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Line 11: − Here is a very out-of-date list of some free 3D modeling applications: [http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/25-free-3d-modelling-applications-you-should-not-miss/ 25 free 3D modeling applications]+ − This page deals with 3D modeling with the intent of printing the part on a 3D printer like our LulzBot and Makerbot Replicator printers, and not 3D modeling for CNC fabrication. + Line 19:
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=== Introduction ===
Page in progress to describe [https://wiki.pumpingstationone.org/3D_Modeling 3D modeling.]
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.
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.
This page deals with 3D modeling with the intent of printing the part on a 3D printer like our LulzBot and Makerbot Replicator printers, and not 3D modeling for CNC fabrication.
=== Machine Requirements ===
Regardless of what modeling software the model you use, there are a few considerations you must make:
Regardless of what modeling software the model you use, there are a few considerations you must make:
Parts must be manifold. Manifold is a term that means the surface of the part is contiguous and complete, and with regards to 3d printing, also not zero thickness. Imagine a soccer ball shape: that would be 'manifold,' but if the soccer ball were missing one polygon, it would not be manifold. In order to print such a shape, either the walls of the part need to be thickened, or the gaps or holes need to be patched. Some models created with common software, particularly SketchUp, can be impossible to print without serious repair and reworking, because the models include many holes or gaps and are often composed of zero-thickness planes rather than solid shapes with volume. 'Manifold' is also referred to as 'water-tight.'
Parts must be manifold. Manifold is a term that means the surface of the part is contiguous and complete, and with regards to 3d printing, also not zero thickness. Imagine a soccer ball shape: that would be 'manifold,' but if the soccer ball were missing one polygon, it would not be manifold. In order to print such a shape, either the walls of the part need to be thickened, or the gaps or holes need to be patched. Some models created with common software, particularly SketchUp, can be impossible to print without serious repair and reworking, because the models include many holes or gaps and are often composed of zero-thickness planes rather than solid shapes with volume. 'Manifold' is also referred to as 'water-tight.'
Your model should be "watertight" (the mesh has a mathematically determinable interior), correct normals, and a manifold topology. Shapeways has a nice [http://www.shapeways.com/tutorials/things-to-keep-in-mind tutorial] explaining this.
=== Free 3D Modeling Software ===
3D models for printing should be saved in the STL format (binary or ascii). Your model should be "watertight" (the mesh has a mathematically determinable interior), correct normals, and a manifold topology. Shapeways has a nice [http://www.shapeways.com/tutorials/things-to-keep-in-mind tutorial] explaining this.
Here is a very out-of-date list of some free 3D modeling applications: [http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/25-free-3d-modelling-applications-you-should-not-miss/ 25 free 3D modeling applications]
All software suggestions in this section are open source, and are available for free.
All software suggestions in this section are open source, and are available for free.
*[http://www.openscad.org/ OpenSCAD] is a different take to 3D modeling. OpenSCAD is a programming language that generates parametric 3D models.
*[http://www.openscad.org/ OpenSCAD] is a different take to 3D modeling. OpenSCAD is a programming language that generates parametric 3D models.
=== Non-free 3D Modeling Software ===
AutoDesk Inventor may be available as an educational trial, for members of PS1. (cite?)
=== Designing 3D Models ===
3D models for printing should be saved 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 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 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 vary depending on the specific software and workflow you will be using.