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3D printing workflow

A project log for Brightenmacher

A biodegradable flashlight, build with recycled laptop batteries that you can repair yourself.

peter-frhlichPeter Fröhlich 04/07/2017 at 20:060 Comments

First you start by drawing the design in a CAD program, i use Fusion360 for that, that looks like this:
http://i.imgur.com/ge7VVix.png

Then you save each individual component as a separate file and then combine them in a slicer software, this is pretty much a virtual representation of your 3D printer print volume, i use Cura for that:

http://i.imgur.com/mZXLXEV.png

This software slices the model in layers, that can be printed, a 3D printer builds tings by depositing molten plastic one thin layer at a time. This is what a slice through the model looks like:
http://i.imgur.com/UemM5G8.png

When this is done the slicer software generates a gcode file, that is a type of universal language for computer controlled machines:

http://i.imgur.com/Sfq7R8f.jpg

From here this file needs to be uploaded to the printer, usually this is done with a simple SD card, i upgraded my printer with a web interface, this file is uploaded through the browser. I use Octopi running on a Raspberri Pi with a webcam to monitor the prints from my phone:
http://i.imgur.com/unM7X4Y.jpg

This is how my printer looks like:
http://i.imgur.com/tktsp92.jpg

Then the bed needs to be prepped and cleaned and adjusted on cheaper printers. Better printers adjust the bed on their own. I just turn a few knobs, wipe the bed with ethanol and apply a thin coat of watered down PVA glue:
http://i.imgur.com/WMNwxds.jpg

Then the print job is started and the printer starts the extrude small molten lines of plastic until a few hours later the print is done:
http://i.imgur.com/wRGq3pL.jpg

The removal of the parts can be a bit stubborn at times, mostly a tap with a spatula is enough to dislodge them.
Depending on the part, print and settings the part needs to be cleaned up a bit.
But i mostly design my parts in a manner that does not require any more steps after the print is done.
Although, holes need to be drilled out most of the time if i need a precise diameter.
Due to the nature of the printing, design and slicing process, small internal diameters can be a bit too small.

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