Weekly Assignments Final Project About me Project development

5. 3D PRINTING AND SCANNING

Objectives

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)

Group Assignment

As part of our group assignment, we downloaded an all-in-one test model and 3D printed it. One of the models was specifically used for a clearance test. After printing, we analyzed the model and recorded the measured values for future reference. This hands-on experience helped us learn about the 3D printing process, different types of 3D printing technologies, and important safety measures when operating the machines. Through this assignment, I had the opportunity to explore and learn more about the Bambu Lab A1 3D printer, which was the main machine I focused on. I was impressed by how user-friendly and efficient it was—features like automatic bed leveling and multi-color printing made the process much smoother than I expected. I also gained valuable insights from my teammates’ research on other 3D printing technologies, which helped broaden my understanding of the different machines and methods available.



To know more, visit group assignment page

3D PRINTING

3D printing, also called additive manufacturing, is a technique for creating three-dimensional objects by layering materials based on a digital design. Unlike traditional manufacturing, which involves cutting or molding, 3D printing builds objects from the ground up, reducing waste and enabling intricate designs.

How it works ?
Common printing techniques include:
Post-Processing

Additive manufacturing vs Substractive manufacturing

Subtractive manufacturing shapes an object by removing material, while additive manufacturing constructs it by gradually adding layers of material. Subtractive methods have been in use for a longer time and are typically faster, making them well-suited for high-volume production. In contrast, additive manufacturing allows for the creation of intricate designs, such as hollow or nested structures, which are challenging or even impossible to achieve with subtractive techniques.

Bambu Lab A1

The Bambu Lab A1 is a high-speed Core XY 3D printer , offering smart automation features like auto Z-offset, auto flow calibration, auto belt tensioning, and real-time flow rate compensation.

The A1 features several smart automation functions that simplify the printing process, including:

Another highlight was the multi-color printing capability made possible with the optional AMS Lite system, allowing seamless color transitions in a single print job. The printer also includes safety and recovery features like filament run-out detection and power loss recovery, which add reliability to longer or unattended prints.

From a usability perspective, the A1’s touchscreen interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, and it supports both cloud-connected and offline LAN mode for privacy-conscious users. The build volume of 256×256×256 mm³ is ample for most desktop printing needs, and the machine supports a wide range of materials including PLA, PETG, TPU, and more.

Overall, I learned how modern 3D printers like the Bambu Lab A1 can automate much of the calibration and maintenance traditionally required, making high-quality printing more accessible and efficient.

Design 1

The design can be made substractively. I made a 3D model to explore how 3D printing works. To design the cube frame, I drew a 40mm square frame and extruded it. A 34mm square is cut out from all sides to make it a frame. The next part was to add a sphere. a sphere of diameter 45 mm is drawn and placed inside the cube frame using move tool as shown below.

The initial sketch for designing was done in fusion 360

The image is then exported as a step file. For the slicer, I downloaded Bambu A1 software

Bambu A1

I opened the file in the software

For support I selected tree type. Infill was 15. To select infill, strength → infill. I selected 0.24 mm as layer height. Select slice plate. After making necessary changes select print plate. Select the 3d printer and connect. Once the calibration is complete, printing process will start.



Instructor told me that the design can be made substractively using CNC milling. So another design was sketched in fusion. I added a torous to make it a keychain.

Design 2

The design was inspired from harry potter logo. To create the 3D model, first i drew a 40 mm triangle. I extruded the triangle into 3d and cutout a 30mm triangle from it. A 15 mm diameter sphere and a 32 mm long rod is created. A hole is created in the sphere to allow the free motion of sphere through the rod. The same feature makes it hard to mill using a CNC machine and through substractive manufacturing. The components are then arranged accordingly and the edges of triangle is chamfered to get a good finish.

Initial sketch was made in fusion 360.


The sketch is then exported as a step file

To export as step file, go to files -> export

Then we will be provided with a lot of options. choose step files.

and opened in Bambu Lab A1 slicer

Bambu Studio

Bambu Studio is an open-source, cutting-edge, and feature-rich slicing software designed specifically for Bambu Lab 3D printers. It offers a project-based workflow, systematically optimized slicing algorithms, and an intuitive graphical user interface, providing users with an incredibly smooth and efficient printing experience.

This slicer is based on PrusaSlicer, but it has been heavily customized to support high-speed CoreXY motion systems and multi-material printing through the AMS (Automatic Material System). With these enhancements, Bambu Studio helps users unlock the full potential of their Bambu Lab printers while maintaining compatibility with advanced print settings, customizable supports, and fine-tuned control over print parameters.

Download bambu studio. Click on the exported step file. It will open in bambu slicer or you can open it from slicer.

The support was selected as tree type and infill as 30. Random seam was selected.Layer height was selected as 0.24mm

Slice the object

After making necessary changes, select print plate and select the printer in it. Select send. Then the job is fed to the printer

Then a window opens showing the printing page.The print status and camera feed can be seen on this page

Printing process is shown below.

Now we need to remove the support


3D Scanning

3D scanning is a technology that captures the shape, size, and details of a physical object or environment to create a digital 3D model. It uses specialized scanners to collect data from multiple angles, which is then processed into an accurate virtual representation.

How it works?

Artec 3D scanner

The Artec Leo is a professional handheld 3D color scanner with automatic onboard processing and a touchscreen display for real-time model visualization.With an upgraded NVIDIA Jetson TX2 processor, it delivers faster processing speeds, enabling high-quality, real-time 3D data capture.

Artec Leo Scanner – Technical Specifications

Scanning the object

I scanned a drill machine .

Postprocessing

The scan is transferred to Artec Studio 15 software.

select the scan from file -> import

I selected autopilot. Option was shown to edit the scan. Unecessary parts in the background were erased.

Click next

After the process, we get the 3d model of drill machine. The processed scan is then saved in OBJ format.


3dscan by ancyraju77 on Sketchfab

Conclusion

This week I learned about 3D scanning and printing. In group assignment we explored about 3D printing , its types, safety measures and test rules.3D models were made in fusion 360 and printed in Bambu Lab A1 printer. Learned about 3D scanning process and scanned an object.

Files

Design files

Hero shot