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)
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.
Due to the distance in this group task, we decided that each of us would create some print samples and analyze the characteristics of the printers we were going to use.
The 3D printer I am using for this project is an Artillery Genius Pro from the Fab Lab iFurniture.
Artillery Genius Pro
Artillery Genius Pro Printer Specifications:
- Printing Technology: FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)
- Print Volume: 220 x 220 x 250 mm (width, depth, height)
- Print Resolution: Up to 0.1 mm
- Filament Diameter: 1.75 mm
- Nozzle Temperature: Up to 260°C
- Heated Bed Temperature: Up to 100°C
- Print Speed: Up to 150 mm/s
- Touchscreen: 4.3-inch touchscreen for easier operation
- Extrusion System: Direct Drive extruder, which enhances precision when printing with flexible filaments
- Automatic Bed Leveling: Helps with calibration and ensures a leveled printing surface
- Connectivity: SD card slot
- Frame: Metal structure, which enhances stability during printing
Knowing these features, I will now proceed to conduct the tests for 3D printing.
For this activity, I used the Thickness test model. I opened the Ultimaker Cura program and set the infill density to 20%, with a triangular infill pattern, and then saved the file in G-code format.
I also used the Bridging model, setting the infill density to 20%, with a tri-hexagon infill pattern, and saved the file in G-code format. In both cases, I did not use any support.
The printer I will be using is a Creality Ender-3 V2, which is located at the Fab iFurniture.
Another important aspect is knowing the type of filament to be used and its technical specifications. The filament I will be using is light blue, weighing 1 kg (n.w.) with a diameter of 1.75 mm, PLA+ 3D. It is also essential to know the printing temperature, which ranges from 205°C to 225°C.
I loaded the filament into the extrusion tube until it reached the tip of the hotend, where the printing will take place.
First, I select the file, then click to start the printing process.
Let the magic begin.
All that's left is to wait patiently and check the filament to make sure it's not tangled.
Waiting for the printing process.
Final result of the Bridging model print.
Final result of the Thickness model print.
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)
3D Print
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.
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.
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.
I also set the next model to low quality due to the time the print would take.
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.
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.