3D Printing
BackgroundA 3D printer is a machine that transforms a virtual object into a physical object you can touch and hold. It builds the object one layer at a time so it is sometimes referred to as "additive manufacturing". Think of a glue gun on the end of an inkjet printer that can move not only on the x and y axis but also on the z axis - producing 3 dimensional object. After it prints one layer it then moves up and prints the next layer until the entire objects is created.
Taking something from your imagination and then creating that in virtual space on the computer is a profound concept. However, taking the virtual creation and turning that into something in the real world is mind altering. This is the role of 3D printing. It is worth noting that this is an evolving technology and the industry is changing on a weekly basis in terms of techniques, technologies, and new printers coming to market. 3D Printing - turning the virtual into reality. Virtual (click and drag)
Steps
Designing for 3D printing
Evaluating MeshThere are programs like netfab or MakePrintable that will check the integrity of the mesh model and fix problems before you 3D print.
Netfab has is a freeware version that can be downloaded. A good approach is to use the automatic default repair to fix problems then replace the model with the fixed version. TermsBounding Box: the maximum size you can print.
Wall Thickness (shells): the thickness of the walls Wire: is a thin filament on the print - supported and non supported (how thin can you go) Details: the amount of detail possible - related to resolution Resolution: layer height - the smaller the number of the finer the resolution and the smoother the result Accuracy: this relates when creating interlocking parts - some printers allow for moving parts others don't and every printer probably has slightly different tolerance limits on the print Supports: most extrusion printers lay down hot plastic so objects that have angles less than 45 degrees need supports for overhangs Rafts: a layer of removable structures that printed down and the structure printed on top of that if you have an object with an uneven base infill: is amount of material that supports the inside structure - this determines the density of the final product, usually represented by a percentage modeLling ToolsThere are number of modelling tools that one can use to create files for 3D Printing. The following page will provide more information on the tools and the process:
TestingIt is useful to take a simple object and go through the process from beginning to end before committing to a more involved models.
ExportExport the mesh in STL or OBJ format - this can then be sent to a printing service or printed on a 3D printer.
PrintingThere are two ways to print 3D creations. One, way is to purchase a 3D printer and material that the printer uses and print out the objects. The other option is to send your 3D model to a 3D printing service online, there are a growing number of these on the Internet.
If you are printing on your own printer, there are a number of different ways of preparing your model for printing. Most printers come with software for slicing the model into layers that the printer can deal with. Here are a few 3rd party tools that provide additional flexibility and options that work with many different printers:
The higher the resolution settings, the longer the print time but the smoother the result. Printing ServicesThese are printing warehouses where you can send your creations to get printed. The advantage of this is that you have a greater choice of material and the quality tends to be better than what you would expect from a home printer.
VideosTo get a sense for what 3D printing may hold in the future, view these videos:
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PurposesCreating a virtual object on the screen of the computer and then turning that into a tangible object is a powerful concept.
Uses
printer TypesThere are a number of different processes used for 3D printer, here is a list of the major types:
MaterialsAlmost any material can be printed, in theory. In fact the more sophisticated printers can print different materials in one print object or can even mix materials.
Full colour printingFull colour printing is not common. The cheaper printers tend to be limited to one or two colours at a time. However, there are more expensive options for printing full colour. One process for printing in colour involves depositing gypsum power through the printer head and then it uses a liquid binder and deposits ink at the same time - just like an ink jet printer. The result is a beautiful color but a rough finish.
Extrusion Based printersThe most common 3D printers are extrusion type where hot plastic is extruded layer by layer.
These prints are usually not solid but have a pattern of "infill" that supports the inside structure. The amount of infill can be set by the user. Filament Types:
Minimum Wall ThicknessThe thickness of walls is dependent on the type of printer, the material being used and the resolution of the printer. Printing a thin wall creates a nice effect with PLA because of PLA's translucence.
With extrusion based printers (e.,g. Makerbot), design the part with the wall 0.020" thick (or about 0.5mm). This will give you the one wall or shell desired. HistoryCharles Hull invented the first stereolithography machine in the late 1980s. Initially the high cost of technology kept it in the hands of big business. In 2005, Adrian Bower started the Rep Rap project in an attempt to create a self - replicating machine. However these required significant technical expertise. Companies like Makerbot came on the scene to provide a low cost version of these cheap printers to the technically uninitiated.
3D Model RepositoriesThere are numerous repositories on the Internet where you can download models for 3D printing.
Some files that you download will not work well for 3D printing. You may have to alter the files yourself to make them printable. 3D PrintersHere are links to cheaper 3D printers ($600 - $3,000):
Affordances of 3D PrintingWhen deciding to use a particular technology it is useful to identify the attributes of that tool and match those with the dimensions of the problem or desired outcome. The following affordances for 3D printers have been identified and point to reasons for selecting this tool:
Sharing SitesThere are a number of web communities devoted to sharing 3D models for the purpose of 3D printing. Here is a partial list:
Other ResourcesMore on 3D printing:
Below are more interesting videos on 3D printing:
3D printing has profound implications for business and education. It has the potential for changing how we create.
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Conclusions
References
Cohen, J., Jones, W.M., Smith, S. & Calandra, B. (2017). Makification: Towards a Framework for Leveraging the Maker Movement in Formal Education. Journal of Educational Multimedia and Hypermedia, 26(3), 217-229. Chesapeake, VA: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE).
Available from http://www.learntechlib.org.ezproxy.uleth.ca/p/174191/
Hultgren, Kacie. (2014). Up and running with 3D printing. Lynda.com. Retrieved from http://www.lynda.com/3D-Animation-Prototyping-tutorials/Up-Running-3D-Printing/
Lipson, H. (2014). The Future of 3D Printing. Presented at SITE: Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education International Conference 2014.
Steed, M. B. (2001). 3D visualization: Using 3D software to represent curricular concepts. Learning and Leading with Technology, 22(3), 14-20.
Available from http://www.learntechlib.org.ezproxy.uleth.ca/p/174191/
Hultgren, Kacie. (2014). Up and running with 3D printing. Lynda.com. Retrieved from http://www.lynda.com/3D-Animation-Prototyping-tutorials/Up-Running-3D-Printing/
Lipson, H. (2014). The Future of 3D Printing. Presented at SITE: Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education International Conference 2014.
Steed, M. B. (2001). 3D visualization: Using 3D software to represent curricular concepts. Learning and Leading with Technology, 22(3), 14-20.