3D Printing

Exploring fused deposition modeling and personal design projects

Making

3D Printing

3D Printer I use a Creality Ender3 S1 Pro fused deposition modeling printer for print prototyping.

A current print project I am working on is creating a series of rings based on personal design models.

I use AutoCAD Fusion 360 to complete the models.

First Ring Model First model screenshots from Fusion360

Above is the first model and below is the picture of the subsequent print.

First Ring Print The first printed ring

A tad small. Back to modeling in larger dimensions.

Second Ring Model Updated model with larger dimensions

3D Print Result The improved print result

Process

After creating the model, I export a model to an .stl file format. At this point, I import the .stl file to a Cura slicing software. This software is where I configure print machine settings specific to materials (i.e. ABS, PLA, PETG, TPU, Wood, etc.) and temperatures which are based on machine capabilities.

I have yet to use wood. PETG (Polyethylene terephthalate glycol) is food safe. TPU (Thermoplastic polyurethane) is by far my favorite since it produces objects which can achieve elastic deformations.