3D Printer Thursday
From SB Hackerspace
The class used to meet most Thursdays at 6:30 until 8-ish until interest died down. Now printning is usually done after the general meeting on saturdays, though if someone has a project I'm always open to suggestions.
Lead by User:DrJohn email
Manufacturing For One
If you've seen the Replicator in Star Trek, you know how cool it it to order a machine to build an object just for you. 3D printers are a first step towards that: if you want a plastic part, just design it and tell the MakerBot to print it.
The Makerbot CupCake is the SBHX 3D printer and prints in ABS plastic. For those of you who need a quick introduction to what 3D printers do, watch this short video: Darth Vader Print. The quality there is similar to the quality of our output.
To print an object you will need a digital 3D model of it. It's best if it's an .STL format file, but I can convert most things. If you're new to 3D modelling, try Google SketchUp to make simple models. I used the freeware 3D modelling software Blender to work on my models, but be warned, the learning curve is much steeper than SketchUp.
For Objects that already exist, Autodesk have a free cloud service that makes decent models from a bunch of photographs. The photography is pretty important, so read the instructions. You can find it here: PhotoFly
Class Activities
- Printing Objects - if you have an object file ready to print, we'll try our best to get it printed. Overhangs are not the cupcake's forte, but we can try.
- Modelling Software tutorial - I'll take you through the steps of making a simple badge with your name on it, which you can wear with pride at all the places you want to be seen!
- RepRap planning - Swiss wants to build a larger and quieter RepRap printer and if you want to help, let him know.
