3D newbie : Question about designing an object to print
Hello,
I don't have the 3D printer yet, but I did however make some objects inside Fusion360.
Maybe a stupid question, but after all I'm a 3D newbie :
How can I know if what I've designed, is actually printable ?
I'd like to know before designing things, if they are printable.
I mean, let's say you've designed your masterpiece and after all that hours of designing,
the printer totally crashes at some point because it's impossible to print.
My best guess is that maybe the slicer program will warn you about it ?
Preferably I would like to know before I draw something if it can be printed.
I hope you 3D wizards can give me some info.
Thanks in advance.
Greetings,
ilja
RE: 3D newbie : Question about designing an object to print
If the part is solid, there's a good chance it can be printed. Edges with 0 thickness are going to be a problem. PrusaSlicer will usually warn you if there are problems with the mesh (non-manifold surfaces). Even while you wait for your printer, you can pull your part up in PrusaSlicer and experiment with slicer settings. After slicing, use preview mode to verify that lines are thick enough to be printed with the nozzle you're planning to use and other issues.
Of course, there are issues like supports that you need to consider. The printer can't print in mid-air, so anything not supported from the print surface needs supports. Consider placement of your parts. Maker's Muse has a good YouTube video on the topic that's worth a watch.
RE: 3D newbie : Question about designing an object to print
If the part is solid, there's a good chance it can be printed. Edges with 0 thickness are going to be a problem. PrusaSlicer will usually warn you if there are problems with the mesh (non-manifold surfaces). Even while you wait for your printer, you can pull your part up in PrusaSlicer and experiment with slicer settings. After slicing, use preview mode to verify that lines are thick enough to be printed with the nozzle you're planning to use and other issues.
Of course, there are issues like supports that you need to consider. The printer can't print in mid-air, so anything not supported from the print surface needs supports. Consider placement of your parts. Maker's Muse has a good YouTube video on the topic that's worth a watch.
Thanks for the info. I'll check it out.
So apart from thickness, any shape can be printed ?
RE: 3D newbie : Question about designing an object to print
There are some common design considerations when designing for 3d printing. As well as the mid air printing thing, use chamfers instead of fillets when in the Z axis as the start of the curve is in effect an extreme over hang. You can also use a combination of 45 degree chamfer at the bottom and rounding it as the angle increases.
-When designing always think about how you will orient a part on the print bed.
-Prints are weaker along the layer lines so take that into consideration when designing.
-If a hole is going to be on the x/y axis consider making the top like a ^ rather than being round 0. When it gets sliced into layers these tend to sag slightly as its another case of over hand but by making the top like a tent it over comes that.
-Materials shrink when cooled (some way more than others). Try to take that into account. Also long thin things have a tendency to warp and can cause problems.
-after getting your printer, print one of the tolerance models available on thingiverse to figure out your printers tolerance. Then use that data in your designs where parts need to fit together.
-Sometimes its better to split the design into more parts if it means less supports are required.
-You will be surprised at how far you can bridge (if the term isnt familiar youtube is your friend)
Those are the ones that spring to mind.
RE: 3D newbie : Question about designing an object to print
There are some common design considerations when designing for 3d printing. As well as the mid air printing thing, use chamfers instead of fillets when in the Z axis as the start of the curve is in effect an extreme over hang. You can also use a combination of 45 degree chamfer at the bottom and rounding it as the angle increases.
-When designing always think about how you will orient a part on the print bed.
-Prints are weaker along the layer lines so take that into consideration when designing.
-If a hole is going to be on the x/y axis consider making the top like a ^ rather than being round 0. When it gets sliced into layers these tend to sag slightly as its another case of over hand but by making the top like a tent it over comes that.
-Materials shrink when cooled (some way more than others). Try to take that into account. Also long thin things have a tendency to warp and can cause problems.
-after getting your printer, print one of the tolerance models available on thingiverse to figure out your printers tolerance. Then use that data in your designs where parts need to fit together.
-Sometimes its better to split the design into more parts if it means less supports are required.
-You will be surprised at how far you can bridge (if the term isnt familiar youtube is your friend)Those are the ones that spring to mind.
Thanks. Very helpful info !!
I already saw the video of Maker's Muse, user bobstro posted.
I talks about bridging too.