- Getting Started 3d Printing
- How To Program A 3d Printer For Kids
- Best Software For 3d Printing
- How Do 3d Printers Work
On its fundamental level, firmware is just a computer program. As is typical of any function that a computer program performs, different programs have been created that all work similarly. They all do the same thing (i.e. Control a 3D printer), but the logic and algorithms they employ can be different, and thus function differently.
- Step 1: 3D File. In order to 3D print, you must have a 3D file. Here are a few ways to get a file: Design an object to print in a 3D modeling or CAD program. Scan an existing object with a 3D scanner. Find a file online from websites like thingiverse.com.
- Step 3: 3D Printing a Replica (Digital to Physical) We are now ready for 3D printing. Airwolf Axiom 3D printer 3D printed the model in PLA material. Built on top of Cura’s open source slicing engine, Apex 3D printing software was developed exclusively for Airwolf printers and is optimized to make 3D printing a straightforward process.
3D Insider is ad supported and earns money from clicks, commissions from sales, and other ways.
3D printing may have gotten very popular in the last couple of years, but it remains unexplored territory for a lot of people. As with any technology-based skill, learning about 3D printing can be an intimidating prospect. Before taking the plunge into 3D printing, how about learning about it with no investment?
This selection of free online learning courses will teach you the basics of 3D printing and show you the possibilities of what you can do with a 3D printer. If you’re stuck indoors, then why not spend some time to learn something new?
1. 3D Printing Basics – Udemy
This course designed by Airscrew Academy is the perfect starting point for those who are curious about 3D printing but have little to no experience. Through a series of videos, the course will introduce you to entry-level concepts about 3D printing, the different types of 3D printers, and the different materials used in 3D printing. The course also gleans on some applications of 3D printing, although the examples are either too general or too specific.
The videos are short, engaging, and fairly easy to follow. How to uninstall op auto clicker. The coverage of the course does cast a very wide net. It does not discuss a lot of detail about how to design a 3D model or how to use a 3D printer. If there’s a specific facet of 3D printing you want to learn about, then this course might not be the best one for you.
![How to use a 3d printer cad program How to use a 3d printer cad program](https://www.adamenfroy.com/wp-content/uploads/3D-Printing-Software.jpg)
The course provides about 38 minutes of on-demand video. A paid version of this free course is available, should you wish to receive a certificate of completion. The paid version also allows you to directly communicate with the course instructor and access a Q & A section.
2. 3D Printing Applications – Coursera
Investing all that time and money into 3D printing might seem silly if it’s just a hobby, right? The thing about 3D printing nowadays is that it has become a valuable technology in many commercial industries. This free course offered by the University of Illinois will introduce you to all the ways that 3D printing has been used for business, science, education, and research by both individuals and corporations.
This course is a lot more involved than other free online courses and will take you about 20 hours to finish. With more than 30 videos, reading materials, and quizzes for each module, this course has a more formal structure which should facilitate learning.
This also means that you’ll need to pay this course more attention to get good marks, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Deadlines are flexible, though, so there’s really no need to be pressured to finish it once you enroll.
This course is ideal for those who are considering starting a career in 3D printing and buying a 3D printer to start a business. Although the information is very general, it would be useful to see which industries you can get involved with.
3. The 3D Printer Hardware Guide – Udemy
![How to program a 3d printer to make something How to program a 3d printer to make something](https://weneedfun.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Graffiti-Wallpapers-For-Girls-16.jpg)
If you’re already familiar with the basics of 3D printing, then the sensible next step would be to learn about how a 3D printer works. This course focuses on the hardware of the 3D printer – its individual components, how they are assembled, and how they work together. The course also starts with a short view of the basics of 3D printing and its history.
Over the course of 30 minutes’ worth of videos, the instructor will discuss individual hardware components of a 3D printer and how each one works. We will then go through the whole process of putting together a 3D printer, taking note of which component goes where. The assembly phase also includes a quick tutorial on wiring.
Although there are a lot of advanced topics that the course did not cover, this course provides a great introduction for anyone using a 3D printer for the first time. The village of the frozen stump mac os. At the end of the course, the instructor also touches on a few industrial applications of 3D printing.
4. 3D Printing Software – Coursera
Once you’re already familiar with the hardware that makes a 3D printer work, then the next step would be to understand all the software that support it. This course by the University of Illinois discusses two techniques to create models for 3D printing – 3D modeling from scratch and 3D scanning a physical object.
This is a hands-on course that provides several exercises using actual software. There are two modeling platforms you will have to download and install – Tinkercad and Autodesk Fusion 360. These are among the most popular programs used for 3D modeling. By practicing these programs, you will have a solid foundation on which to build more advanced skills.
The course will take about 15 hours to finish and includes more than 2 hours’ worth of videos, several pages of reading materials, and a quiz at the end of each module. It’s certainly useful for anyone interested in 3D modeling or looking into starting a profession in 3D printing. The specific software used in the course is limited to those from Autodesk but the basic principles on sculpting should apply to any platform.
5. 3D Printing Workshop: How to Use and Maintain a 3D Printer – Udemy
This 2-hour course by Core Electronics is easily one of the most comprehensive ones among the selection of free online courses. Covering a huge scope of 3D printing principles and working instructions, this course is a great introduction on how to use and care for your 3D printer. If you just bought a 3D printer or are planning to buy one, then we highly recommend taking the time to go through all the lectures.
The course starts with the basics – the different 3D printing technologies, the basics of FDM printing, the hardware involved, and how CAD drawings are translated into a form that 3D printers understand. The students then move on to preparing their first model for 3D printing using the slicer software.
The most valuable part of the course touches on the usual problems and challenges that the user will encounter throughout the 3D printing process. Some of these challenges, like warping and overhangs, are very common. The expert guidance provided by the course will go a long way towards helping students perfect their 3D printing technique.
Getting Started 3d Printing
Finally, the course culminates with tips for proper maintenance of 3D printers and guidelines on when and how to replace damaged components. With so many moving parts, there will inevitably be problems popping up on every 3D printer.
6. Introduction to Blender for Beginners – Udemy
For a lot of people, the main draw of 3D printing is the ability to print the designs that you have made yourself. However, achieving this will require that you also learn about 3D modeling. This course will take you through a step-by-step guide in creating a 3D model in Blender. This software is recognized as one of the most popular 3D modeling platforms worldwide.
How To Program A 3d Printer For Kids
This course was designed for students who are absolute beginners in Blender. With over 60 modules distributed across almost 5 hours of content, the course will take you through the basics of the platform’s interface to more advanced functions like sculpting, texturing, and lighting.
To be fair, some modules of the course cover topics that go beyond the requirement of 3D printing. However, you may find an undiscovered passion for 3D modeling by going through the Blender course. In any case, Blender is an industry-standard software that many artists and designers use. At the end of the course, you should be at a proficiency where you can come up with your own 3D models.
7. 3D Printing & Digital Manufacturing – CanopyLAB
This course focuses on a more specialized topic – the effect of 3D printing technology on traditional manufacturing. If you work in the manufacturing industry or are expected to offer services in the field, this course provides a great glimpse of how manufacturing can be revolutionized by 3D printing.
The course is sponsored by digital manufacturing firm Thurmer Tools and thus has a module focused on how 3D printing is used in digital manufacturing. They do zoom out shortly after, taking a look at the application of 3D printing in the food, medical, and construction industries.
The course also touches on the more unconventional uses of 3D printing. Did you know that there are studies exploring the possibility of 3D printed tissues and organs? There have also been cases of houses being 3D printed in just a few days. These aren’t fully developed applications of 3D printing, but it’s still nice to look towards the future.
Final thoughts
Learning about something new is one of the best ways to while away the hours, especially if you find yourself having to spend more time indoors than you’re used to. If you’ve always been curious about 3D printing, then now is the best time to read up about it. Each one of the courses we have listed here can be accessed for free and will take you one step further to being a full-fledged 3D printing professional.
Warning; 3D printers should never be left unattended. They can pose a firesafety hazard.
Published on January 22, 2019. Bounce (itch) (brandonmckearney) mac os. Written by: Mackenzie Crary
One of the synergies of combining 3D scanning with 3D printing is the ability to create physical replicas of real-world objects with true likeness to the original. In this tutorial, we are going to demonstrate the 3D scan to print process by taking a squirrel skull and making it twice the original size. The intention is to enlarge the skull so it can be examined in greater detail.
Let’s take a closer look at what this process looks like and then look into the various applications that would benefit its use.
Video Demonstration
If you would like a condensed version of this tutorial, view the video here:
Step 1: 3D Scanning a Part for 3D Printing (Physical to Digital)
The squirrel skull measures approximately 2.25 inches, which is a relatively small object to scan. If you need to capture small objects into 3D in fine detail, in terms of getting the best resolution and accuracy, using a macro 3D scanning would be your best choice. A macro 3D scanner is designed specifically for scanning small objects.In order to obtain the best quality results, the Metron Macro 3D scanner was used in the scanning portion of the project. FlexScan3D 3D scanning software comes with the Metron Macro 3D scanner. It captured individual 3D scans and merged them together into a complete digital 3D model.Step 2: Preparing the Model for 3D Printing
Typically in our lab, we would use FlexScan3D for preparing the scan data for 3D printing by:- Capturing 3D scans
- Cleaning up the scan data (post-processing)
- Converting the model into a watertight model
However, in this instance, Geomagic Design X was chosen instead for advanced post-processing the scan data.Why use Geomagic Design X?
The squirrel skull contained lots of very thin walled sections as well as small intricate holes. These features are likely too complex and unnecessary for the 3D printer to replicate. FlexScan3D has great hole filling tools and could have done a fairly decent job. When it comes to thin wall data and intricate data selection, Geomagic Design X has a more comprehensive toolset.Instead of just filling holes, with Geomagic Design X you can build up and create new materials that were previously flat or empty in order to make a good 3D printed model. FlexScan3D does not have the ability to create more materials. In this instance, Geomagic Design X has a slight edge for post-processing this particular squirrel skull 3D model. For objects simpler than the squirrel skull, FlexScan3D would have been more than sufficient.What is a watertight model and why do we need it?
When we talk about getting a watertight mesh file for 3D printing, this means that the 3D model needs to be completely sealed. There should be no holes and all parts of the model have been connected properly to create a sealed solid.The word “watertight” means that if you put water inside the model, water will not leak out. Geomagic Design X and FlexScan3D software can make watertight .stl models from 3D scanner data for 3D printing.If you don’t have a watertight model, your 3D printing job will be unsuccessful. Since 3D printing sometimes can take hours to print depending on the complexity of your object, it is best to make sure your file is properly constructed before you enter into the final 3D printing stage. If you have a bad file, your 3D printing job will get messed up. Hours will be wasted and you would have to start all over again. Double-check that your file is watertight.Step 3: 3D Printing a Replica (Digital to Physical)
We are now ready for 3D printing. Airwolf Axiom 3D printer 3D printed the model in PLA material. Built on top of Cura’s open source slicing engine, Apex 3D printing software was developed exclusively for Airwolf printers and is optimized to make 3D printing a straightforward process. The software easily creates a customizable print job that allows for the most efficient printing of the skull. The 3D printer uses precise electronics that allow for accurate printing, getting the tiniest of details printed. Together, the combination produces a beautiful result that is dimensionally accurate and robust.3D printing using Apex:
- Open APEX and select your Airwolf 3D printer.
- Load your model file.
- Choose your four simple Quickprint settings (Filament, Print Quality, Print Support, and Platform Adhesion).
- Save your GCode and you’re ready to print.
It is relatively simple to 3D print using the Airwolf Axiom 3D printer. It took about a little more than 10 hours to 3D print the skull using high quality settings. It slowed down the printing process, but it would produce better results than using normal settings.
Best Software For 3d Printing
Final Results
Overall, we are happy with the final 3D print. We are able to print the squirrel skull in great detail, especially around the eye socket, teeth, and the areas around the mouth. The jaw piece is also firmly attached to the model whereas the physical skull is in two pieces. The detailed model accurately represents all the features of the skull that is also robust and durable.
How Do 3d Printers Work
Applications for 3D Scanning to 3D Printing for Object Replication
Now that we gained a good understanding of the process, let’s examine how this process is put into real-life uses.
Art and Cultural Restoration Efforts
3D scanning and 3D printing can be beneficial for restoration efforts, particularly for cultural and art preservation. Precious pieces that represent our history are often destroyed with time or destruction. They require special maintenance and repair to preserve our history.The restoration process involves scanning the remaining artifact, reconstructing the missing pieces using 3D modeling techniques, and finally recreating the missing pieces physically with 3D printing.Step 1: 3D Scanning Step 2: 3D Modeling Step 3: 3D Printing Capturing 3D images of the authentic piece. Recreating missing fragments to create complete artifact. Sometimes, a duplicate or similar object can be used as a reference for scanning and modeling the missing pieces. Missing parts are 3D printed and adhere to the original piece to make it whole again. Case Study: Damaged Stone Sculptures Receive New Life Through 3D Printing
Funeral Busts dated back to the second century AD were severely damaged with hammers when Isis terrorists rampaged through the archaeological site and museum. The busts, one man and one woman, was taken back to Rome where cultural heritage experts from the Italian Institute of Conservation and Restoration spent time repairing the damaged bust. The restoration efforts involved using a 3D scanner to capture the shattered faces into 3D and 3D printer to print the prosthetics. How to create 3d website.“The resin prosthetics were coated with a very fine layer of stone dust to make them blend in with the original stone. It was a great honour for us to be able to restore such extraordinary artefacts, which were so brutally damaged by Isis.”Gisella Capponi, director of the Italian Institute for Conservation and Restoration.How to continue trial photoshop cc. The prosthetics are removable and can be replaced with the original missing piece if they were ever found.Read more about the restorative efforts:Stone sculptures smashed by Isil in ancient city of Palmyra restored to former glory by Italian expertsGain a Better Understanding of Our Past
Artefacts and fossils are often fragile, irreplaceable, and priceless, which makes it impossible to be handled on a constant basis. Researchers can use 3D scanners to capture the original specimen into 3D digital form and then 3D print them for a thorough in-depth analysis.We as humans are tactile in nature. Once an object is 3D scanned into a digital 3D model, the way we interact with a physical model is completely different than interacting with the model on screen. We can gain more insights by seeing and touching a physical tangible 3D printed model because it is often easier than looking at digital scan data.Case Study: 3D Printing Makes Its Way Into Online Courses
At the University of Southern Queensland, Professor Bryce Barker in the Department of Anthropology gives off-campus students the opportunity to get practical hands-on lab experience which is essential to learning the course. Students will be able to handle the 3D printed specimens in their home while getting a guided tour from the professor through online course materials to improve the way students learn. The cost of 3D printing the specimens and shipping to their homes would be much cheaper than bringing the distance and online students physically into the university (in terms of cost of travel, accommodation, etc.).Making Large-Scale Sculptures
The art of sculpture making can be further enhanced with the use of 3D technologies. Object replication using 3D scanning isn’t just restricted to the use of a 3D printer. To expand the list of material choices for producing the final sculpture, 3D scanned data can be exported for use on a CNC machine (using wood or plastic) or for a molding process (bronze casting). Typically, artists choose to work in clay first. Once the sculpture is complete, it is 3D scanned, scaled to the appropriate size (enlarge or reduction), and produced in the finishing material.Step 1: Creating the Physical Sculpture Step 2: 3D Scanning Step 3: 3D Printing, CNC, or Molding Process Sculpting the piece in clay. 3D scanning the sculpture into 3D digital form and making any necessary modifications. Produce the final sculpture in the desired materials as specified by the artist. Case Study: Making CNC-Carved Wooden Statues from Clay Sculptures
Commissioned by the Schweizerholz (Swiss wood) initiative and the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment, figurative artist Inigo Gheyselinck created wooden figures of famous Swiss people to make history come alive and to show what a great material wood is with the #WOODVETIA campaign. The purpose of the campaign was to raise awareness of the benefits of wood, which is biodegradable and an eco-friendly material for construction and furniture production.Gheyselinck modeled the famous heads in clay. He scanned the clay sculptures and found human models which was also 3D scanned to compose the body.After scanning his clay sculptures using Artec Eva, the digital 3D models were then exported to CAD-compatible CNC milling machine for creating the sculpture in wood. CNC has the ability to machine soft woods at high speed.Read more:Making CNC-carved wooden statues of historical Swiss personalities
3D scanning broadens the use of 3D printing by expanding the number of things you can do with a 3D printer. Hopefully this will give you a better understanding of the 3D print to scan process and inspire you to find more commercial applications that can benefit from the use of these technologies.