How to Make a 3D Business Card With a 3D Printer

by ericm160

34K1077

Intro: How to Make a 3D Business Card With a 3D Printer

Today I will be teaching you to make a 3D business card for a movie press kit.  It can also be used just to make a cool card if you want one.  For my model I will be using Rhino. There are several different programs to 3D model. You can follow my steps if you are using Rhino and if not use similar modelling techniques in other programs.  The finished painted picture was done by a friend of mine named Jessica White.

STEP 1: Sketches

You must draw some sketches of what you want your business card to look like.  This will allow you to get a rough idea of your measurements ahead of time.  My art skills are not great but I have posted my rough sketches.

STEP 2: Step 1: Rhino 3D Modelling

Open whatever version of Rhino you have or other 3D modelling program.  Follow the pictures as shown to create your 3D business card.  If you are using a different program try using these simple modelling techniques.

STEP 3: Step 2: Save the Rhino File and Open

Save the Rhino file as a .stl file.  This will allow it to be printed on your 3D printer.  Now go to a program such as UP and open your .stl file.  There are many other types of programs you can use however I used this one.  

STEP 4: Step 4: Configure and Turning on 3D Printer

Turn on your 3D printer and set nozzle height where you want it.  Make sure to use the raft option when you print because if your business card is thin it won't print properly.  In the second picture I have shown why you use a raft. If you look closely, the lines tend to break. The first picture shows a lovely raft being made.

STEP 5: Congratulations

Congratulations you have successfully created an awesome 3D printed business card.

7 Comments

ericm160 11 years ago

Finished Logo Design for class.

ericm160 11 years ago

It is officially painted and I am told it looks amazing so hoping to upload those pictures today check in often to see the updates made to this project. Within the next week I am hoping to finish my company logo for a class of mine. All of the painting was done by Jessica White.

ericm160 11 years ago

Surprisingly it wasn't crazily messy at all I find it actually came out quite smooth however next time I will give your idea a try.

ivanchaos 11 years ago

If you can't turn off the raft it must be crazily mess on the bottom surface.

Try to stick a piece of Kepton tape on top of that fiberglass, it should give a shiny nice bottom finishing and keep your model stick to the plate at the same time.

MonkiMan 11 years ago

it would be nice if you used a different colour for the words so they stand out more. even as it is a 3D printed business card will make you stand out from the boring card ones.

ericm160 11 years ago

I am attempting to color it actually. I am not good at art but I will try and put the finished picture of it up here when it is done. I hope it turns out well and that everyone likes the color scheme.

ericm160 11 years ago

If you have any questions or concerns about this design just message me about it and I will reply as soon as possible.