3D printing: Difference between revisions

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=Machines=
=Machines=


''''''  
'''Original Prusa i3 MK3S+ 3D printer'''  


Resources and guides: [https://www.gccworld.com/product/Vinyl-Cutter-Standard/AR-24 Official GCC website]
Resources and guides: [https://help.prusa3d.com/en/ Resources and Guides Prusa]


=Software=
=Software=


'''PrusaSlicer'''  
'''PrusaSlicer'''  


To manipulate models/STL files and create Gcode file(3d printable file)
To manipulate models/STL files and create Gcode file(3d printable file)
Line 19: Line 20:
open source, free website/database of 3d models for 3d printing.
open source, free website/database of 3d models for 3d printing.


=Getting an stl file=
=important terms=
 
'''STL, OBJ, and Gcode files'''
 
There are 3 types of files you will be using the majority of time when it comes to 3D printing: either an .STL or .OBJ file, and a .gcode file. In simple terms, the stl and obj files are ways of storing an object in a 3 dimensional form digitally. The G-code file is a series of instructions telling the 3D printer how to turn that digital object into a physical item. For a deeper dive into G-code, see the wiki page on [[Editing gcode files]].
 
''.STL file:''
 
An STL file, or Standard Triangle Language, is a file format allowing for a detailed 3 dimensional model to be created, in detail, using triangles. If you want to know more see the Wikipedia entry: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/STL_(file_format) STL Files].
 
Many of the models hosted on Thingiverse and similar websites provide their models as stl files. An stl file is easily recognizable for all of the Slicer programs we use at Tinkd to import and use.
 
An STL file will look something like this:
 
[[File:Stl file format.PNG]]
 
You can see it is called a "3d object." This file can be moved, copy/pasted, and renamed like any other type of file.
 
 
''.OBJ file:''
 
An OBJ or Object file is very similar to an STL file except it was initially designed for animation, but is now used by a variety of programs. The primary difference between the two is that an OBJ file contains material properties. More information can be found here: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wavefront_.obj_file wavefront obj file].
 
 
''G-code File''
 
G-code is a popular programming language used in CNC manufacturing. In terms of 3D printing the G-code file is what tells the 3D printer where to move in order to create the object you want. to learn more about G-code see here [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G-code G-code]. To learn about editing existing G-Code
Primarily you will be using a Slicer to create the Gcode for our Printers.
 
''Slicer''
 
A slicer is a computer program that takes a 3D object, like that represented in an STL file, and converts it into the movements needed by a machine, like our Prusa printers, to create that object physically. Our workstations have several Slicer programs that are available though the primary one we use is called Prusa Slicer.
 
'''Thingiverse'''


Thingiverse is a website dedicated to sharing 3d models, STL files and projects that anyone can contribute to.


*Media width 500mm
Why we like Thingiverse is:
*Pull up lever towards you
*It's Free
*Align rollers to match width of media (match up to the white bars along the top)
*Huge variety in projects listed
*Insert vinyl roll/sheet with the matt side facing up (shiny side down)
*great community support
*Push back lever away from you (makes a loud click)
*It's open source
*Press the UP arrow to read the media width


'''Decal Vinyl - Signage'''
=How to print=


*Media width 600mm
'''Getting the model ready to print'''
*Pull up lever towards you
*Align rollers to match width of media (match up to the white bars along the top)
*Insert vinyl roll/sheet with the colour side facing up (matt side down)
*Push back lever away from you (makes a loud click)
*Press the UP arrow to read the media width


=Type Based Design=
*Open Prusa Slicer
*Open file Explorer
*Click on Nextcloud
*Double click "TinkdFiles"
*Find and double click on "First Print"
*Double click on "Beginner"
*Drag and drop "flexi shark Keyring" onto Prusa Slicer
*Check the settings match the below images
[[File:Settings_one_prusa.PNG]]
[[File:Settings_two_prusa.PNG]]
*click on "Slice Now"
*Click on "Export G-code"
*Remove the SD card from the Prusa printer
*Insert the SD card into hub/dock/adpter on the computer
*Create a new folder on the SD card with "yourname_gcode" replace "yourname" with your actual name
*Save the G-code to the SD card in "yourname_gcode" folder
*Eject the SD card
*Insert the Sd card into the side of the front console on the Prusa Printer
*Using  the knob on the front, scroll down to your file
*Press the knob to select it
*Scroll down to your print file
*Press the know to select it
*Now you wait.


'''How to covert type (font) to outline'''
'''Prusa Slicer'''


*Open Inkscape
=Creating a 3d model=
*Type the word
*Select and change the font (don't worry about the size of the font)
*Select the word by highlighting it
*Go to menu PATH > OBJECT TO PATH
*The word is now a path (not editable)
*Got to menu FILE > SAVE AS > select file type .DXF
*Save file


'''How to cut design'''


*Open Great Cut
'''Tinkercad'''
*Go to menu FILE > IMPORT
*Locate the .DXF file
*Select the design by highlighting it
*Resize the artwork using the toolbar settings H x W
*Move the artwork to the bottom left of the canvas (XY)
*IMPORTANT - IF CUTTING FOR HEAT VINYL ENSURE DESIGN IS FLIPPED TO REVERSE
*Select the design by highlighting it
*Go to menu FILE > OUTPUT
*Load media into cutter (see above)
*Click '''CHECK MEDIA WIDTH''' and ensure that the size displayed on the software matches the media width on the machine
*If message '''JOB WILL BE SEGMENTED''' appears, reload the media (adjusting rollers and placement) or resize the artwork to fit
*Click OUTPUT to start cutting

Latest revision as of 11:15, 12 February 2023

Machines

Original Prusa i3 MK3S+ 3D printer

Resources and guides: Resources and Guides Prusa

Software

PrusaSlicer


To manipulate models/STL files and create Gcode file(3d printable file)

Tinkercad

used to create simple 3d models for printing, can also be used to modify existing models.

Thingiverse

open source, free website/database of 3d models for 3d printing.

important terms

STL, OBJ, and Gcode files

There are 3 types of files you will be using the majority of time when it comes to 3D printing: either an .STL or .OBJ file, and a .gcode file. In simple terms, the stl and obj files are ways of storing an object in a 3 dimensional form digitally. The G-code file is a series of instructions telling the 3D printer how to turn that digital object into a physical item. For a deeper dive into G-code, see the wiki page on Editing gcode files.

.STL file:

An STL file, or Standard Triangle Language, is a file format allowing for a detailed 3 dimensional model to be created, in detail, using triangles. If you want to know more see the Wikipedia entry: STL Files.

Many of the models hosted on Thingiverse and similar websites provide their models as stl files. An stl file is easily recognizable for all of the Slicer programs we use at Tinkd to import and use.

An STL file will look something like this:

Stl file format.PNG

You can see it is called a "3d object." This file can be moved, copy/pasted, and renamed like any other type of file.


.OBJ file:

An OBJ or Object file is very similar to an STL file except it was initially designed for animation, but is now used by a variety of programs. The primary difference between the two is that an OBJ file contains material properties. More information can be found here: wavefront obj file.


G-code File

G-code is a popular programming language used in CNC manufacturing. In terms of 3D printing the G-code file is what tells the 3D printer where to move in order to create the object you want. to learn more about G-code see here G-code. To learn about editing existing G-Code Primarily you will be using a Slicer to create the Gcode for our Printers.

Slicer

A slicer is a computer program that takes a 3D object, like that represented in an STL file, and converts it into the movements needed by a machine, like our Prusa printers, to create that object physically. Our workstations have several Slicer programs that are available though the primary one we use is called Prusa Slicer.

Thingiverse

Thingiverse is a website dedicated to sharing 3d models, STL files and projects that anyone can contribute to.

Why we like Thingiverse is:

  • It's Free
  • Huge variety in projects listed
  • great community support
  • It's open source

How to print

Getting the model ready to print

  • Open Prusa Slicer
  • Open file Explorer
  • Click on Nextcloud
  • Double click "TinkdFiles"
  • Find and double click on "First Print"
  • Double click on "Beginner"
  • Drag and drop "flexi shark Keyring" onto Prusa Slicer
  • Check the settings match the below images

Settings one prusa.PNG Settings two prusa.PNG

  • click on "Slice Now"
  • Click on "Export G-code"
  • Remove the SD card from the Prusa printer
  • Insert the SD card into hub/dock/adpter on the computer
  • Create a new folder on the SD card with "yourname_gcode" replace "yourname" with your actual name
  • Save the G-code to the SD card in "yourname_gcode" folder
  • Eject the SD card
  • Insert the Sd card into the side of the front console on the Prusa Printer
  • Using the knob on the front, scroll down to your file
  • Press the knob to select it
  • Scroll down to your print file
  • Press the know to select it
  • Now you wait.

Prusa Slicer

Creating a 3d model

Tinkercad