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→Introduction
=== Introduction ===
=== Introduction ===
This is a page in progress to describe [https://wiki.pumpingstationone.org/3D_Modeling 3D modeling.]
This is a page in progress to describe [https://wiki.pumpingstationone.org/3D_Modeling 3D modeling], with the intent of printing the model on a [https://wiki.pumpingstationone.org/Category:CNC#3D_Printing 3D printer] - '''not''' for CNC fabrication, though models are used for CNC fab.
In order to make things from either 3D printers (or CNC routers/mills that have 3 or more degrees of movement), you need a 3D model.
In order to make things from either 3D printers (or CNC routers/mills that have 3 or more degrees of movement), you need a 3D model.
While your first experience with one of these machines may use an existing test model or one you've downloaded from a site like Thingiverse, eventually you may want to create things of your own.
While your first experience with one of these machines may use an existing test model or one you've downloaded from a site like Thingiverse, eventually you may want to create things of your own.
The general workflow for 3D modeling and printing is: first, model the part, second, turn it into instructions suitable for the machine you're using to make the part, then third, feed the instructions to the machine and fabricate the part.
The general workflow for 3D modeling and printing is:
1. Model the part
2. Turn the model into instructions suitable for the machine (printer) to print it.
3. Send the instructions to the machine and fabricate the part.
This page will only deal with the first step; how to model a part, and it will not cover how to use specific software.
This page will only deal with the first step; how to model a part, and it will not cover how to use specific software.
=== Machine Requirements ===
=== Machine Requirements ===
=== Non-free 3D Modeling Software ===
=== Non-free 3D Modeling Software ===
AutoDesk Fusion 360 is not open source but is essentially free to makers and education users. To get the free copy: download trial, when trial is up and it asks for license number there is a checkbox to say you will not make money on the products you make. (citation: personal experience) You can buy a single-user license for Fusion 360 pretty cheap too, or wait for sales that have been up to 90% off. Generally though, the free download covers almost everything. Expect to see paid extensions and features in the future, I bet. There are meetups at PS1 to support Fusion 360. http://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/overview
AutoDesk Inventor may be available as an educational trial, for members of PS1. (cite?)
AutoDesk Inventor may be available as an educational trial, for members of PS1. (cite?)
=== Saving a copy of the file for printing ===
=== Saving a copy of the file for printing ===
In addition to the native file format (whatever your 3D modeling program uses) 3D models for printing should be saved for printing, in the STL format (binary or ascii).
In addition to the native file format (whatever your 3D modeling program uses) 3D models for printing should be saved or exported for printing, in the STL format (binary or ascii).
After the part is modeled it needs to be turned into commands the 3D printer can recognize, a step called 'slicing' since it turns the solid shape into a series of paths and printer commands to move and start and stop the extruder, that build up the part layer by layer. The final step in 3D modeling, then, is to save the part in a format that the slicing software can recognize. Common formats include STL, but may vary depending on the specific software and workflow you will be using.
After the part is modeled it needs to be turned into commands the 3D printer can recognize, a step called 'slicing' since it turns the solid shape into a series of paths and printer commands to move and start and stop the extruder, that build up the part layer by layer. The next step in 3D modeling, then, is to save the part in a format that the slicing software can recognize. Common formats include STL, but may vary depending on the specific software and workflow you will be using.