This document provides an overview of 3D printing and 3D design fundamentals. It discusses the history and process of 3D printing, different 3D printing technologies, common 3D file types, the basic 3D printing process, and tips for 3D printing. It also covers basic 3D design concepts like navigating 3D space, modeling techniques, materials, and rendering. Additionally, it introduces several free and paid 3D design applications as well as 3D printing services and repositories.

1. Design Fundamentals

2. Agenda
• Understand 3D printing and how it works.
• Learn basic 3D design fundamentals (e.g., understanding 3D space and
geometry, modeling, surfaces, textures, and rendering images).
• Gain hands-on experience designing a 3D object that can be 3D printed.
• Discover a variety of free 3D design applications and repositories.

3. www.tinkercad.com
Create an account for later …

4. What is 3D printing?
First off, 3D printing is not new. Chuck Hull invented
stereolithography (i.e., solid imaging) in the mid-1980s.
3D printing is also known as additive manufacturing ,
which is a process of making, layer by layer, three
dimensional objects from a digital file.
Source: http://goo.gl/SaL7eE

5. • Vat Photopolymerisation
• Material Jetting
• Binder Jetting
• Material Extrusion – Most desktop printers use Fused Deposition
Modeling (FDM) technology
• Powder Bed Fusion
• Sheet Lamination
• Directed Energy Deposition
Seven processes are:

6. Source: http://freefab3d.com/
The Innovation Lab
[Makerspace @ SPC]
has a Monolith printer.

7. 3D Printing File Types
.STL – STereoLithography or Standard Tessellation Language
.OBJ – Object files define the geometry for objects. Includes textures.
.X3D – used for color printing. Also added shaders, geo-location etc.
.VRML – used for color printing. Includes 3D geometry etc.

8. 3D Printing Process
1. Design an object via computer aided design (CAD) or animation modeling
software. Not design-oriented? Try Shapeways, Sculpteo or Thingiverse.
2. The software will export the object as an .STL file, which will then be built
(printed) layer-by-layer (i.e., Additive Manufacturing).
3. Load the .STL file into the printer. (e.g., via Repetier).
4. Slice (i.e., create layers for the object). Note: Repetier integrates Slic3r
into the software.
5. 3D printing materials vary. We use PLA (Polylactic Acid) filament. Visit
http://reprap.org/wiki/PLA for more information.
Source: http://goo.gl/rgOpMq

9. Download Repetier at http://www.repetier.com

10. G-code is a language where people tell
computerized machine tools how to make something. G-code
can also be used for CNC machines, knitting, tattoos etc.
Visit http://3dprintingforbeginners.com/software-tools for a large list of other 3D modeling, Slicer, 3D Printer Hosts etc.

11. Image source: https://goo.gl/WGs3gg
Fused
Deposition
Modeling

12. Fused Deposition Modeling with the Monolith
Watch at https://youtu.be/fA_cAo4uwAc

13. What to Expect with 3D Printing
• It is a slow process.
• It can be very frustrating.
• You will learn how to unclog the extruder and do other repairs.
• Setup a way to remotely monitor your prints (e.g., use a webcam via
RealVNC or Repetier-Server etc.)
• Have a web form for print submissions with brief explanation.
• Create procedures/policies.
• It is a slow process.
• It can be very frustrating.

14. DIY Monitoring with RealVNC

15. http://www.repetier-server.com/
Note: you do not need to use a Raspberry
Pi, but you will be cooler if you do. ;-)

16. 3D Printer/Printing Tips

17. Re-scaling Objects

18. Re-positioning Objects

19. Need support?

20. Recycle PLA?
It’s not
necessary.

21. Add Supports!Need support?

24. Image source: https://goo.gl/Z6qAQF
Supports

25. Adhesion issues

26. Watch at https://youtu.be/l_k5xnzIIog
The nozzle is too close to the heat bed

27. Bed Leveling

28. The nozzle should be about 0.4MM above the
bed. See Slicr3 layer settings next slide.
There should be some friction (i.e., tension from the
paper) on each corner of the bed and in the center.
Nozzle and Heat Bed Heights
Image Source: https://youtu.be/L6GJWHwrTmY

29. First Layer Height in Slic3r should be 90%

30. Learn more at https://www.simplify3d.com/support/print-quality-troubleshooting/
Print Quality Troubleshooting Guide

31. Cleaning Up After Printing
Watch at https://youtu.be/0KU0lgoC42Q

32. Maintenance Tips
•Clean the heat bed with rubbing alcohol.
•Unclog and clean the nozzle.
•Make sure the belts are tight.
•The screws should all be tightened equally.
•Clean and lube the X and Y rails.

33. 3D Design Fundamentals

34. Navigating 3D Space
Image source: https://goo.gl/vJKpuV
Three dimensions:
left and right (X axis)
up and down (Y axis)
back and forth (Z axis)

35. Measure the Position and Size of an Object

36. Measure the Distance Between Objects

37. Navigating 3D Space Demo

38. Vertices, Faces, and Edges
Image source: https://goo.gl/x6a2PF

39. Boolean Modeling takes two objects and
adds/subtract/combine into one object
Image Source: https://goo.gl/ktJXCj

40. Materials and Textures
Image source: https://goo.gl/QSLHmW

41. Rendering
Image source: https://goo.gl/7ynpqe

42. www.tinkercad.com
A quick hands-on overview to
show basic functions!

44. Source: http://bukobot.com/

45. Source: http://bukobot.com/

46. Requests to create 3D models

47. Matter and Form 3D scanner
https://matterandform.net/scanner

48. Digital Scanning DIY style with Eureka Factory!

49. Sketchfab
Try it! https://goo.gl/dByASn

50. Some Select 3D Printers
• LulzBot Mini, $1,250
• MakerBot Replicator +, $2,499
• Ultimaker 2, $2,499
• XYZprinting Nobel 1.0A, $1,799
• Form 2, $3,499
Visit https://www.3dhubs.com/best-3d-printer-guide the “most
comprehensive 3D printer guide available!

51. Stereolithography (SLA) 3D Printer
Watch: https://youtu.be/Ak4kgiSvgN8

52. Request free samples
https://formlabs.com/request-sample-part/

53. Read more at https://goo.gl/9JnmWm

54. RepRap – 3D print a 3D printer!
http://reprap.org/

55. Search for ‘XY Core Printer’ at Thingiverse.com

56. Select 3D Applications/Tools:
• 3Ds Max - 3D modeling, animation, and rendering software.
• Autodesk Fusion 360 – the first 3D CAD, CAM, and CAE tool of its kind. It
connects your entire product development process in a single cloud-based
platform that works on both Mac and PC.
• Autodesk Inventor – computer-aided design application for 3D mechanical
design, simulation, visualization, and documentation.
• Autodesk Netfabb – connected software for additive manufacturing and
design, helping to streamline workflows, reduce build errors, and bring
products to market faster.
• Cobalt – ultimate 3D modeling product design and development tool.
• FreeCAD – an open-source parametric 3D CAD modeler.

57. Select 3D Applications/Tools:
• Onshape – a computer-aided design (CAD) software system, delivered over the
Internet via a Software as a Service (SAAS) model.
• OpenSCAD - The Programmers Solid 3D CAD Modeller.
• Pro/Engineer – a 3D CAD/CAM/CAE feature-based, associative solid modeling
software.
• Rhino3D – commercial 3D computer graphics and computer-aided design
application for Mac.
• SolidWorks – solid modeling computer-aided design and computer-aided
engineering computer program
• TurboCAD – a CAD software application for 2D and 3D design and drafting.
• Zbrush - a digital sculpting tool that combines 3D/2.5D modeling, texturing and
painting.

58. Select 3D Applications/Tools:
• SketchUp – download a free trial and check out their 3D Warehouse!
• AutoCAD - free for students! You can visit this site for a list of other free software
available to students.
• Tinkercad – free and easy to use online application for 3D printing/modeling.
• Blender - free open source 3D content creation suite.
• Kinect Studio - record and play back depth and color streams from a Kinect.
• Meshmixer - a free tool for making 3D stuff without too much hassle.
• Skanect – capture a full color 3D model of an object.
• ReconstructMe - 3D real-time scanning system.
• 123D Catch – free app that lets you create 3D scans of any object.
• Even more 3D software

59. Medium for Oculus Rift
Watch at https://youtu.be/L3q_1Zoivms

60. Watch at https://youtu.be/nlhN5id1xg8
3D Design in Virtual Reality to 3D Print

61. Select 3D Printing Services/Repositories
• Shapeways - 3D Printing Service & Marketplace
• UPS 3D Printing - UPS Stores have expanded 3D printing services to
meet the growing demands.
• i.materialize - turn your ideas into 3D printed reality
• Thingiverse - Digital Designs for Physical Objects
• Sculpteo – 3D prints your ideas/products
• Amazon.com’s 3D Printing – Customization, Sandboxr etc.
• Smithsonian X 3D - print historic artifacts.

62. http://www.slideshare.net/chadmairn
@cmairn

63. Contact me!