A beginners' guide to 3d printing

[ge_rik]

I've just posted a beginners' guide to 3d printing on my blog.
https://riksrailway.blogspot.com/2021/1 ... nting.html

I've tried to keep it straightforward and uncomplicated so as not to deter someone who's thinking about taking the plunge while also trying to give them a feel for what's involved.

I'd be interested in any feedback as to what you think is ok, where there is information overload or what essential information is missing.

Rik
PS Or spot any errors or typos as has already been spotted

 

[PhilP]

Well, so far, you have a 'Y' where you should have a 'Z' in the fdm section..

I have to write it here, as I spot it...
<edit> Excellent introduction to the equipment and processes..
I will let it sink-in, read it again, and possibly query a couple of things?

PhilP

 

[ge_rik]

Well, so far, you have a 'Y' where you should have a 'Z' in the fdm section..

I have to write it here, as I spot it...

PhilP

Thanks Phil. I must have read that paragraph a dozen times since I wrote it. Amazing how the mind deceives the eye.

Rik

 

[mike]

Made sense to Me

 

[PhilP]

Made sense to Me

Aaaargh!
We are all doomed!

 

[Monifieth Stuart]

I've just posted a beginners' guide to 3d printing on my blog.
https://riksrailway.blogspot.com/2021/1 ... nting.html

I've tried to keep it straightforward and uncomplicated so as not to deter someone who's thinking about taking the plunge while also trying to give them a feel for what's involved.

I'd be interested in any feedback as to what you think is ok, where there is information overload or what essential information is missing.

Rik
PS Or spot any errors or typos as has already been spotted

Technology can be wonderful and 3D printers are obviously improving all the time but it is the time and effort you have taken to make this detailed tutorial that will encourage newbies like me to take the plunge (hopefully). Well done and thanks. Stuart
PS now I don't know whether to spend my winter months trying to follow Mike's expert Foamex building creations or embark on 3D printing.

 

[Gtarling]

I think you should mention the smell and toxicity of printing ABS and of the need to use a heated chamber for safety, as well as good results.

G.

 

[ge_rik]

Technology can be wonderful and 3D printers are obviously improving all the time but it is the time and effort you have taken to make this detailed tutorial that will encourage newbies like me to take the plunge (hopefully). Well done and thanks. Stuart
PS now I don't know whether to spend my winter months trying to follow Mike's expert Foamex building creations or embark on 3D printing.

Either will give you immense satisfaction. Though Foamex is a lot cheaper and less frustrating than 3D printing.

Alternatively, you could try both. The Boneworks building shown in the photos at the foot of the article was made of Foamex with 3D printed windows, ridge tiles and guttering

Rik

 

[Paul M]

3D printing is definitely the way things are going these days. Mind you, by the time I get round to giving it a go, it'll be as up to date as a horse and cart

 

[3 minutes of fame]

Nice article. If I was to be a pedant, I would make the following observations..

1. Your photo of the luggage on top of the coach says all items were 2d printed. I'm sure you meant 3d printed.

2. Probably worth pointing out that 3d printing is a form of additive manufacturing, as opposed to something like laser cutting.

3. It might be worth discussing a little more about the differences between some of the filaments. Some like pla don't really melt as such, but have a relatively low glass point. This affects how they liquefy and bond together - as you have found with PETG.

3. Bed levelling is something of a common misnomer. In fact, you are setting the bed height relative to the head. It might be worth pointing out that ideally you want to preheat the bed and head to minimise expansion errors in calibration.

4. When you discuss bed adhesion techniques, you might want to point out the dangers of using hair spray and other aerosol products unless the printer is powered down.

If printing in ABS, a heated chamber helps to reduce warping and separation, particularly where the machine in used in an outhouse or unheated room. Conversely, a cooling fan can ensure the PLA prints more predictably and with better strength.

You might want to put in a short section about printing at different resolutions, but how printer accuracy is every bit as important. Repeatability is the key here, as it reduces Z wobble and uneven layers. Surface finish can be improved by experimenting with different temperatures and post print processes such as acetone vapour treatment for abs prints can all but remove the visible lines.

In short, you are doing a great job in explaining basics and showing what can be achieved. It might be 80s technology, but it still fascinates many of us, as our designs slowly emerge from the printer!

 

[ge_rik]

3D printing is definitely the way things are going these days. Mind you, by the time I get round to giving it a go, it'll be as up to date as a horse and cart

Funny you should say that .......


Rik

 

[ge_rik]

Nice article. If I was to be a pedant, I would make the following observations..

1. Your photo of the luggage on top of the coach says all items were 2d printed. I'm sure you meant 3d printed.

2. Probably worth pointing out that 3d printing is a form of additive manufacturing, as opposed to something like laser cutting.

3. It might be worth discussing a little more about the differences between some of the filaments. Some like pla don't really melt as such, but have a relatively low glass point. This affects how they liquefy and bond together - as you have found with PETG.

3. Bed levelling is something of a common misnomer. In fact, you are setting the bed height relative to the head. It might be worth pointing out that ideally you want to preheat the bed and head to minimise expansion errors in calibration.

4. When you discuss bed adhesion techniques, you might want to point out the dangers of using hair spray and other aerosol products unless the printer is powered down.

If printing in ABS, a heated chamber helps to reduce warping and separation, particularly where the machine in used in an outhouse or unheated room. Conversely, a cooling fan can ensure the PLA prints more predictably and with better strength.

You might want to put in a short section about printing at different resolutions, but how printer accuracy is every bit as important. Repeatability is the key here, as it reduces Z wobble and uneven layers. Surface finish can be improved by experimenting with different temperatures and post print processes such as acetone vapour treatment for abs prints can all but remove the visible lines.

In short, you are doing a great job in explaining basics and showing what can be achieved. It might be 80s technology, but it still fascinates many of us, as our designs slowly emerge from the printer!

Thanks for the detailed feedback.
Some of your suggestions are really helpful, but I think I'll keep the others in reserve for a more advanced blog post. I want to keep this introduction as simple as possible - trying to avoid information overload at this stage.

Rik

 

[dunnyrail]

Thus far I am actively avoiding the concept if getting a 3D printer. But as things have got to the stage where they are now pretty mainstream and you doing one of your introductions. You are a real trouble maker to the likes of me……

 

[mike]

Either will give you immense satisfaction. Though Foamex is a lot cheaper and less frustrating than 3D printing.

Alternatively, you could try both. The Boneworks building shown in the photos at the foot of the article was made of Foamex with 3D printed windows, ridge tiles and guttering

Rik

I use both print my windows, doors and other bits, and use the foambord/foamex for the structure
A building now costs a lot less now I can print the bits , to a size I want ,

 

[ge_rik]

Thus far I am actively avoiding the concept if getting a 3D printer. But as things have got to the stage where they are now pretty mainstream and you doing one of your introductions. You are a real trouble maker to the likes of me……

Hi Jon
the emoji I placed on your post was the nearest I could get t an evil grin ...