Introduction: 3D Printing- Pen Stand

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3D printing is an additive manufacturing process. It is created from a CAD model or a digital 3D model.

Here both software settings and machine setting is explained.

Supplies

  • Software: Ultimaker Cura
  • Filament: PLA- 1.75mm diameter
  • 3D Printing machine
  • Pen drive

Step 1: Downloading Software

We are using Ultimaker Cura software for 3D printing. It's an open source and can be downloaded from ultimaker.com. Link for the same is given below.

Link: click here to download Ultimaker cura software

Step 2: Thingiverse or Tinkercad

Open Thingiverse website and download user created digital design files of your choice. Remember to download files which are in stl format or obj format.

Or you can design your own 3D-design using Tinkercad which is an open source software.

Here I have downloaded an already existing design from Thingiverse - hyperboloid with a base.

Step 3: Opening File in Software

Open the downloaded file in Ultimaker cura software.

Step 4: Giving Print Settings

Click on "Fine" to give the print settings.

Layer height - 0.2

Shell- default value

Infill- 100 (depends on the design application)

Infill pattern- grid

Printing temperature - 210

build plate temperature- 60

Step 5: Slicing

Click on "Slice". It will display the time and amount of material required to print for the selected design.

Step 6: Preview

Click on "Preview" to see the printing pattern and final print image.

Step 7: Save the File

Save the file on a pen drive which is required to print.

Step 8: Setting Up the Machine

3D printing machine should be properly set according to the temperature given while designing.

The bed should be cleaned for proper printing.

Step 9: Control Panel

Click on "Preheat" and set the temperature to 210 for PLA material. Apply glue on bed for adhesion.

Step 10: Extrusion

To check whether head is clean, click on "Extrusion" option and then click on "In" to check the consistency of material. Extrusion can be of different speed and length. Here I have set to 10mm at high speed.

Step 11: Homing

Extruder "E1" goes to home i.e. all the 3 axis X, Y and Z at zeroth position

Step 12: Final Print

Insert the pen drive and click on the "Printing" option.

Select the file you want to print.

Break the support and the final print is ready.

Step 13: Watch This Video for Clear Understanding on How to Setup a 3D Machine

Now you are all set to print 3D objects!

This was done as a part of my internship at Workbench Projects, Bengaluru