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To: amorphous

Thanks to all the responders about the wagon wheel shape. So, sacrificial material is laid down first, that’s clever. You mention that a “slicing app” will add the support for me. I take this to mean the 3D design software where the print design is created? That actually brings me to my next question. You have to have some pretty solid 3d design skills to make that adapter, to get those threads modeled correctly, etc. What 3d modeling program should I start with if I wanted to make a printable model? Freeware is always nice to learn on.


48 posted on 08/08/2019 8:35:37 PM PDT by agatheringstorm
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To: agatheringstorm
I take this to mean the 3D design software where the print design is created?

Actually it's the 'slicer software' which will add support structure if you tell it to. I usually design my own supports into the object I'm creating because the 'slicer software' tends to overdo it.

Btw, many thousands of items have already been created by others. Do a search on a site called https://www.thingiverse.com/ and download the .stl file of your choice. The slicing software usually comes with your printer and open source versions are available. The 'slicing' software creates a .gcode file which the printer uses to print the item.

There are several free 3d design software packages you can use; 123D Design, Fusion 360, SketchUp, and etc. Check out https://www.tinkercad.com/ for a simple, easy to use online 3d cad designer which has tutorials to get you quickly creating 3d designs. The Tinkercad site also has many 3d files for download, created by others. The other applications all have tutorial videos available on Youtube.

49 posted on 08/08/2019 9:10:53 PM PDT by amorphous
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To: agatheringstorm
The 'slicing software' I use is Simplify 3D. A few days ago, I needed an adapter for my shop vac. Ordered one which I thought would fit from Amazon for about $6. Waited for it to arrive, only to discover it didn't fit. I sketched one out and printed it out in nylon. Below is a screenshot of it sitting in Simplify 3D. Note the material cost and build time at the upper left. It fit perfectly! :)


50 posted on 08/08/2019 9:53:37 PM PDT by amorphous
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