3D Modeling an Instructables Ring

by gg1220

16K6618

Intro: 3D Modeling an Instructables Ring

Well the great folks over at Instructables have done it again! For the price of just a bit of knowledge they're giving everyone access to super advanced technology like 3D printing. It's always been a dream of mine to get to work with 3D prints, it just hasn't been feasible 'till now. So I decided to give a little tribute to them as a thank you. I think it turned out pretty well :)
And what better use of this than to discreetly show off your love of all things diy?

**Note** Almost all instructions are given in the annotations.

**Note #2** This Instructable focuses primarily on the creation of a CAD model, not necessarily the follow through to production (because that is taken care of on the other side of the country). However, when I get the 3D prints I'll update this page with pictures to show you guys. Sound good? Good! :)

Also, if you want the files pm me or keep bothering me until I figure out how to upload them :P

STEP 1: Just Some Info

Autodesk, the maker of a ton of CAD software (and of course the owner of Instructables), has a wonderful program where students and faculty with .edu emails can download free, complete copies of their software on three year licenses. Since that's what I have (specifically Inventor Professional 2012), that's what I'll focus on.

I haven't used 123D or OpenSCAD enough to tell you if they'll be able to produce the same result, but this was entirely created with fairly basic functions so hopefully all the operations are compatible. Good luck! And if you get other programs to work, leave a comment and I'll update this section :)

STEP 2: Sketch 1 (the Basic Outline)

After opening the program, this is where you create the overall shape of the ring (when viewed through the center). 

STEP 3: Extrusion and Revolution 1 (drawing Out and Shaping the Form)

Here's where you start to see it actually take shape.

STEP 4: Trimming the Fat (refining the Form)

Getting the right profile.

STEP 5: Softening the Edges

Don't want any sharp bits, now do we?

STEP 6: Prepping the Emblem Surface (anything Look Familiar?)

:D

STEP 7: First Layer

Alright, now that we've got the pattern down we need to actually create the 3D bit.

STEP 8: Second and Third Layers

Everything's extruded and rounded off. Looks good!

STEP 9: Making the Insert

With Instructables' snazzy dual material printers, the rest of this 'ible is actually possible to make. What we're going to do is create another piece that will fit perfectly in the 1/64" cutout at the top. The insert material will be perfectly flush with the base material, that's why we didn't fillet the first layer.

STEP 10: Assembly Time!

As the title suggests, this is where everything comes together!

STEP 11: Just Playing Around :)

What I love about computers is how easy it is to change and experiment with components. In this case, playing around with material selection!

17 Comments

Kiteman 12 years ago

So, when do we see a photo of the real thing?

gg1220 12 years ago

Good question! Maybe you could nudge your friends a bit, eh? ;)

gg1220 12 years ago

Yessir! I just haven't quite gotten the files sent off yet :)

Kiteman 11 years ago

So, it's over 2 months - any news on the real ring?

gg1220 11 years ago

Funny you should mention that, the prints just came in a few days ago! I'm off to visit colleges, but I'll update this page when I come back.

mr.mountaineer 12 years ago

AWESOME!!! i wish i had access to a 3D printer (and the knowledge of how to use one would help to) but i doubt theirs one within a hundred miles of where i live. but i do have some pewter so maybe I'll give casting one a shot.

gg1220 12 years ago

Thanks, and good luck! If you're not averse to ordering things over the internet, companies like Ponoko and Shapeways are great and can take care of all of your 3D printing needs :)

gg1220 12 years ago

This one's a 5.5 US, but I've made blank versions through size 10 US. PM me your email and I can send you the files (tell me what size you want and I'll give you a blank version and the robot version (for the outline) as Inventor files and you can modify them from there).

knexinventer 12 years ago

i want one maybe i could have this as my free 3d print

sabu.dawdy 12 years ago

very manly ring.. i like the look of it .. to bad don't av any one to make for lol :) still a great instructable GG :)

gg1220 12 years ago

Thanks! And don't forget that you can always make one for yourself and/or family and friends :)

gg1220 12 years ago

I just looked up ring sizes on Wikipedia and they had a nice chart with all the variations (US, UK, etc.). If you're talking about how I know what size my fingers are, I bought a ring sizer a while back and used that. But you can easily do it at home by printing out this diagram (although I don't know what the scale is, so you should probably cross reference with some measurements from the wiki article). Alternatively, your local jeweler will have a ring sizer on hand and you can ask them about it. Good luck! :)