7. 3D Printing and Scanning¶

This week I worked on 3D printing and scanning.

3D printing is an additive manufacturing process that builds objects layer by layer from materials like PLA or PETG. This technique allows for the creation of complex shapes and designs that are difficult to produce with traditional manufacturing methods.

Fusion sketch¶

I well be drawing a small bowl
I will start by drawing a rectangle

Draw a smaller rectangle inside it.

Crop the unwanted parts.

Revolve the shape 360 degrees.

That is how it looks

3D Printer¶

To start using Creality Print 5.1, I connected my laptop to the same Wi-Fi network as the 3D printer. Once connected, I launched the app and navigated to the “Devices” section, where I established a Wi-Fi connection with the printer. With the connection secured, I moved to the “Prepare” tab and imported the 3D models I intended to print.

Using the tools in the top toolbar, I made necessary adjustments to the model, such as scaling, rotating, or repositioning it on the print bed. I then selected the model and carefully chose the appropriate filament, considering the material properties best suited for the project.

Next, I customized the print settings to fine-tune the quality, speed, strength, and support structures. For support, I opted for “Tree (Auto) Support,” which provided efficient support with minimal material usage.

I then used the “Preview” feature to thoroughly inspect the model and ensure that all settings were correctly applied and that the model would print as expected.

Satisfied with the setup, I pressed “LAN Printing” to send the G-code directly to the printer.

Finally, I went to the printer’s interface, accessed the “Library,” and selected the prepared model to start the printing process.

Final product after printing¶

3D Scanning¶

3D scanning is a process that captures the exact shape and surface details of a physical object to create a digital model. This digital data can be used for various purposes, such as reverse engineering, dimensional analysis, or digital examination, enhancing the precision and efficiency of work.