Original Files

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