3D Design: Modeling and Printing
Use 3D modeling and printing to design parts for robots and electronics projects.
What is 3D Printing? 3D printing (also known as additive manufacturing) is the process and production of a 3D object using material built up in successive layers. This gives designers the advantage of making designs that were not previously possible through traditional manufacturing methods. It has come into the media recently because the technology and manufacturing capabilities of 3D Printers has reached consumer level along with the ability to produce multiple designs using several materials with only one printer. 3D printing has been around in manufacturing since the 1970's but the printers were very expensive and had limited capabilities. It has come into the media recently because the capabilities of 3D Printers has reached consumer level along with the ability to produce multiple designs using one printer. This manufacturing process is revolutionizing the way we design and manufacture specialized objects both in the factory and now at home. How does 3D Printing work? A 3D printer behaves like a 2D printer in the same way that you instruct the 2D printer to print a 2D drawing on paper. You use word processing software and the printer replicates the writing by 'printing' out a pattern as instructed by the software using liquid ink. Laser printers use a laser to etch the toner onto the page, so that is still a process of 2D printing. Instead, the 3D printer 'prints' a 3D object in successive layers using the 'filament' from a design drawn in CAD software. |
3D Printing can be used to create custom parts for your robot, such as sensor holders and adaptors.
3D design files are most commonly created in STL (Stereolithography) format. STL files are created using a 3D computer-aided design(CAD) program such as Thingiverse, Fusion 360, SketchUp, Solidworks, or Onshape. STL files can also be downloaded from parts libraries such as Thingiverse, Grab CAD, or manufacturer websites. The STL file is then sent to a slicer program such as Dremel or Cura, which converts the design to a toolpath, most commonly in G-Code format. |
Video-based tutorials https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/get-started
Text tutorials https://help.autodesk.com/view/fusion360/ENU/
Lessons in file management http://f360ap.autodesk.com/courses/getting-started-in-fusion-360
Really good video tutorials videos (highlighted here)
1: Tour of the Interface (8:24) - Basic tools for viewing, and navigating features and tools
2: Integrated Concept to Fabrication Toolset (7:42) - working with parts and assemblies, modeling using sketch and sculpt tools
Not needed for single part design
3: Sketching and Parametric Modeling (11:53) creating sketches using the marking menu and gesture-driven commands
Exercise - make a box, and add holes on each side
4: Modeling Using Core Features (10:42) Tools for geometry creation and modification features (revolve, extrude, sweep, patterns, fillet, chamfer, threads)
5: Freeform Modeling (9:50) Sculpt environment and tools
Not needed for basic design
Other good video series: “Learn Fusion 360 or Die Trying”
Text tutorials https://help.autodesk.com/view/fusion360/ENU/
Lessons in file management http://f360ap.autodesk.com/courses/getting-started-in-fusion-360
- Lesson 1- Overview
- Lesson 3 - Open-Close-Save
- Lesson 4 - Create a Project
Really good video tutorials videos (highlighted here)
1: Tour of the Interface (8:24) - Basic tools for viewing, and navigating features and tools
2: Integrated Concept to Fabrication Toolset (7:42) - working with parts and assemblies, modeling using sketch and sculpt tools
Not needed for single part design
3: Sketching and Parametric Modeling (11:53) creating sketches using the marking menu and gesture-driven commands
Exercise - make a box, and add holes on each side
4: Modeling Using Core Features (10:42) Tools for geometry creation and modification features (revolve, extrude, sweep, patterns, fillet, chamfer, threads)
5: Freeform Modeling (9:50) Sculpt environment and tools
Not needed for basic design
Other good video series: “Learn Fusion 360 or Die Trying”