CAD Designs and 3D Printing Notes
These are informal notes from online reading and research.
Informal notes
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+++ Tips
When enlarging an object for 3d print, is it better to enlarge the CAD STL object, or resize in the slicer?
+ Simple Scaling: If you are just making an object larger overall, the slicer maintains proportions efficiently.
+ Use/Enable Uniform Scaling.
+ Slicers programs allow quick scaling, rotating, and adjusting objects.
+ Slicers programs check if objects fit the printer's build volume.
+ Use the .3mf file format instead of .stl.
3mf files retain unit information and often provide better quality scaling
because they don't rely on pre-triangulated meshes.
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++ File types
STL only stores geometry.
STL is universally supported.
3MF files are the superior choice for complex or multicolor projects.
Some older software or printers may not support 3MF.
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+++ Sample Print files available for free
"3d print file for Linux mascot" - Tux
https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/tux-157de95fa4014050a969a8361a83d366
Search "teserract"
https://www.printables.com/search/models?ctx=models&q=teserract
Print a clicking thing
https://www.mattermanifest.com/catalog/clicky-thing
Gear shift thing
https://www.mattermanifest.com/catalog/gearshift-fidget-keychain
Switch thing
https://www.mattermanifest.com/catalog/wobble-toggle-fidget-switch
Search: https://www.yeggi.com/q/boeing+747/
Single print:
https://www.printables.com/model/948980-boeing-747/files
Downloaded: 0Boeing747a.stl
Another, Boeing 747 model tweaked for better printability:
https://www.printables.com/model/1228941-boeing-747-printability-remix/files
Downloaded: 0Boeing747b.stl
Parts for a large plane:
https://www.printables.com/model/382886-boeing-747-100-1144
Make a donation or buy something from my shop: https://ko-fi.com/clerx
MITS Altair 8800
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2249884
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+++ My 3D Printer
I chose the Flashforge AD5X because of the upgrade over the Adventurer 5M:
+ Nozzle design
+ Heating pad
+ The Multi-Color feature as secondary. I'll see if I like this option.
$339 No enclosure, Flashforge AD5X Multi-Color 3D Printer
https://www.bestbuy.com/product/flashforge-ad5x-multi-color-3d-printer-4-color-ifs-auto-leveling-max-600mm-s-high-speed-printing-220220220mm-black/J3R85ZZGP4
YouTube review:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afaEJXu4jmw
YouTube review and getting started:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0LXDkmsfas
Use Orca-Flashforge not Orca-Slicer.
Recommended after 1,000 hours use:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0R6pCRDyy_A
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Swapping Nozzles on FlashForge AD5X
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/BQKRvDT1C5w
I bought PLA:
+ JAYO white $13.29, and there are other colors:
https://www.amazon.com/JAYO-Printer-Filament-Dimensional-Accuracy/dp/B0DX6W14LF
+ JAYO 4-pack: red, blue, yellow, and green.
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+++ Equipment variations
Many printers come with a .04 mm extrusion tip.
Finer tip, example: .025 mm extrusion tip. Smoother print surface.
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+++ Filaments
1.75 mm is the standard filament size.
Acrylic on PLA:
Light sanding with fine-grit sandpaper
Primer: Using a spray filler primer hides layer lines and provides a solid base for the paint.
multiple thin layers, 15–30 minutes between coats
optional clear sealer, matte or gloss
Using silk PLA:
Clean the Nozzle
Print at a moderate speed of 40mm/s to 60mm/s
slightly higher printing temperature, between 190°C and 230°C.
heated bed set to around 50°C to 60°C
layer height of 0.1mm to 0.2mm
retraction distance of 4mm to 6mm and a retraction speed of 25mm/s to 40mm/s
PLA
SUNLU and JAYO are comparatively similar.
SUNLU PLA, a best seller:
https://www.amazon.com/Printer-Filament-SUNLU-Dimensional-Accuracy/dp/B07XG3RM58/ref=sr_1_18?adgrpid=189420411274&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.TGkfxJbve3sThBRKz5SFwQpycSkNphz4CHz4gMM_FJiXV8gak8XNPbfdPaFiwB76lY965fHYN-8EIFaeYFSU7SDpanSpP-KDxAvV4cFiybhGKbJRau86Jx369yPp0h2_XLkw_oVo3aqNUFsk3yIXGJd7cnMNDHPOmJ05WcqARbFFjHeY4exd_bXKIim9fcHgQQEYZwgOpghxqF7juMgeGs0GdFwZRcb9_jU_5lbI6lM._7UBnEvs9r3SCzwISheH_Mc3ueJE2fDrn__YrtR2FFM&dib_tag=se&hvadid=779579014528&hvdev=c&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=9031989&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=13153631072923216432--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=13153631072923216432&hvtargid=kwd-800442080588&hydadcr=8464_13654122_2115936&keywords=top%2Brated%2Bpla%2Bfilament&mcid=4511cbc5eb4c3dceaaa4b68d1792b48d&qid=1773864417&sr=8-18&th=1
1kg Spools, Various prices for various colors. Mostly $18-19. Cheap black for $14.
JAYO white $13.29, and there are other colors:
https://www.amazon.com/JAYO-Printer-Filament-Dimensional-Accuracy/dp/B0DX6W14LF
JAYO Filament PLA:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=jayo+filament+pla
JAYO Rapid PLA 3D Printer Filament
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DHRXQT74
8 pack, 2K 250g Spool, $39: Black, Olive Green, Orange, Yellow, White, Blue, Red, Pink
4 pack, 4.4KG, 1.1kg Spool, $43: Black, Olive Green, Orange, Yellow
To print my 4-cube, a colleague used Blue Green MatterHackers Quantum PLA Filament:
https://www.matterhackers.com/store/l/matterhackers-quantum-pla/sk/M8FVEWDM
Other colors:
Raspberry Gold MatterHackers Quantum PLA Filament
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To add a pause for a filament color change,
+ use your slicer’s "Pause at Height" or "Add Pause" feature,
usually located in the slice preview or extensions menu.
+ How to Make Dual Color 3D Prints on the Flashforge Adventurer 5M
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nf8M-iODWI
Google prompt:
"How to add a pause in 3d printing when the filament color changes so that I can change a Flashforge printer's filament."
To add a pause for a filament change on a Flashforge printer,
+ use the FlashPrint slicer to insert a pause command at a specific layer.
In Expert Mode, slice your model, navigate to the Others tab, and
click the Plus button to select the layer for the pause, then re-slice and print.
Google prompt:
"How manage filament color changes when using Flashforge AD5X Multi-Color 3D Printer"
+ How to Do Multicolor 3D Prints on the Flashforge AD5X Using OrcaSlicer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAIh2ZQ2JXU
+ Using pause, Multi Color 3D Printing With Any Printer! Orca Slicer!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6m_Wf59O1xk
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+++ Metal Finish
Rather than PLA, use something harder filament material such as ASA.
How To Add a Metal Finish to 3D Prints
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pGD-HFw_VU
A lot of work, but doable.
HOW TO BUILD An Iron Man Helmet LIKE A PRO! (With Moving Faceplate) - Mark 47
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rGIEzM4D_k
Insane amount of work.
3D Printing Iron Man Prime! Part 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUdRbM52Nac
The whole suit. This guy is good.
Electroplating 3D Prints: the Symphony of Plastic and Metal
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSErl9JdTA0
Beyond the time I would put into it.
There was an ad: Meshy AI to turn images into 3D print files.
https://www.meshy.ai/
Ad says, it has 30 million print files for download.
Art promotion contest site:
https://www.teravarna.com/
Organizing physical art exhibitions in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, London, Paris, and elsewhere.
Organize theme-based juried art competitions via our online platform,
providing unique opportunities, global exposure, and cash prizes to artists.
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+++ My 3D Printer Analysis before buying
Comparisons I went through when deciding which machine to buy.
$249 No enclosure, Flashforge - Adventurer 5M 3D Printer
https://www.bestbuy.com/product/flashforge-adventurer-5m-3d-printer-auto-leveling-max-600mm-s-high-speed-printing-280c-direct-extruder-3s-nozzle-black/J3R85ZZGPG
$239 on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CH4NYL6J/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0
YouTube review and getting started:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmBDB0E-sDE
Use Orca-Flashforge or FlashPrint 5 as the slicer application.
YouTube review:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZhxTreHytI
Tool prints for the printer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iB13YV1ACY
Example:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tdsXZmyRMheIiS2rNzWJs-MZUMxdtxe2/view
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Swapping Nozzles on FlashForge Adventurer 5M
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dcyepf0Ffxk
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Communicating with the printer:
Get Started! Adventurer 5M & 5M Pro 3D Printer with Orca & Orca Flashforge
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=928R9Bc9C7c
STL files can be loaded into Orca-Flashforge.
Compare Flashforge Adventurer 5M and AD5X Multi-Color
Function overview compare:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hA1ImmVjU0
Flashforge AD5X - A Better Multi Color Upgrade?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGIUuu4T4Aw
$379 has enclosure, Flashforge - Adventurer 5M Pro 3D Printer
https://www.bestbuy.com/product/flashforge-adventurer-5m-pro-3d-printer-auto-leveling-280c-quick-detachable-nozzle-dual-filtration-220220220mm-black/J3R85ZZGPR
$399 has enclosure, Bambu Lab P1S 3D Printer, Keith has one and likes it.
https://us.store.bambulab.com/collections/p-series
Simpler systems, less to go wrong.
Something like Occam’s razor:
Among competing hypotheses, the simplest one is usually the best.
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+++ eod