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3. 3D Printing

This week, we divided into teams to explore the basics of 3D printing. Alongside printing samples with different printers, we also examined pre-printed projects from past students and compared the quailties of diffrent printers. Comparing results and uncovering each machine’s unique capabilities helped us determine which printer we wanted to use for our own personal projects.

Next, we proceeded to create our own designs for 3D printing. Here are the steps I followed to enhance my previous 3D Batman model and bring it to life:

  1. Enhancing the Model:
  2. I opened my 3D Batman model in the advanced software “Mecabricks.”

  3. I made several improvements and gave it a fresh spin by refining the details and adding new features.

  4. Saving the File:

  5. Once my model was complete, I saved the file in STL format, which is compatible with 3D printers.

  6. Initiating the Printing Process:

  7. I uploaded the STL file to the 3D printer in the Fablab and began the printing process.

  8. Encountering Issues:

  9. Unfortunately, the initial print failed catastrophically, causing the printer to explode and shatter the glass door.

  10. After a thorough investigation, we discovered that a blocked nozzle was the culprit behind the malfunction.

  11. Addressing the Problem:

  12. We cleaned the blocked nozzle and ensured the printer was ready for another attempt.

  13. Second Attempt:

  14. On the second attempt, I re-uploaded the STL file and started the printing process again.
  15. This time, we successfully printed the Batman model.

Despite the initial disaster, the experience taught us valuable lessons about troubleshooting and maintaining 3D printers.

After that, we learned how to do object scanning using an app called Scaniverse. Here are the steps we followed:

  1. We used Scaniverse to scan various objects, capturing their shapes and details accurately.

  2. We imported the scanned objects as STL files, making them ready for further processing or 3D printing.

  3. We explored the capabilities of the kinetic camera, using it to scan members of the group.

  4. This scanning process with the kinetic camera allowed us to capture dynamic movements and subtle nuances.

  5. These captured scans were suitable for applications like motion analysis or creating immersive experiences.

Last update: July 14, 2024