Last year, I decided to buy a 3D printer and teach myself how to design, model and print all the ideas that came up in my head, like any reasonable person. This note tries to summarize all the key steps I took to get to where I am now - a relatively amateur 3D printer.
##Step 1: Software
There are three main types of software that you'll need to design AND print your models:
- CAD Software: Computer-aided design (CAD) software is used to design shapes and parts that are confined with mathematical precision. This usually means defining constraints on a shape with mathematical concepts - it is not as complex as it sounds.
- 3D Computer Graphics Software: Computer graphics software is used to design free-form or organic shapes. Usually, I start by creating a rough 'precise' shape in CAD and then smoothening it out with Computer graphic software.
- Splicing Software: Splicing software is used to translates the output of CAD and 3D Computer Graphics software, usually in the form of
.stlfiles, into G-Code which 3D printers use to bring your shapes to life. Most 3D printers come with a complimentary software so it really depends on the printer that you get - I use Bambu Studio, courtesy of my Bambu Labs A1 Mini printer.
##Step 2: Modeling
I use two types of open source software (OSS) when I model - FreeCAD for precise parts and Blender for organic parts. Both of OSS options having been around for a while and are backed by a large of community designers which translates to a lot of forums, documentation and YouTube videos.
Speaking of YouTube videos, here are some amazing YouTube tutorials:
- Basics for understanding the FreeCAD software and modeling a simple organizer box: Learn FreeCAD for 3D Printing - Complete Quick and Easy Guide (Beginner) - by 3D Printer Academy Tutorials
- More complex models: FreeCAD 3D Modeling Example for Beginners - by CAD CAM Lessons
##Step 3:
Once you have a CAD Software, FreeCad in my case, you need to play around with some models. I recommend modeling a simple object that you have lying around.
Here are a few resources that may help you along the way: