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44 Articles

3D printing is completely changing the world, and with 3D Make & Print you can start changing it too. From 3D-printed organs and prosthetics to tools that have been printed in zero gravity on the International Space Station, not to mention some of the incredible sculptures that redefine what it is possible to achieve in a physical medium, 3D printers are being used in almost every industry to transform the way that we do things and lead us into a bold new future. What’s more, this technology doesn’t just belong to a select few – with desktop 3D printers now cheap enough to be within reach of every home, and open source projects like RepRap and Blender providing us with the hardware and software that we need to build 3D…

100 FREE models

There’s no need to worry if this is going to be your first time creating a 3D model – we have got plenty here to get you started! The very kind folk over at MyMiniFactory have shared a full hundred of their best 3D models with you, which you can download from FileSilo right now. Covering everything from fun figurines and desktop gadgets to working mechanisms, artistic sculptures and useful household items, there’s a great range for you to explore. Learn more about MyMiniFactory over on page 108. Turn to page 144 for more details…

100 FREE models

Neforak Landis Fields landisfields.tumblr.com “Some messages are so important that they are ‘hand’ delivered by a species that is recognised as the couriers for most galaxies. These creatures are known as ‘Neforaks’, and for them this is more of a duty or way of life than a job.” “How will you personalize cute Robbie the robot planter by styling his hair with succulents, herbs or cactus?” XYZWorkshop 3D Printed Robot Succulent Planter & Bird 3D Printed Robot Succulent Planter & Bird Elena Low & Kae Woei Lim etsy.com/shop/XYZWorkshop “3D-printed in sandstone via Shapeways, this cute little figurine makes a great gift or a desktop buddy.” Kneeling Woman Phil Nolan philnolan3d.com “I discovered a tool in 3D-Coat that would allow me to draw lines on a model that could be exported…

12 WAYS 3D PRINTING CHANGED THE WORLD

It’s astounding to think that up until just a few years ago, the idea of being able to print out any real, physical object you could imagine – all safely at home – was mostly considered the stuff of science fiction. Though the earliest 3D printing technologies can be traced back to 1986, when the first patent was issued for an SLA apparatus invented by Charles Hull, it was not until January 2009 that the first commercially available consumer 3D printer, the BfB RapMan, was put up for sale. The move was like the start of an avalanche. Soon, projects like Z Corp’s Spectrum Z510, RepRap and MakerBot’s Cupcake CNC kit began to change the world for good. 3D printers could be bought to use in anyone’s living room or…

12 WAYS 3D PRINTING CHANGED THE WORLD

GET STARTED WITH 3D PRINTING

3D printing has become a hot topic recently and many people are beginning to realise the benefits and possibilities that it has to offer. With more people looking to take the leap and invest in, or start using one, it seems pertinent to address the questions of what exactly a 3D printer is and does. 3D printing is the process of building something layer by layer. It doesn’t matter which form of 3D printing or which technology is being used, this fundamental principle stays constant. There is a general misconception that all 3D printers are the same thing – this is not the case at all. Each printer and process will come with their own challenges and key principles that need to be followed to get the best out of…

GET STARTED WITH 3D PRINTING

HOW DO 3D PRINTERS WORK?

3D printing is also called additive manufacturing because it works by adding new material, as opposed to a computercontrolled lathe or laser cutter, which removes it. The earliest system, called stereolithography, dates back to 1986 and uses a resin that hardens on exposure to ultra-violet light. The printer scans a beam of UV light over the surface of a bath of the resin to create a thin layer of plastic. The model is then sunk slightly into the bath so that the laser can add a new layer on top. Selective laser sintering (SLS) works in a similar way to print with metal. The printer shakes a thin layer of metal powder onto the print bed and a high-power laser fuses the powder at certain points to create solid metal.…

HOW DO 3D PRINTERS WORK?

THE CHEAPEST, EASIEST PRINTER

FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling) printers can use a variety of materials including ABS plastic, rubber and even wood pulp. Each material has its own strengths and weaknesses and thought should be given to the properties of each before choosing one for a project. FDM printers are able to print in multiple materials at the same time, which can mean multiple colours or that one nozzle will deposit a support material for the other one to build upon (this is often used when the model has ‘overhangs’ of some from). This support material is then removed when the finished part has cooled and hardened. The CAD file that is loaded into the printer is sliced into layers, the thickness of which depends on the layer resolution of the machine (this is…

THE CHEAPEST, EASIEST PRINTER

THE EXPENSIVE, INDUSTRIAL PRINTER

SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) printers are not exactly user-friendly. These machines are usually run by bureaus, with people buying their models from the company rather than buying the printers. The process of SLS is quite different to FDM machines – SLS machines normally use a nylon powder which is put down as an entire layer rather than just where it is needed. This bed is heated constantly at around 150 degrees centigrade. The laser above the bed of powder then maps out the CAD data with an accuracy of 0.1 mm. The laser actually spikes the nylon powder over its melting point of 170 degrees and melts the top layer into the ones beneath it. This fuses the layers together and creates a very strong bond, meaning the parts are…

THE EXPENSIVE, INDUSTRIAL PRINTER

THE SLS PRINTING PROCESS

SLS printing will get you a superior surface finish and a high level of accuracy. SLS machines will normally run around a 0.1 mm layer resolution and the melting process means that the layer lines on the prints are hardly noticeable as each layer blends with the one beneath. The printer is much more accurate in terms of tolerances too – parts that are produced are normally accurate to the CAD file within 0.1 mm. This means it is very similar to the tolerances that can be found from a part that is mass produced from a method like silicone injection. Many people use SLS printing to test their designs before they go into production. INSTANT RESULTS SLS is also able to produce parts that work straight off the printer…

THE SLS PRINTING PROCESS

THE RESIN-BASED DETAIL PRINTERS

Stereolithography (SLA) and Digital Light Projection (DLP) printers are both similar in that they use a liquid resin to make their parts. Because they make their parts from a liquid, you are able to get a significantly finer print and can get some parts that go down to incredibly fine details – some so fine that you would need a microscope to fully appreciate them. They actually print by shining UV light at the resin for long enough to turn harden, in what is called the curing stage. The cured resin is sometimes still a little soft depending on how long it was exposed to UV light while in the printer, and shorter print times can affect rigidity. Because UV light is all around us, the models can be left…

THE RESIN-BASED DETAIL PRINTERS

THE COLOURFUL, AFFORDABLE PRINTER

Plaster printers use a plaster powder which is covered with a binding agent, normally water, in order to create the solid object. They use the same technology as a normal 2D colour printer to draw out each layer in turn, and in some cases the printer uses a very similar nozzle to the ones found in your desktop printer at home, as they are able to print on a flat plane in full colour. As plaster printers are powder-based, like SLS printers, the parts are self-supported and therefore you are able to make significantly more complicated shapes with them. A dye is also added through the binding agent, which allows the printer to make parts in full colour. For a while this was the only way that you could 3D…

THE COLOURFUL, AFFORDABLE PRINTER

UNDERSTANDING FILAMENTS

PLASTICS You’ve done the hard part and decided which 3D printer you’d like to try. The next step is buying the requisite materials for printing, the first being filaments. The most common varieties of 3D printing filament are plastics, typically PLA (polylactic acid) and ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), and these are both widely and cheaply available on the internet or from specialist stores. There are distinct differences between them, mostly rooted in their strength, precision and melting point. You can also choose from a wide variety of colours to add that little bit more character to your prints, and can even print in multiple colours if your object is separated into different parts and assembled later. There are dual-extrusion machines out there that allow you to print in two colours…

UNDERSTANDING FILAMENTS

YOUR FIRST 3D PRINT

Don’t be too ambitious for your first print. Start with something simple as this will help you understand your particular printer, as well as identify if there are any problems. If you have built your printer yourself this is particularly important as there are many things that need to be calibrated. Once your prints look the way you want them to (you can download calibration prints to use as a benchmark), you can then move on to more complicated designs. “You need to crawl before you can walk so don’t jump into something complicated. Build up gradually – this way you will get to know your particular printer” You need to crawl before you can walk, though, so don’t jump into something massively complicated straight away. Build up gradually –…

YOUR FIRST 3D PRINT

MAINTAINING YOUR 3D PRINTER

FILAMENT MAINTENANCE There are a few essential things to keep in mind when handling and storing your filament. Make sure that once you have opened your filament, you store it somewhere cool, dry and free of dust. The printer’s extruder is very sensitive and as such even small bits of dust can lead to clogging. Dust will accumulate on your filament over time if it is left in the open. Prevent this by keeping it covered. Filament can also become twisted if not cared for properly. Make sure that when you are loading and unloading a spool of filament that you are very careful not to let it unwrap and start tangling. This can lead to a lot of wasted filament. UNDER EXTRUDING OR NOT EXTRUDING AT ALL Generally these…

MAINTAINING YOUR 3D PRINTER

AN INTRODUCTION TO MODELLING

Modelling a 3D object is the very first stage of what is called the 3D pipeline. You don’t need to worry about this terminology too much, but essentially it is the stage that allows you to block out the object that you are designing, decide on its size and shape, and then add more intricate details before printing. It’s a crucial stage of 3D printing – after all, without a 3D model you certainly won’t be getting a 3D print! It might sound a little complicated, but generally speaking it can be a very simple process. You’re essentially playing with shapes on a computer screen and making sure they’re suitable for printing, before exporting your geometry in a compatible file format. Of course, it is vital that you choose the…

AN INTRODUCTION TO MODELLING

Free models for 3D printing are abundant nowadays and are offered by a large number of online retailers. Sites such as iMakr’s MyMiniFactory, 3dprinter.net and TurboSquid offer a massive range, and even premium model sites such as CGTrader now offer a solid range of free, easy-to-download STL files for you to download and print at your leisure. Now, we shouldn’t have to tell you that the quality of free models on these websites varies quite a bit, but generally speaking you’re extremely likely to find whatever you’re after, whether it be household items and practical utensils to jewellery, figurines and ornaments. It’s quite hard to go wrong – simply visit the site of your choice, search for something you want and download the file. Always double check that the file…

While there’s a huge amount of free models available online, and a massive community that continues to churn them out, you might want to consider actually making your own models for 3D printing. The prospect of doing so may put you off immediately, but 3D modelling can be an extremely rewarding process, and creating your own models will encourage you to join some of the fantastic maker networks out there where you can share your designs with other enthusiasts and receive feedback. To create a 3D model you’ll require some 3D software. This is another area where you are legitimately spoilt for choice, as there are hundreds of different applications available that allow you to create 3D models and export them in a file format that’s suitable for 3D printing.…

ESSENTIAL MODELLING TIPS

Choosing the right software to model potential 3D prints with is a surprisingly personal decision, with different software packages, slicers, and even plug-ins to choose from at a wide variety of price points. If budget is a major factor in your decision, Blender or SketchUp are great, free options. Your personal style should also be a factor. Anyone interested in modelling hard surface designs to print to very accurate levels should take a look at software better for CAD such as SolidWorks; but those more interested in organic-looking designs would be better suited to 3D sculpting packages like ZBrush or Sculptris. Whether you’re modelling an organic character or a mechanically complex vehicle model that needs all the right tolerances, taking a 3D digital design from software to printer requires a…

ESSENTIAL MODELLING TIPS

A GUIDE TO FINISHING

Imagine spending many hours crafting a beautiful piece of furniture and then leaving it bare. If you left it with just the original work in its natural state, it would not looked finished and would be half the object it has the potential to be. For all of the talk and hype surrounding 3D printing, finishing is rarely mentioned, but it remains a hugely important part of the creation process. From the initial inception to the very final stages, finishing should be considered. It is integral to how well the object will be received. You will need to think about sealing, bonding, painting, sanding and other stages of finishing your product during the idea formation. You need not be concerned that finishing the object will be too difficult. Many of…

A GUIDE TO FINISHING

TIPS FOR FINISHING

This guide should help you understand the right approach to take before you start finishing your 3D prints and this will consist of general advice, tips for the best tools to use and some areas to avoid. The fact is that finishing a 3D object is very similar to traditional finishing of wood and metal, but with the provision that these objects can be much more complicated in form and potentially more fragile. You will need to take some time to understand how the various materials you use will work together and also be considered with the tools you are using. Lots of research, a safe environment with good lighting and ventilation, and the right tools will give you the confidence you need to spend time making your 3D printed…

TIPS FOR FINISHING

3D scanner A device that uses lasers to ‘record’ the state of a physical object and render it digitally in 3D, enabling it to be printed ABS Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene is a commonly used non-biodegradable thermoplastic polymer Computer-Aided Design CAD techniques and software that allow a designer to virtually model an object in 3D Extruder The part of the 3D printer that melts and extrudes the filament through a hot end Filament The material (usually plastic) extruded to print the object Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) FDM is a technique of 3D printing and is a trademark of Stratasys, so the equivalent term of FFF is often used instead Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) The process of building an object from bottom to top by extruding filament, a different technique from FDM…

Buying your first printer As well as the budget you’d like to spend, remember to consider the types of materials the printer can use as well as the resolution and build volume. Choosing the right filament There are a huge range of different filaments and other materials to choose from – including flexible, glow-in-the-dark, and wood or metal materials. Levelling the print bed This will ensure your model comes out straight. Look at your manufacturer’s instructions to level the print bed correctly. Knowing what’s suitable A model could look amazing on a computer screen, but be completely unsuitable for 3D printing. Make sure you know what to watch out for, including any parts that are too thin or a lot of unsupported overhangs. Downloading models for free Visit websites such…

Create an iPhone 6 case

Printer used Makerbot Replicator 2 App name SketchUp Filament used PLA, 18 g Complexity If you own a smartphone, it’s highly likely that you have bought a case to either protect your phone or make it look good (or both!). But have you ever considered modelling your own case? We’re going to reveal how to use SketchUp to create a case for an iPhone 6, which you can then customise and 3D-print. SketchUp is a quick and easy way to create customised 3D models, and being able to create your own case ensures you have complete control over how your phone looks. What’s more, these steps will only take a couple of hours. The beauty of 3D printing is that you can create an infinite variety of objects and designs…

Create an iPhone 6 case

Printer used Ultimaker 2 App name ZBrush Filament used Form Futura Complexity In this tutorial, we’ll cover the main phases of sculpting an articulated muscular model using a skeleton geometry imported from SolidWorks. Starting from a template of bones and joints externally modelled in SolidWorks and then adding decent details on top of it in ZBrush could be a challenging project. The biggest problems are related to the possible loss of accuracy of the mechanical parts. You will need to consider the compromise between the overall details placement and the need to maintain the joints with the same shapes and on the same precise location. To explain the workflow, we’ll split the project into sub-problems with the easiest solution for each. The starting point is creating one polygroup for each…

Build a laser blaster prop

Printer used MakerBot Replicator 2 App name SolidWorks Filament used PLA, 325 g Complexity In this tutorial we are going to show you how to create and 3D-print a prop, which will include moving parts. Creating an object that incorporates moving parts can be tricky but is often a lot more rewarding. It encourages you to explore the limits of what your 3D printer is capable of and at the end of it you’ll have a finished product, ready to take to your next Comic Con! Be prepared for a bit of trial and error when designing objects with multiple components that fit together; making sure that all your parts have the correct scales and tolerances can involve a bit of work, particularly if you want them to fit together…

Build a laser blaster prop

Print a multi-use dragon bowl

Printer used Ultimaker 2 App name ZBrush Filament used Form Futura Complexity In this tutorial you will learn to create a support-free design with two different functions: a small bowl for chocolate, fruit, etc. or a hanger for your clothes. The project will focus on 3D sculpting in ZBrush, apart from the screw holder mechanism that will be downloaded from the MyMiniFactory site and then imported into the model. When you are designing an object to be printed, especially something that is to be used, there is a series of tasks that you work through to get the desired result. We’ll start by searching for reference images of a dragon online in order to plan the primary forms. Reference images are incredibly useful for whatever you are modelling, especially for…

Print a multi-use dragon bowl

Sculpt a mecha rhino

Printer used MakerBot Replicator 2 App name Rhino Filament used BronzeFill, WoodFill Complexity It is easy to get so caught up in creating the actual shape of a model that you neglect to consider the surface. With some subjects, it is the surface that holds all of the character, such as textured organic materials or glistening metallic objects. Using this tutorial you will learn how to surface model using Rhino as well as how to print with alternative materials like BronzeFill and WoodFill. We will be making a mecha-style model of a rhino head, though the techniques that we’ll use here can be applied to any model and are a good introduction to the type of surface modelling that is achievable within Rhino. We will be modelling surfaces and creating…

Sculpt a mecha rhino

Add style to your finished prints

Want to print a museum-quality dinosaur skull but just realised that you only have neon green filament left? No need to fret – it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to put your creative vision on hold. It just means that you need to get a little bit more inventive with your finishing techniques, and with these tips and tutorials from MyMiniFactory’s very own post-processing team, who have years of experience in painting and finishing prints to a high standard, enhancing the finish of 3D prints has never been easier. We are going to reveal the professional tricks for creating metal effects for cosplay weapons, stone effects for sculptures, furry effects for cute creatures and much, much more. No background in model making or fine art is required; anyone can…

Add style to your finished prints

Construct a sci-fimask

Printer used Ultimaker 2 App name ZBrush 4R6, Rhino, 3ds Max Filament used PLA Complexity Masks are a fantastic way of learning a raft of essential modelling techniques, especially when it comes to mastering the art of surfaces. In this example, the aim is to create a hard surface-looking wearable mask. This project will give you the opportunity to learn new software and techniques, it will expand your design skills and open up a whole new world of 3D design. Perhaps the most important lesson to take away is how learning to design a functional 3D printing model is the ultimate skill to attain. In this tutorial we will use three different pieces of modelling software, namely ZBrush, 3ds Max and Rhino. Over the course of the steps, you will…

Construct a sci-fimask

Model a Troll Slayer

The purpose of this tutorial is to take two 3D modelling disciplines and then mix them together to make one model. By learning how to do this, you can ensure that you will achieve the very best results in your models, because you will be free to pick the software that specialises in the look that you want to get at that stage of your design. In our example here, the model has fine organic detail that can only be achieved in ZBrush. However, it also needs accurate glue-free joins, which can only be achieved in SolidWorks. Once complete, these two elements can be put together to make one amazing object – the Troll Slayer. In this tutorial we will show you how to create the basic skeleton on a…

Model a Troll Slayer

PART 1 From scan to print

Due to its ease of production, non-destructive process and high-quality results, 3D scanning is a process that is already being applied to multiple industries. It’s difficult to avoid the technology that has been so heavily featured in the media in recent times; it has been used in the production of prosthetics and bodily organs in the medical industry, CGI in the video game, film and entertainment industries, as well as used in the documentation and archiving of cultural artifacts. 3D scanning is the process of analysing an object or an environment through its form, dimensions and colour. By gathering this data it is possible to create accurate representations of an object. There are various methods in which objects can be scanned, from hand-held real-time to infrared and contact – these…

PART 1 From scan to print

PART 2 From scan to print

Printer used Makerbot Replicator 2 App used ZBrush Filament used PLA Complexity For this tutorial you will be learning how to take your scan and clean it up so that it is ready for 3D printing. Nine times out of ten you get a scan that is messy, so knowing how to clean things up is a great skill to have because you will want to ensure that you get as much accuracy and as little noise as possible in your model. Here we are going to focus on sculpting a 3D-scanned bust in ZBrush by importing the messy broken scan and re-working the model. We’ll also look at how to capture final details using some of the reference images that you took later in the scanning process – you…

PART 2 From scan to print

Get started with MyMiniFactory

For more information, feel free to get in touch: info@myminifactory.com So now you’ve had a chance to learn design for 3D printing from some of the experts over at MyMiniFactory, why not show off your work and get involved! If you’re toying with the idea of having your work 3D-printed, this is a great way to get started. MyMiniFactory test-prints every object uploaded to the site – this is to ensure printability, meaning that users don’t waste time and filament when printing designs from the platform. MyMiniFactory constantly welcomes new designers and would love to see you get involved! MyMiniFactory adheres to open source content creation and distribution models. All 3D files are available for anyone to freely download, edit and then re-upload. Through this method, users are encouraged to…

Get started with MyMiniFactory

SIERT WIJNIA: THE ULTIMATE MAKER

Siert Wijnia may be the CEO of a globally-renowned 3D printer manufacturing company today, but just eight years ago, his life couldn’t have been more different. A skilled mechanical engineer, he’d been working in a more managerial role at a firm that built large refineries for oil giants like Shell and BP. “I was thinking, what am I doing here?” Wijnia begins. “It didn’t feel totally right for me – it’s just ending natural resources and not going to the next stage by thinking of new ways to do stuff instead. One day I thought, I can’t change this business but I have a choice in what I do.” Luckily for Wijnia, it was just then that a brand new type of workplace had begun to spring up in towns…

SIERT WIJNIA: THE ULTIMATE MAKER

THE REVOLUTION WILL BE PRINTED

3Dprinting is not new. The concepts of additive manufacturing (AM) and rapid prototyping, which form the basis of this technological movement, have been around for almost three decades. However, the last few years have seen an acceleration in the public’s awareness of the technology, as consumer services emerged to offer on-demand 3D printing to the masses. The cost of the technology also dropped enough to enable artists and designers to have a 3D printer in their own studio. Most current at-home 3D printers work much like Inkjet machines. However, rather than ink they deposit material in successive layers to create a physical object from a digital file. One or more materials may be used (usually plastic, metal, ceramic or glass powder) and several processes exist, namely Selective Laser Sintering (SLS),…

THE REVOLUTION WILL BE PRINTED

HOW 3D PRINTING WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE

Dr Anthony Atala Director of the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine / USA Professor Lee Cronin Regius Chair of Chemistry / UK Dr Andrew Dawood Co-founder of Dawood & Tanner, Digits2Widgets and Cavendish Imaging / UK Scott DeFelice CEO of Oxford Performance Materials / USA Joseph DeRisi DeRisi Lab / USA Mick Ebeling CEO and co-founder of Not Impossible Labs / USA Elliot Kotek Content chief and co-founder of Not Impossible Labs / USA Thomas Most Prosthetic-orthotic CAD/3D printing specialist / USA Suman Mulumudi CEO of StratoScientific Inc, inventor / USA Professor Raphael Olszewski Surgeon and head of the university’s oral and maxillofacial surgery research lab (OMFS Lab, UCL) / Belgium Michael Renard Executive vice president of Organovo / USA Whitney Sample Nemours / Alfred I. duPont Hospital for…

HOW 3D PRINTING WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE

BEST 3D PRINTERS TESTED

A few years ago, the advent of consumer 3D printing through initiatives such as Z Corp’s Spectrum Z510, the RepRap project and MakerBot’s Cupcake CNC kit inspired many in the industry to predict a revolution in the way we live – and create – for good. Today, the 3D printing revolution they were waiting for has truly begun. Local Motors has designed the Strati – the world’s first fully-drivable, 3D-printed car made up of 212 layers, while in China construction firm WinSun Decoration Design Engineering has 3D-printed a five-story residential building in a matter of months. In the meantime, bioprinting company Organovo has even announced that its 3D-printed liver tissue is now commercially available – an important first step towards producing whole human organs using 3D printing technologies. In…

BEST 3D PRINTERS TESTED

Discover the very best soft ware available for making print-ready models and consider investing Speed is a vital consideration for anyone looking to model for 3D printing, and the first important change in 3ds Max 2015 is the massive improvement of the viewport speed. The new Nitrous viewport enhancements are excellent, and as a result the viewport performance can now smoothly handle far more poly and vertices per model along with a superb amount of triangles, making modelling much more stress-free. Autodesk has also fixed AA performance; edges are bold and easy to see, and the selection lag between heavy meshes has been reduced. The core modelling tools have also been updated, an important enhancement to anyone interested in modelling for 3D printing. The new Quad chamfer modifier, for example,…

Rhinoceros can be described as a CAD software on steroids. Besides offering the basic CAD functions that people got used to in AutoCAD and others, it brings you an amazingly wide variety of 3D modelling features perfect for print-ready results. Anyone can do boxes and spheres, but Rhino succeeds in the areas where other software competitors usually fail, for example giving you flawless booleans. Being sure your booleans will come out perfectly means you are free to handle any modelling task with ease. The advantages of using NURBS for modelling is mostly in their precision. Whether you set your units to light years or microns, Rhino will give absolutely perfect results, so you can always rely on it in any situation. For example, architectural visualisation studio FlyingArchitecture tells us they…

ZBrush 4R7 is out, and the newest feature that has taken the modelling world by storm is the ZModeler brush. This allows for box-modeling functionality right inside ZBrush, along with the ability to control geometry at the vertex, edge and face level. For the TikiBot character pictured to the right, a base mesh of a Sketchbot designer toy was the starting point. Pieces were kept separate, knowing they would be exported as STLs for 3D printing. The Dynamesh was employed too extensively to re-project a fine grid of polygons that could accommodate finely sculpted detail – in this case, the small cracks and pits that would represent a pseudo wood-grain effect. Once all of the subtools (12 for this particular character) were fleshed out, the next step involved generating keys…

PROS ▴ Easy to learn ▴ You can edit your history ▴ Create dimensionalaccurate parts ▴ Test your joints and moving parts before sending to print CONS ▾ Can’t go too organic with your models One of the most enjoyable aspects of SolidWorks is its ability to surprise you with new things. It is a program that enables you to create accurate 3D models that can be exported for print without any errors on the STL file. Essentially, SolidWorks is a solid body modelling software at heart that also has the capability for surface modelling. If you are designing a model with multiple parts, you can test your fitting with the Assemble feature. This enables you to build the object inside SolidWorks and test the tolerance of the fittings and…

PROS ▴ Versatile ▴ Ability to work to precise scales ▴ Clean, accurate models ▴ Extensive tools ▴ Dedicated 3D print to service button CONS ▾ Steep learning curve ▾ Complicated interface ▾ Mesh and NURBS support unfavourable AutoCAD is fundamentally a 2D drafting program and, as a result, a great deal of its power remains within the tools that are geared towards drawing orthographically. Yet over the last few versions it has been extended to enable the generation of geometric 3D models quickly, accurately and efficiently, culminating in the ability to print in 3D. For the average user, 3D modelling will begin in much the same way as drawing twodimensionally. For those more versed in solid modelling, the recent support of 3D primitives and powerful boolean tools all assist…

PROS ▴ Free and open source ▴ Extensive modelling feature allowing for both polygon modelling and sculpting ▴ Hotkey-based tools allow for a fast workflow ▴ 3D print toolbox checks for printability issues ▴ Great for cleaning up models, reducing or eliminating the need for tools like Netfabb CONS ▾ Unusual user interface and commands mean that Blender is difficult for the newcomer ▾ Mesh modelling means worrying about keeping geometry manifold ▾ Booleans can be slow and sometimes produce strange results Blender is one of those programs that people seem to either love or hate. However, considering its price point and sheer number of features, there’s no arguing that it’s powerful. Blender is, at its core, a mesh-modelling application with an extensive tool set allowing for any number of…

YOUR FREE RESOURCES

YOUR BONUS RESOURCES ON FILESILO WE’VE ROUNDED UP SOME INCREDIBLE, FREE AND EXCLUSIVE CONTENT FOR ALL 3D MAKE & PRINT READERS, INCLUDING… • 100 Pro designs from MyMiniFactory, ready to be customised and printed • Blender, the open source software for 3D modelling that anyone can use • Every file you’ll need to follow the tutorials in this book, including the giant sword, laser blaster, wearable sci-fi mask and much more Go to: www.filesilo.co.uk/bks-B07 FILESILO – THE HOME OF PRO RESOURCES Discover your free online assets A rapidly growing library Updated continually with cool resources Lets you keep your downloads organised Browse and access your content from anywhere No more torn disc pages to ruin your magazines No more broken discs Print subscribers get all the content Digital magazine owners…

YOUR FREE RESOURCES

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