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Week 5

3D Scanning and Printing Documentation

1. Group Assignment (Summary + Reflection)

For the group assignment, we tested the design rules of our 3D printer.

What we tested:

  • Minimum wall thickness
  • Overhang angles
  • Bridge length
  • Hole diameter accuracy
  • Support material behavior

(Add link to your group page here)

What I learned:

From these tests, I understood the limitations and characteristics of the printer:

  • Overhangs greater than ~45° require supports
  • Very thin walls can break or not print correctly
  • Small holes are often printed smaller than designed
  • Long bridges may sag without support
  • Print quality depends on layer height and speed

This knowledge helped me design a printable object correctly.

2. Individual 3D Printed Object

Object Description

I designed a small 3D object that demonstrates the advantages of additive manufacturing.

The object includes features that are difficult or impossible to make using subtractive methods (like CNC machining).

Why it cannot be easily made subtractively:

The design includes:

  • Overhangs
  • Internal geometry
  • (optional) moving or connected parts

Subtractive methods cannot easily create internal or hidden structures without cutting the object apart.

3. Design Process

I created the model using Autodesk Inventor

Steps:

  1. Created a 2D sketch
  2. Defined dimensions and constraints
  3. Converted sketch into 3D using extrusion

  4. Added complex features:

  5. Internal structures

  6. Curved surfaces
  7. Overhangs
  8. Exported the model as STL file

4. 3D Printing Process

Steps:

  1. Imported STL file into slicer software (e.g., Cura)
  2. Set parameters:

  • Layer height
  • Infill percentage
  • Supports (if needed)
  • Generated G-code
  • Sent file to 3D printer
  • Printed the object

Observations:

  • Supports were required for some parts
  • Print quality depends on orientation
  • Small details require slower printing

5. 3D Scanning

Object Scanned

I scanned a real-world object to convert it into a digital 3D model.

Process:

  1. Used a 3D scanning tool (phone app or scanner)
  2. Captured the object from multiple angles
  3. Generated a 3D mesh
  4. Exported the model

Result:

  • The scanned model captured the overall shape
  • Some noise and inaccuracies were present
  • High detail depends on scanning quality

(Insert screenshots of scan)

6. Files Included

  • 3D model: .stl, .step
  • Design file: .ipt
  • Screenshots of process

7. Hero Shot

Conclusion

This assignment helped me understand:

  • Advantages of 3D printing:

  • Complex geometry

  • Internal structures

  • Rapid prototyping

  • Limitations:

  • Need for supports

  • Surface quality

  • Dimensional inaccuracies

  • How scanning can digitize real objects, but may require cleanup for accuracy