Kai: /* Introduction */

2017-03-29T20:39:57Z

Introduction

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=== Introduction ===
Here you can find useful bits of information related to 3D printing with the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) method. My 3D printer is an [[Ultimaker 2 Plus | Ultimaker 2+]] and therefore most of the information will only apply to that model.
 
 
There are various [[3D Printing Materials]], which determine the chemical and physical properties of the printed objects and affect how you model and print the objects.
 
 

=== Miscellaneous Tips ===
* Printing material needs to be stored dry! Put your unused roll in an airtight zipper bag and throw in a silica gel pack.
* ABS prints requires an enclosure that keeps the heat inside the print chamber.
 

=== Software ===
==== CAD software ====
* [[FreeCAD]] is a well-known open-source CAD program that I use.
* [http://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/overview Fusion 360] by Autodesk is free to use for hobbyists.
* [[Blender]] is a 3D modelling application for artists but can be used as a CAD tool if you are willing to deal with meshes instead of the higher-level construction logic, which a proper CAD tool translates into meshes for the purpose of rendering it onscreen.
 

==== Postprocessing 3D Models for Printing ====
* [http://meshmixer.com meshmixer] by Autodesk is a mesh manipulation tool and useful for creating support structures.
* [[Cura]] by Ultimaker is a slicer software that generates instructions for the printer from 3D models in STL format.
 

=== Finding 3D-printable Models Online ===
* [http://youmagine.com Youmagine] (backed by Ultimaker)
* [http://shapeways.com Shapeways]
* [http://thingiverse.com Thingiverse] (backed by Makerbot)
 
=== G-code Editing ===
* The G-code used in Ultimaker printers (UltiGCode) is based on the [http://reprap.org/wiki/G-code RepRap G-code] but with more settings moved from the slicer software to the printer hardware.
* List of [[Cura Settings]] used in G-code and stored in profile files with ''ini'' extension.
 
=== Assembling Printed Parts ===
* Glueing
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finger_joint Finger joints]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Threaded_insert#Captive_nut Captive (square) nuts]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spacers_and_standoffs Standoffs]
 
Captive nuts and standoffs can be used to eliminate the need to tap screw threads in the material or bury nuts in the model while it is printed.

3D Printing - Revision history

Kai: /* Introduction */