3D printing might sound a bit daunting. However, with a growing number of users and equipment—from 3d scanners to accessories—it’s fast becoming one of the most useful technologies around. If you regularly need to build scale models, you can use 3D printing to great results. First time doing this, though? Not to worry. Here are some tips to help you create successful 3D printing design tips:
1. Go with the 45 Degree rule, says Makezine. Any overhangs that go beyond 45 degrees will require proper support. On the other hand, you could also build your own support material to take care of the issue. Just handily design them into your model and you’re good to go.
2. Eliminate support material. For most things, though, you might want to consider designing items that don’t require support material, especially if you’re working under a tight deadline. It can take a considerable amount of time to get rid of the support material and that’s time you might want to spend on something else. So for quicker results and assembly, try out designs that don’t require you to add any support materials any ore.
3. Put mouse ears to great use by using it, along with helper desks and even for your 3D printing projects. This way, you can easily print your items without computer-generated supports. Also, make sure you stop yourself from using rafts. All they really do is slow down your prints. There’s a better way to do it than resorting to rafts. Remind yourself of that every time you’re tempted to use one. Also, rafts can be tough to remove and depending on your printer configuration, could even lead to messing up the bottom of your prints.
4. Know your printer’s limitations. Every printer is different and you need to make sure you know all of your printer’s quirks along with what it can do and what it often fails at. That way, you can use the unit with confidence in designing and printing out those 3D items.
5. Practice a lot. Make sure you use the 3D printer regularly. You won’t be able to get to know your equipment very well if you don’t practice. A lot. With enough practice, you can generate designs faster and with better results.
Don’t let your early attempts at 3D printing put you off. Practice until you know your machine like the back of your hand. Sooner or later, that’ll give you excellent results.