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)

Have you answered these questions?

  • Linked to the group assignment page ✅
  • Explained what you learned from testing the 3D printers ✅
  • Documented how you designed and 3D printed your object and explained why it could not be easily made subtractively ✅
  • Documented how you scanned an object ✅
  • ncluded your original design files for 3D printing ✅
  • Included your hero shots ✅
Group Assignment

  • Test the design rules for your 3D printer(s)
Group assignment

teamwork

For this task, we decided to meet virtually, as we were in different cities and countries. To facilitate communication, a WhatsApp group was created, allowing us to coordinate more efficiently. We held our first virtual meeting, during which we shared knowledge and learned some basic concepts of 3D printing. Our colleague Jhonatan explained the different types of printing in more detail, such as resin and clay printing, which enriched our existing knowledge.

Reflections

  • Applying design rules for 3D printing is essential because it directly impacts the quality, functionality, and success of the print. It helps prevent print failures, optimizes material usage, reduces unnecessary supports, and thus avoids excess material, saving costs and time. Following the rules allows for reducing unnecessary supports and avoiding excess material, saving costs and time.

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)

Design and 3D print an object. To perform this task based on a 3D model, you can download some 3D design files, one of them is the thingiverse.com software which is very interesting and challenging for 3D printing. In this case, I chose a 3D design based on a wagon wheel, which I found very interesting.

1.-Next, a new sketch is generated and a circle is designed with the dimensions indicated in the 2D image..

2.-The design of the circle is extracted by making a 3D image..

Printing procedure

In this case, for 3D printing, I downloaded the Bambu Studio software, taking advantage of the fact that I have a Bambu Lab A1 printer.

1.-On the Bambu Estudio website we proceed to download the latest version of the software.

2.-Once installed, open it from the menu or desktop. Then, configure the Bambu Lab printer type the first time you launch it.


3.-In the setup menu, you can see the specific details of the Bambu Lab A1 printer that need to be entered, such as bed type, quality, and other information.

4.-Next we import the image that was previously downloaded in STL format.


5.-Then in the Laminate plate option, the printing details are verified, such as line type, time, filament, among others.

6.-Below you can see the laminated plate showing the corresponding heights and the codes that are generated.


7.-The Bambu lab A1 3D printer is shown.

8.-After setting up the printer, the finished 3D print of the wagon wheel is shown, resulting in an excellent print according to the required object.

Designing a 3D object with Solidwork software

The first step is to open a new drawing document in SolidWorks. In this case, we create a preliminary drawing of the object chosen as a design for a utensil such as a cup.

1.-We open SolidWorks → File > New > Part, we choose the line tool, to draw the shape.

2.-The next step is to create a rotation plane to generate the complete image in 3D design.


3.-The next step is to obtain the rotated image in 3D

4.-We use the “Rotate head/base” tool to rotate the profile 360°.

Side view for race handle design

5.-We select the right plane (Right Plane) and create a new sketch.

6.-Draw a “C” shape (an open arch or handle shape), making sure the arch connects to the side of the cup.

Fixing the handle

Next we set the vertex and angle parameters of the handle

7.-In the “Sweep Boss/Base” tool: Draw a small circle (handle profile) on another perpendicular plane (diameter between 5 and 10 mm)

8.-Use the arc as a path. Then, apply the sweep operation to create the handle.



Final view of the 3D designed rate


We started 3D printing the cup on the Bambulab A1 printer.

Bambulab A1 3D Printing

Final 3D print


Final sample of the 3D print of the cup

Descripción de la imagen


3D Scan KIRI Engine

To perform the 3D scanning, I used an app called KIRI Engine for my smartphone, since the UNCP Fab Lab doesn't have a scanner. So I downloaded the app to my cell phone.

To scan an image, I used a Lego robot object, taking an average of 20 photos as directed by the application. I then downloaded the image in OBJ format and imported it into Bambu Lab Studio.

Initial image

The selected object is placed in a well-lit place, in this case it is a Lego robot.

From the app, tap “Create New Scan” or “New Project,” then select “Take Photos” or “Import Photos” (if you already have the images).


The app takes between 20 and 70 photos from different angles (360° around the object), in our case we took around 20 photos

Once completed, a preview of the model was generated, in 3D, after which it can be exported in formats such as .OBJ or .GLB.


The model, generated in OBJ format, was imported into Bambu Studio and displayed directly in the program's workspace.

After importing the object, an interactive window opens allowing you to adjust the colors and materials of the model before continuing with preparation for printing.


in the preview option, you configure the printing parameters (fill, supports, temperature, etc.).


We have encountered some limitations, as the image quality is not entirely accurate, some parts of the object came out distorted.

In addition, we could also notice that the printing time was around 4 hours, possibly due to the filling.


Final Scanned Image


Conclusions

  • In short, 3D printing turns ideas and scanned objects into physical products. This allows you to create customized objects, repair hard-to-find parts, or innovate in design without relying on traditional manufacturing. In developing this task, I was able to better understand the design rules for preparing 3D printing, thus achieving a satisfactory and high-quality result.
  • I also realized that scanners as mobile apps (Kiri Engine) work well for artistic or decorative models, but they don't achieve the precision needed for technical or mechanical parts. For that, professional 3D scanners are needed. In my case, I used the Kiri app, because the UNCP fab lab in Huancayo doesn't have that type of scanner.

Link to files used this week

1.cart wheel.zip
2.-cup.stl
3.scan lego robot.zip