Assignment:
This weeks Task was based around 3D printing and Laser Scanning (Documentation) We were given the choice of two assignments, one to re-design the Tile model yet again, this time in accordance to the 3D Printing Rules found here. This was the assignment I chose to complete in the time I was given.
The second assignment option was based on 3D Laser Scanning, a subject I’ve only done a small amount on in the past. This method was used to produce a 3D print of the Mouse I designed as part of my First Year.
Redesigning the Tile
This new tile has been designed to consider some of the design rules for 3D printing, such as no slops greater than 30 degrees, bridges or undercuts. It now needs to be loaded into a programmed called “Ultimaker Cura” to be turned into a 3D printable part.
Using Ultimaker
Ultimaker Cura is a free programme that can be used for slicing parts into 3D printable components.
When you load the part into the Ultimaker programme, it will appear like this with the “Slice” button in the bottom left of the screen. It will also ask you to select the kind of 3D and which material you’re using, as well as the thickness of the extrusion and density of the inside print.
Once Sliced, the interface will show you how long it estimates the part will take to Print and what it will weigh depending on the material you chose. From this point you can access the layer viewer to simulate the print or individual layers.
You can view the individual layers of the print using the slider on the left, allowing you to see the inside of it or check for errors. Don’t worry about the very bottom layer. That’s added by ultimaker to give the part something to print too.
Below is a video of another feature, where you can view the layer being printed in real time, or sped up.
You can make changes at any point to the settings of the part and it can be re-sliced completely if needed.
This was the end result of the process. A file which can be saved as an STL file and sent to any 3D Printer.
Further Reading/ Referencing
Assignment Documentation – Derek Covill
