A new adventure...in 3D!

    I decided this week to create my 3D project. Like I said before I decided to use Tinkercad for my creating. I have no experience with using any CAD software so it was a bit challenging at first. I walked through some of the tutorials to learn how to use it. I had a lot of fun doing the tutorials and learned a lot, like how to place objects, resize them, colour them, group them, and even place other object inside of them to create holes. 

    I started my project by placing a block down and resizing it to the dimensions of the current picture frame holder I am using. Then I coloured it to my desired choice(black). I then copied and pasted that object a few times and sized those to the different pieces. I had a challenging time placing and resizing those pieces where I wanted them, but after playing with the settings of the software, I was able to set them exactly where I needed. What is cool is that you can group multiple objects together to create one that can be moved as a unit. Now I needed to place an object to flatten the bottom so it is stable. Done! I downloaded the file and now I have the proper .stl file I needed. (see slideshow below for progress pictures)

     I did some research on what popular brands of printers people are buying, where to buy them, and what other options there are if you can't buy one. I found that the local public libraries in my city have what they call Makerspaces. This is an area where they offer different services for creating things like Video, Audio, Vinyl Printing, Large Photo Printing, and even 3D Printing! For my purposes though, I feel like I have a few ideas of projects I want to print and decided to shop for myself. After reading multiple reviews and top ten lists (like anyone else would do) I went shopping in my price range for one. I decided to go with an Elegoo Neptune 3 Pro. It is a decent entry level one than can handle small to medium size projects with a lot of good reviews. So when that comes I will give you an update!

    After doing some more digging though I found that an .stl file is only the first part of what I need to print. It turns out I need to take that file and put it into a different program so that a 3D printer can print it. I'm learning new things ever hour it seems! I looked into different Slicing software and found the widely used one is PrusaSlicer. It is developed by the Brand Prusa which sells one of the most common higher end 3D Printers. So I downloaded PrusaSlicer and played with that for a bit. There is so many settings that you can adjust it seems for any type of 3D printer and adjust for each and every project. I uploaded my Book Stand file and adjusted the specific settings for the printer I purchased. I hit the slice now button and boom, done. It's set up now for my 3D printer and the file type is now a GCODE file which is actually what the printer needs to print. I was wrong before but hey, that's how we learn! It looks so cool and you can see the different layers the object has.  (see slideshow beneath for pictures.)

    Next week my printer should be here and I can get it all set up. I wonder what challenges there will be when I actually try to print something. I can't wait!

 

    

Websites and Software Tools used

Tinkercad - https://www.tinkercad.com/3d-design

PrusaSlicer - https://www.prusa3d.com/page/prusaslicer_424/