Introduction: 3D-Printed Desk Tidy
Creating a durable and efficient storage item for your desk using a 3D Printer and Polypropylene
Equipment & Materials
Reliable 3D Printer
Appropriate plastic (or other material) for 3D Printer
Sheet of polypropylene
Autodesk Inventor
Sand paper, Chisels, Scissors, Ruler, Pencil and Assorted Finishs
Step 1: Downloading the Autodesk Inventor Software
First go to the Autodesk Inventor professional subscribe website, linked here: http://www.autodesk.com.au/products/inventor/subsc...
After choosing your subscrition follow all prompts until download.
If you are a student you are eligible for educational software, just ask your teacher or master in charge for instructions.
Step 2: Design the Desk Tidy Using Autodesk Inventor
Design a shape or object that will be efficient in storing items and fits its purpose. It is important to do sketches and brainstorm ideas of what you want it to look like. (Note: Include dimensions)
Remember you to incorporate you design style.
Also remember that your post-3D-printed design needs a way to incorporate the polypropylene it could be in the form of slit or holes for screws etc.
It is important to familiarize yourself with Inventor first by doing some practice designs, start by making boxes and cylinder and play around with it a bit use the extruding tool and practice with the size.
Some useful resources and videos on how to use Inventor are listed below:
https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/inventor-pr...
https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/inventor-pr...
If you would like to use my design or alter it all the inventor files are down below:
Step 3: 3D Print the Design
If you do not own a 3D printer and are looking to buy one I recommend Makerbot and Dremel
If you have previous experience with your 3D printer than you should know what to do to make the Desk Tidy in terms of settings and transferring the file from your computer to the printer and what not.
If you have recently bought a 3D printer or are new to 3D printers the best resources to learn how to use theam are:
The 3D printer's manual
An experienced professional (i.e a teacher, or the owner of the printer)
Makerbot Printer Resources
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvy119PeSK5...
Step 4: Refine the 3D Printed Object
Use sand paper, chisels and assorted finishs to make the 3D object look better as most printers have some accuracy errors
Step 5: Adding the Polypropelene and Other Personal Design Items
Finally to complete the Desk Tidy, measure and cut out required amounts of polypropylene from the sheet using the Stanley knife and then add the polypropylene to the design by however method you choose (glue, screws nails, brackets slits). Also remember to add your own design elements.
Step 6: Finished!
Enjoy your design and all the organization it brings you.