Creating a 3d object to Printing question
First off - I'm a noob to this world, I have bought a printer ( i3 MK2S ) but it has not arrived yet. Very excited and I know I have many steps to make before successfully printing my own projects.
Sorry if in wrong section move if need be.
Question ? Since the Prusa i3 MK2S has a layer thickness of 0.5mm, should I be creating / designing my objects in metric not inches?
Will or can the "slicing" programs convert decimal fractions to mm ( 1/64" = 0.015625" = 0.396875mm ) with a good out come / resolution?
My first project is coinage for my D&D group, small but simple. Diameter of 3/4", 1/16" thick, with the middle recessed about 1/64", with the hopes of later putting in geometric or designs if printer resolution will allow.
Re: Creating a 3d object to Printing question
I think the simple answer is yes, designing in metric initially would be easier.
But just in case you haven't, go here and start reading and watching 🙂 https://www.prusa3d.com/support/
Re: Creating a 3d object to Printing question
Just to add, it will also depend on which 3d modelling s/w you intend to use to some extent. Fusion 360 allows you to easily swap between measurement systems, but I don't usually recommend it to newbies.
Re: Creating a 3d object to Printing question
Hi Eric,
designing in milimeters is more sensible as it saves confusion later.
also remember, that even though your printer should work down to 0.05mm layer height, you dont have to use that all the time
for initial prints it's a good idea to use 0.20 or 0.15mm layer height.
regards Joan
I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK
Re: Creating a 3d object to Printing question
Question ? Since the Prusa i3 MK2S has a layer thickness of 0.5mm, should I be creating / designing my objects in metric not inches?
The Mk2S has a layer resolution of 0.05mm (rather than 0.5mm).
Whether you design your objects using metric or imperial measurements makes no difference whatsoever. You could even make up a new measurement scale (Kloopekas / 1 Kloopeka = 5.8008mm) and design your object in that if you want, makes no difference whatsoever.
Imagine you have a 2d printer (a standard laser printer for example) and you've made a red square in Photoshop that you'd like to print in the centre of an A4 piece of paper, would it matter whether the red square was 4 x 4 inches or 101 x 101mm, considering they are the same size ?
Or another way of looking at it is that a 3D model / image / real world object is unaware that it even has a size - a dice (in the real world) doesn't know whether it's 19mm² or 0.75².
Hope that makes sense !
Re: Creating a 3d object to Printing question
Because everything is already in metric I planned on using metric before my MK3 arrived. I have found that it's simpler and I keep the calculator "length mode" up while I'm working.
We're used to fractions in the Standards based system, but who uses decimal when working with feet and inches?
My initial plans use inches, but I convert them to mm not cm for fine measurements.
Re: Creating a 3d object to Printing question
thank you all, comments are alot help and give alot to think about.