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)
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 ✅
Included your original design files for 3D printing ✅
Included your hero shots ✅
Group assignment
Test the design rules for your 3D printer(s)
The group project posed quite a challenge, as we were located in different cities and countries. To facilitate communication, we created a WhatsApp group that allowed us to coordinate more efficiently. We had our first virtual meeting, during which we already understood some basic concepts of 3D printing. Jhonatan went into more detail about the different types of printing, such as resin and clay printing, which was very helpful for everyone.
Here is the link to learn more about the group project.
Reflections
At first, I was a bit afraid to use the 3D printer since I didn’t know how it worked. However, my instructor Cristian taught me the process, and it turned out to be very easy. It’s a machine that is simple to understand and quite versatile.
I was only able to print two models, as the time I had to print those objects and the ones for my personal assignment was very limited. Therefore, I had to make the most of the time I spent at the Fab Lab iFurniture to complete and make progress on the assignments.
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
3D design in Rhinoceros software
For this exercise, I decided to design a candle holder with two parts. To do this, I used the Rhinoceros software.
I made the first design with curved shapes.
The design proposal was in the shape of a sun.
Ultimaker Cura software download
To start the individual assignment, I had to download the Ultimaker Cura 5.9 software to convert the STL files into G-code. (The download process has instructions in green).
I selected the operating system of my computer, and in this case, I chose the win64.exe file.
I follow the download process, accept the License Agreement, select the folder where I want to save the file, and choose the type of printer I will be using.
I click on "Get Started."
In this option, you can create an account, but in this case, I chose to skip it.
I select the printer model, and the model at the Fab Lab iFurniture is the Creality Ender 3 / Ender-3 V2.
Finally, I click on "Finish", and with that, I have the program installed to configure my STL files and convert them into G-code for printing.
Slicing the Model (G-code Generation)
I now open the first file and notice that it has certain instructions on what needs to be in place for the material to stay in place during the print. I set the print quality to low so that it wouldn't take too much time.
Key Cura Settings
- Printer: Artillery Genius Pro
- Filament: PLA+ 1.75 mm
- Nozzle Temp: 210°C
- Bed Temp: 60°C
- Infill: 20%
- Supports: Disabled (for test print)
- Pattern: Triangular
I also set the next model to low quality due to the time the print would take.
Printer Setup
Once the G-code was generated, I prepared the 3D printer:
Loaded the PLA+ filament.
Pre-heated the nozzle and bed.
Transferred the G-code via SD card.
Calibrated the bed manually.
Printing and Monitoring
I start with the printing of the curved model and notice it has some imperfections. Since the settings were on low quality, the model's quality was also affected. However, as a test, I found it to be a good result.
When removing the excess material, great care must be taken not to damage the 3D print.
I start printing the next model, but I notice that the print quality is low. In this case, creating bridges was not necessary.
The idea for this print is to create a candle holder with several levels. In this case, since it was a test, I only made two due to time constraints. I noticed some imperfections, such as the tolerance in the material for the pieces to fit properly. The pieces were tight, and the more contoured parts didn’t fit well with the other piece, which has the shape of a sun.
Advantages of 3D Printing
- I found 3D printing to be intuitive and versatile, even as a beginner.
- It allowed me to create complex, curved designs that are difficult to make with subtractive methods.
- I gained practical skills by preparing models and setting up the printer myself.
Limitations of 3D Printing
- Time constraints limited the number of models I could print.
- Lower quality settings caused fitting issues in assembled parts.
- Access to the lab was restricted due to its schedule.
- Tolerance calibration was a challenge in multi-part prints.
The object I tried to manufacture, a candle holder in the shape of the sun, could not be easily made using subtractive methods due to its complex, curved geometry, which is difficult to achieve with traditional material removal methods. However, I used 3D printing to create the design, but some challenges arose related to the process.
First, the quality of the print was not ideal. To reduce printing time and fit within the time constraints at school, I used low-quality settings. This affected the precision and finish of the piece, resulting in rough surfaces and some fitting issues. In an ideal scenario, I would have increased the printing time to improve the quality, but the time limitation in accessing the lab and the school's restrictions prevented me from doing so.
Si hubiese tenido más tiempo, habría utilizado una configuración de impresión de mayor calidad, lo que habría permitido obtener una pieza más precisa y detallada. Sin embargo, la restricción de tiempo se convirtió en una limitación importante, ya que las impresoras 3D requieren varias horas para imprimir objetos complejos como este. En resumen, aunque la impresión 3D ofreció la flexibilidad para crear la forma compleja, la calidad de la impresión y el tiempo disponible fueron factores clave que afectaron el resultado final.
What I Learned from Testing 3D Printers:
- Setup and Calibration: I learned how to prepare models and configure the printer correctly, which is crucial for obtaining quality prints.
- Impact of Printing Time: I understood that printing time directly affects the quality of the object. Using low-quality settings to save time resulted in less detailed parts.
- Printer Limitations: I realized that 3D printers have limitations, especially in surface quality and the precision of fits.
- Rapid Prototyping: 3D printing allowed me to quickly iterate on my designs, making prototyping and improving results easier.
Reflections
From my 3D printing experience, one thing I’m sure of is that if you want to achieve better print quality, you need to increase the quality settings.
I faced some limitations when printing, mainly time. I work on the assignment on Fridays at the Fab Lab iFurniture, and I can't stay late since the Fab Lab iFurniture is located inside the Melitón Carbajal school, and I have to respect the established hours.
3D Scan
For the 3D scanning exercise, Isaac Robles recommended an app to use, as the Fab Lab iFurniture doesn't have that equipment. It seemed like a great idea, so I downloaded the app on my phone.
The app I used for this assignment is KIRI Engine.
Since I didn't know much about the topic, I decided to experiment with my phone to see what would happen. I took 20 photos of a lipstick for the exercise, but the result was a strange shape.
I then tried the video mode. It didn’t turn out too bad, but I think the result was like that because I was manually moving the object with my hand, which I believe interfered with the scan. I received a recommendation to hang the object like a necklace so I could record it without needing to touch it with my hand.
I tested scanning another object, but I hung it with a string so it would be suspended and I could record a video without the need to move it with my hands. The object I chose is a burilado mate from the Valle del Mantaro, a dried gourd on which the stories of the local towns are engraved.
I liked the result. By not having any contact with the hands, the scanning process improves significantly.
I have a free account, so I thought carefully before using my coupons to export the file. In the end, I decided to send it to my email.
I clicked on 'Get your 3D file'. I must keep in mind that the download has a 24-hour time limit.
I downloaded the file in .obj format and proceeded to open it.
I tried opening it in Rhino and was able to open it successfully.
I also proceeded to open it in Ultimaker Cura to assess the quality of the scan.
Reflections
I really enjoyed completing this assignment. Learning to use the 3D printer with filament was an amazing experience. I thought it was great! I've learned a lot and have been able to apply the knowledge I gained earlier.
Regarding the scanning process, at first, I was worried because we didn't have the right equipment to complete the assignment. However, technology really helps, and I was able to do it through an app. I really enjoyed the process, especially taking the frames, although I made a lot of mistakes. As a takeaway, I realized that if I scan with photos, I need to take at least 100 pictures, not just 20 like I did.
Another key lesson was that recording a video while moving the object doesn't help much in capturing good detail. In the end, I tried suspending the object with a string, and that process worked really well because there was no hand interference. The recording was cleaner, and the scan turned out much better.