Designing a Model for 3D Printing: 5 Tips to Keep in Mind

3D printing technology has improved significantly in the last few years to the point that any person can easily create anything with the help of a 3D printer. In short, you think of anything you want and the services on 3D manufacturing in Ferndale WA will do the rest of bringing it to life. However, the printer must be able to read from a good design in order to print out a good 3D model. To make this possible, below are 3D model designing tips that you need to keep in mind.

Keep the 45-Degree Rule

In architecture, there is always that rule that states that any fixture that will hang at 45 Degrees and above will require extra support. The reason for this is because this angle tends to shift the objects entire weight forward, causing it to topple over. To prevent this from happening, you need to design additional supports to your model. Objects like cones and beams are easily translated in the 3d printing process, making them ideal supports to your design.

Know the Printer’s Limits

Even if 3D Printing is quite advanced, it is not without its limits. A conventional 3D printer might have problems in distinguishing small design features, making the overall result bland and blocky. Depending on the printer’s nozzle, you might encounter thread width issues in the process which leads to incomplete details. Know first what the printing service is capable off before submitting any design. Through this, you can make changes to your model design way before the object will be printed.

Mind the Fit Tolerance

Whenever your 3D model has interlocking parts, you might have to deal with the tolerance levels in each part. One of the biggest issues with any interlocking part is that it is quite weak at the connecting points if not designed properly. To counter this, have at least a 0.2mm offset in between the connecting points for a tight fit or a 0.4mm offset for a loose fit. Always give the interlocking parts enough space to move around without causing too much friction at both ends.

Orient

Like in 2D printing, the way you orient a 3D model prior to printing will lead to very different results. If the model has several detailed features, make sure that the orientation is capable of bringing out those features in the features in the final product. Also, the right orientation will minimize stress in certain models with minimal base support. s

Mind the Gap

Unless you are making miniature chairs, it is best that you refrain from making gaps in between your 3D model. The 3D printer often has problems in distinguishing gaps from actual design features which results in a very messy final product. Keep in mind that these “extra” marks are quite difficult and time consuming to remove especially if the 3D model is quite small.

To prevent blemishes in the process of 3D manufacturing in Ferndale WA, it is best that you make simpler design features or design it in such a way that it can be divided into parts for assembly. Either way, you can have a very flawless 3D presentation of your design once the 3D printing services are done with it.