Should we do an intro to 3D Printing event?

#1

I remember a few weeks ago @SarahJ was asking about help with CAD skills.

What does everyone think about putting on a 3D Printing event(s)? We could start with basic 3D modelling in SketchUp, Rhino, ZBrush, AutoCAD, SolidWorks (or whatever other program people want to learn) then move on to how to make your model ready for 3D printing and how to use the 3D printers themselves.

If people want to focus more on the 3D modelling part then I could definitely help with that. If we did a course I think it would be nice if we had a goal in mind where over say 4 lessons you get your own 3D printed design to keep and a base understanding of CAD where you can develop your skills in your own time. Thoughts?

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#2

I’m up for that - both from a helping and from a taking part point of view

Courty

#3

@laurent_muchacho’s Ultimaker inductions were an excellent starter to all things 3d. They were a couple of hours long IIRC.

Might be best to stick to one software package for a 3d modelling class?

#4

Yeah maybe I phrased that wrong, I was just suggesting the software we could teach. Definately stick to 1 for 3D modelling, 1 for the printer and maybe throw in Netfabb for repairing stl files.

By the way are there any 3D printer inductions coming up? Maybe we can extend that in to an ‘intro to CAD’ thing

#5

Im up for that too!

#6

Ild like to find about about 3D printing and cad. Count me in

#7

I very interest as well

#8

I would be happy with just an induction on the machine at this stage.

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#9

If its any interest to anyone I bought a second hand kinect device to scan stuff a while back, the resolution isn’t mind blowing but it works quite well. It helps if you want to skip modeling and just print things. The free software is a bit limited though.

If there’s a good pc in the space i could bring it down.

#10

We have a kinect in the space somewhere

#11

I’d be up for modelling, printing and scanning using Kinect?
All sounds great.

#12

Hi Dermot,

Induction are definitely a good starting point to use the machine and getting familiar with 3D Printing. The way I used to do it was maybe a bit long but there is so much to cover on the first induction that even 2 hours only give enough time to get acquainted with the machine and slicing software.

In relation to 3D software modelling in general yes it will be simple to stick to one (or at least a single set of software) The main problem is the learning curve associated with each software.

If you want a quick intro you need to go with really simple software IMHO the other things to consider is that many will only need simple modelling or only need to amend an existing .stl

Things like Tinkercad or the 123D app (other are available but don’t have the ref now) are probably the best options is you need simple modelling or editing existing stl. The quick start tutorial will have you getting started in an hours

For more complex 3D Modelling there is behemoth like solidworks, freecad, blender etc … each got his specialisation and own way to work. Usually the trainer need to be comfortable using the software to be able to explain in details how it work.

Finally even with this in mind when you combine 3d modeling and 3d printing users should not be afraid to jump in into another miriad of tools like Meshmixer, MeshLab, Netfab repair tool those are tools that help you repair meshes or mod them or if the mesh as a relatively big file size usually you can’t open them with free services

I hope this help a bit sorry for not replying sooner I was moving house over the weekend

ps: should be back as a member from beginning of May and if everyone happy with me doing induction I’ll start back doing those on my return

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#13

We could probably do with just a quick “this is how this machine works” induction for people who already have 3DP experience

#14

I’m happy to do the quick Ultimaker inductions for people already familiar with 3d printing.

Due to 2 years (!) Of Make the Space I’m pretty rusty with 3d stuff…though I guess it will come back if I start doing it again.

#15

That’s good news!

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#16

This seemed like a good idea, and I have a 3D printer now so a more urgent interest - shall we do it?

#17

happy to do a run through course with tinkercad .
not a powerful program but it is also very easy to use.

and works well for making practical items knobs, gears, etc.

it is also an ideal starter package for someone that is software phobic.

much like @Beth snowman on the lathe.
i can also point out the pitfalls and mistakes I have made transferring from design to print.
and maybe go through cura and slic3r settings as well

#18

That sounds like a great start.

Would you recommend tinkercad over fusion 360?

#19

I will be getting used to fusion 360 at some point as @Barnaby_Coote has said it is the best software for the shapeoko and I want to get that sorted.

However you can only get it on Mac or 64 bit windows.

Tinkercad is Web based, so no download but IMHO the easiest 3d modelling software available. Where you go from that is up to you

#20

Would love to learn how to use the 3d printer!