2D Tools
for 3D Printing
Background
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3D printing is an active field
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There are a lot of devices and they change quickly
- Software changes even faster
Background
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Fused filament fabrication (FFF)
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Like a robotic glue gun
Background
Consumer machines have roots
in community research project called RepRap
Makerbot Replicator 2
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Uses a corn-based plastic called PLA
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Controlled by on-board microcontroller
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Reads data files from SD card
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USB interface for computer control
What Can We Make?
What Can We Make?
What Can We Make?
Let's Get Started!
Download a Thing
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Lots of interesting shape files online
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Some designed for 3D printing - others must be modified
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Customizable shapes
Thingiverse.com
Tons of shapes, integrated with MakerBot ecosystem
Multi-Piece Downloads
Customizable shapes
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Special shapefiles can accept input -Text, designs
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Thingiverse provides an interface to merge them
NASA Vehicles
Other Resources
ShapeWays.com - buy shapefiles, printing services
Cubehero.com - versioning with visual diffs
YouMagine.com - integrated with UltiMaker printer ecosystem
SketchFab.com - 100,000 textured models
Math-Based Shapes
kinematics@home - http://n-e-r-v-o-u-s.com/kinematicsHome/
AutoDesk Project ShapeShifter Beta - http://shapeshifter.io/
Model a Thing
Any 3D software will do
STL file format
Sketchup
Popular, Mature entry-level 3D design tool
Free version
Simple UI
Needs plugin to export to STL
Plans
OpenSCAD
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More of a machine tool than GUI
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Uses a declarative code language
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Allows for variables and include files
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Used for customizable shapes
Many, Many Others
STL is the common file format for 3D Printing
Photoshop
Blender
SolidWorks
AutoCAD
Autodesk 123D Create
Windows 8
Scan A Thing
Laser Image Scanning
LIDAR
Kinect
Makerbot Digitizer
Projects a straight line onto the shape
Photographs the distortion, calculates dimensions
Makerbot Digitizer
Captures the general shape, loses some detail
Makerbot Digitizer
Multi-Scan approach merges multiple scans from different angles
Can result in weird merges!
Conversion & Testing
MeshLab
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3D swiss-army knife, very technical
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Reads everything, Writes STL
NetFabb
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STL Analysis and Repair
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Verifies shape is printable
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http://cloud.netfabb.com/ or Desktop App
Positioning & Slicing
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Scale and Position the model on the build platform
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Slicer software transforms the 3D model into 2D shapes
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2D shapes are joined into a tool path
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Computerized tools run on G-Code
Rafts
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Prevent the shape from sticking to the platform
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Allow more complicated shapes
Infill
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Helps us economize on filament
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Makes for a stronger, lighter shape
Infill Patterns
Supports
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Provide a platform to print overhangs
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Built very thin and easy to remove
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Handle weak areas until they cool
MakerWare
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MakerBot firmware 7.0 uses a custom G-Code format
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Only MakerWare easily supports it
Other Slicers
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All use raw G-Code
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Direct USB Support for many devices
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ReplicatorG - long history, basic UI
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Slic3r - intelligent auto-placement, supports
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Cura - polished UI
Detailed comparison
http://goo.gl/fupZm1
Printer Control
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Most printers have on-board control - some very smart
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Computer control over USB or ethernet
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For special experiments or manual control
Thank You!
Software Tools for 3D Printing
By Andy Stalick
