Week 5: 3D Scanning & Printing

Assignment - Design and 3D Print an object

Computer Aided Design

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) is the use of computer software to create, modify, analyze, and optimize digital models for engineering, architecture, and manufacturing applications. CAD enables precise and efficient design processes by providing tools for 2D drafting, 3D modeling, simulation, and visualization. It enhances accuracy, reduces design time, and facilitates collaboration among designers and engineers. Popular CAD software includes AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Fusion 360, and Onshape, each offering specialized features for different industries. By integrating CAD with technologies like 3D printing and CNC machining, designers can rapidly prototype and refine their concepts before production, leading to innovative and high-quality products.

Software Used : OnShape

Problem Statement

Designing and manufacturing a customized 3D-printed chair using Onshape presents several challenges, including optimizing the structural integrity, printability, and material efficiency of the design. The chair must be ergonomically designed while ensuring that it can be successfully fabricated using FDM 3D printing technology without excessive support structures or print failures. Additionally, factors such as weight distribution, infill percentage, layer adhesion, and post-processing requirements must be carefully considered to achieve a functional and aesthetically pleasing final product.

3D Modeling Techniques

1. Solid Modeling (CAD-based modeling)
2. Surface Modeling
3. Sculpting

This project aims to overcome these challenges by utilizing parametric design techniques in Onshape and implementing efficient 3D printing strategies to produce a durable and optimized chair.

Modeling in Onshape

1. Create a new Onshape project for your 3D chair model.
2. Use parametric design techniques to define key dimensions like seat height, width, and backrest angle.
3. Apply sketching tools and extrusions to build the chair structure.
4. Use constraints and fillets to refine the design for better aesthetics and structural strength.
5. Ensure that the model is optimized for 3D printing (no floating parts, appropriate wall thickness).

Tools used

1. Sketching Tools
2. Extrude & Revolve
3. Fillet & Chamfer
4. Loft & Sweep
5. Mirror & Pattern
6. Assembly & Mate Connectors
7. Shell & Thickness Control
8. Export & STL Conversion

Sample Screenshots of Design

After completing the design in Onshape, I exported the design as a .3mf file. A .3mf (3D Manufacturing Format) file is a modern 3D printing file format developed by the 3MF Consortium to improve upon older formats like .STL. It stores more detailed information about the 3D model and printing settings, making it useful for advanced 3D printing workflows.

.3MF Files