Last week I introduced slicing and CAD software, two key ingredients in a custom 3D Print. This week I’m going to cover the actual use of your machine, how to view and find 3D models, and venture into the still-budding world of DIY 3D scanning. Just like last time, all services listed are free (at least to a certain extent).
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Let’s be honest, 3D CAD (computer aided design) is challenging to learn. Training your brain to manipulate and visualize parts in three dimensions is a learned skill. So where do you start? Thankfully, there’s a multitude of free tools available for everyone to try their hand at 3D design. And many of them don’t even require a download anymore. A simple web app will get you pretty far.
I’ve compiled the best resources I know of for dealing with 3D parts and I will list them here in two parts. This week I’m going to focus on 3D part creation and slicing, the two first steps in printing out a part on a 3D printer. Everything listed is free to use (at least to a certain extent)
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An Instrument for the Sonification of Everday Things is an electronic device that consists of a retractable spindle that will accept most any readily available item. Then a scanning laser reads the distance of the object as it rotates and translates that data into musical notes.
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Ask MAKE is a monthly column where we answer your questions. Send your vexing conundrums on any aspect of making to askmake@makezine.com. If we don’t have the answer, we’ll scare up somebody who does.
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EagleUp is the work of Swiss design engineer Jerome Lamy. It runs inside SketchUp and requires co-installation of ImageMagick. The script will automatically generate a 3D model of a printed circuit board from an image exported by Cadsoft Eagle, then populate it with preexisting component models.
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Using contact mics that detect hand gestures through the aid of software, the Mogee is an electronic musical instrument that can be appended to virtually any rigid object.
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Of course the most prominent feature of VCarve Pro is it’s ability to make designs using a v-shaped cutting bit. You can easily generate g-code for sign and texture creation as well as engraving tool paths. The software automatically calculates the depth for the v-shaped bit to give sharp corners and intricate lines. Also, colors can be added to each toolpath to allow customers to preview the finished product.
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