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An Introduction to 3D Printing

Erika Heidi on June 19, 2019

Introduction 3D printing refers to a variety of processes in which a computer-operated machine creates three-dimensional objects by join...
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leojpod profile image
leojpod

Nice! I have meant to find a maker space or something like that to start experimenting. One thing I was wondering especially is if the common material is somewhat flexible if thin enough. Is there some good resources to know more about these things ?

Thanks for the article!

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joppedc profile image
JoppeDC

PLA is not really flexible no ;) i'll snap

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leojpod

Damn, what shall I use to get something slightly flexible? like for instance the legs of this keycap puller (sorry first example that came to mind)

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joppedc profile image
JoppeDC

Something thats slightly flexible might work, you'd have to test it. depends on a lot of factors like infill etc. If you want real flexibility you could print rubber, but that wouldn't work for a keycap puller ofcourse

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leojpod profile image
leojpod

Cheers, I'll try that out :)

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Erika Heidi

hey :) as @joppedc mentioned, PLA might break easily. I would try PETG, it has some flexibility depending on thickness and infill, but it's still strong enough to use for something like that.

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leojpod profile image
leojpod

Nice! thanks!

Is there some reference online that would give some flexibility/strongness measurement of these 3D printing materials based on the thickness/infill?

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Erika Heidi

I don't know about such a reference, but something like this might help get a better comparison between materials:

simplify3d.com/support/materials-g...

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leojpod profile image
leojpod

that's a pretty good start! Thanks a bunch!

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Fernando B 🚀

Nice article! Printing is so much fun, I bought a cheap Ender 3 to test the waters, I make the models on fusion 360 and slice with cura.

The start was a bit rough trying to figure out how to setup the printer, bed calibration, changing filament, etc.

I've printed toys for the kiddos, Nasa rocket ships, to fix broken parts around the house or my wood shop. It's an amazing feeling creating something. If I can do it, anyone can!

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TechMan09

I know Creality kind of has a reputation, but the Creality CR6SE is a good printer. I have had it a little over a year now, and it is defiantly worth the price (It's cheap, but does the job really well)! Ultimaker Cura is another good slicing software.

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driftuazartur

Nice article with simple explanations, should be great for newbies. I think that anisoprint carbon fiber 3d print technology should be perfect for most printing cases. It is a pretty damn tough material like metal (if not better).

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Itachi Uchiha

Thanks, Erika :) Good job :)

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Jess Lee

Wow! I just learned so much!

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Erika Heidi

Thank you Jess, that means a lot to me! <3

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Ayja Weems

This is awesome! My friend made me a 3D printed Iron Throne (scaled wayyy down), and I love it! I've been wondering about the process of 3D printing and how to get started.

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Duke

I know a fair share about 3d printing, but nothing about SCad. Can we make articles here if they're not coding related?

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andrzej276216

Thanks a lot, very practical information. Can you suggest me which filament for 3d printer should i use? Will such a filament be okey igus.pl/3d-print-material/3d-print... ?