Post by Adam on Apr 11, 2020 13:00:29 GMT
Theme: Where to Find Models, How To Make Models, Beginner Tips
In last weeks lesson, I introduced some basics such as what 3D printing is really about, types of filament and a primer on some of the more common 3D Printer brands. Make sure you go through that and do a bit of research before diving into Lesson 2. This week I will cover two things, where to find or make models and some lessons learned with a goal to help you advance thorough the learning curve. The last bit will be a video lesson using a video not of my own, but one I found early that helped me tremendously.
I would still recommend holding off on buying a printer until at least lesson 3. You will have a fuller appreciation for what you are getting into by then.
Let me start this lesson by saying what I have said before, you will start with more failures than successes, especially when you start trying to print more interesting things. Basic geometric shapes are easy to print. Once you stray from that you will need apply some more advanced techniques. Luckily, they are not hard to learn.
Note: There are MANY choices in the 3D printing world from all angles. I try to pick the tools and sites that I think will be easiest to start with. The other choice I provide are also good, but you can do just fine using the first choice as a starting point.
Where can I find 3D printable models?
As you can imagine, there are many sources of model files. All sites are comprised of a search engine and downloadable files. The files are uploaded by members who, supposedly, design those items themselves (some people are posting other peoples work). And yes, some sites do have BuddaBing options (some rather extreme), so be sure to filter out that content if you are not interested.
Before I list out some of my favorite sites, let me offer a few tips on searching on these sites for our hobby.
OK, here are three sites to start exploring. They allow people to freely search and explore, but some of them require an account to download. Luckily, most (I think all) allow you to login with your Google account so you don't need to create another account.
1. www.thingiverse.com/ - This is a great place to start. All models are free and there is a great variety of choices. Makerbot, one of the 3D Printer manufacturer offers this free site for the community.
2. cults3d.com/ - Good site with a lot of options, both free ant ad cost. The only drawback is they have annoying adds one the page that gets a little in the way. The content makes up for that though.
3. www.cgtrader.com/ - This is the premium option of 3D Model sites. While there are plenty of free options, what makes this site special is the professional level designs that can be bought. I'd recommend only buying models to print once you have some experience, but do feel free to dig around. Note that this site often shows photos of the thing/person that the 3D model was based on instead of a photo of the model itself. Don't get confused by this.
How can I design my own printable models?
(Before I dive into this, I will say that I am a novice designer. I can design basic geometrical models, but beyond that I am completely skill-less. I primarily download other people's designs to print. Most 3D printing hobbyists are the same.)
The short answer to the question is CAD or Computer Aided Design. The long answer is that it depends on your knowledge and experience. If you are a CAD professional, you don't need this tutorial. If you are new to it, then read on. There are three options.
1. Web-based Designing Tools: If you are absolutely new to CAD, then this is a good place to start for the beginner. These are tools that you access within a web browser such as Firefox or Google Chrome. This is easy as you don't need to install any application on your computer.
www.tinkercad.com/ -I recommend you start with this one. It is free to use, user friendly and just a nice basic tool to get you started. You can log in with your Google account, so no need to create a new account.
app.sketchup.com/ - Free online version. Similar to Tinkercad.
www.vectary.com/ - I haven't messed with this one too much, but it is interesting.
2. Free Downloadable Tools – Many options here, but free often means less user friendly and lacking in features. There are some good free options for people willing to experiment. These two stand out.
www.freecadweb.org/
www.openscad.org/
3. Premium (not free) Tools: I am not a CAD expert and haven't played with most of these, but these are the more well known tools. Most have a free 30 day trial so you can figure out which one works best for you
. If you are looking at these, then you know what you are doing from a CAD perspective. My guess is most OGF members won't look at these.
www.sketchup.com/ - they have premium downloadable software options.
www.autodesk.com/products/autocad (this is the most expensive and professional level option)
In terms of doing the design, well, you just need to experiment. CAD is about geometry, math and experimenting. Just start experimenting, take your time and be patient. Send me a note if you have specific questions.
Tips and Tricks
For this lesson, simply watch this video. This is a video I found a couple of years ago and it helped me a lot. Much of these tips (especially tip 6) may not connect with you if you are brand new to 3D printing. Have no fear, just book mark this video for future reference. Believe me, it will come in handy.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sqh3FM12KVg
Next lesson I will break down the printing process from file downloading to slicing to printing. In other words, I will show you how the sausage is made. I plan to include photos and maybe some video.
In last weeks lesson, I introduced some basics such as what 3D printing is really about, types of filament and a primer on some of the more common 3D Printer brands. Make sure you go through that and do a bit of research before diving into Lesson 2. This week I will cover two things, where to find or make models and some lessons learned with a goal to help you advance thorough the learning curve. The last bit will be a video lesson using a video not of my own, but one I found early that helped me tremendously.
I would still recommend holding off on buying a printer until at least lesson 3. You will have a fuller appreciation for what you are getting into by then.
Let me start this lesson by saying what I have said before, you will start with more failures than successes, especially when you start trying to print more interesting things. Basic geometric shapes are easy to print. Once you stray from that you will need apply some more advanced techniques. Luckily, they are not hard to learn.
Note: There are MANY choices in the 3D printing world from all angles. I try to pick the tools and sites that I think will be easiest to start with. The other choice I provide are also good, but you can do just fine using the first choice as a starting point.
Where can I find 3D printable models?
As you can imagine, there are many sources of model files. All sites are comprised of a search engine and downloadable files. The files are uploaded by members who, supposedly, design those items themselves (some people are posting other peoples work). And yes, some sites do have BuddaBing options (some rather extreme), so be sure to filter out that content if you are not interested.
Before I list out some of my favorite sites, let me offer a few tips on searching on these sites for our hobby.
- You can of course search for things like “model trains”, “o gauge”, “locomotive”, "boxcar”, etc. You will also find great stuff by thinking outside of the box when you search. For example, “building” will result in many options. As will “house” and “cabin”. We have a creative group on OGF so I know you all get what I am saying.
- Don't worry so much about scale. Most models can be scaled up or down pretty easily in the slicing software. I've scaled up HO and sometimes Z to O on some items with good results.
- Sites will have search filters to do things like show only FREE items and SAFE (non BuddaBing) options.
OK, here are three sites to start exploring. They allow people to freely search and explore, but some of them require an account to download. Luckily, most (I think all) allow you to login with your Google account so you don't need to create another account.
1. www.thingiverse.com/ - This is a great place to start. All models are free and there is a great variety of choices. Makerbot, one of the 3D Printer manufacturer offers this free site for the community.
2. cults3d.com/ - Good site with a lot of options, both free ant ad cost. The only drawback is they have annoying adds one the page that gets a little in the way. The content makes up for that though.
3. www.cgtrader.com/ - This is the premium option of 3D Model sites. While there are plenty of free options, what makes this site special is the professional level designs that can be bought. I'd recommend only buying models to print once you have some experience, but do feel free to dig around. Note that this site often shows photos of the thing/person that the 3D model was based on instead of a photo of the model itself. Don't get confused by this.
How can I design my own printable models?
(Before I dive into this, I will say that I am a novice designer. I can design basic geometrical models, but beyond that I am completely skill-less. I primarily download other people's designs to print. Most 3D printing hobbyists are the same.)
The short answer to the question is CAD or Computer Aided Design. The long answer is that it depends on your knowledge and experience. If you are a CAD professional, you don't need this tutorial. If you are new to it, then read on. There are three options.
1. Web-based Designing Tools: If you are absolutely new to CAD, then this is a good place to start for the beginner. These are tools that you access within a web browser such as Firefox or Google Chrome. This is easy as you don't need to install any application on your computer.
www.tinkercad.com/ -I recommend you start with this one. It is free to use, user friendly and just a nice basic tool to get you started. You can log in with your Google account, so no need to create a new account.
app.sketchup.com/ - Free online version. Similar to Tinkercad.
www.vectary.com/ - I haven't messed with this one too much, but it is interesting.
2. Free Downloadable Tools – Many options here, but free often means less user friendly and lacking in features. There are some good free options for people willing to experiment. These two stand out.
www.freecadweb.org/
www.openscad.org/
3. Premium (not free) Tools: I am not a CAD expert and haven't played with most of these, but these are the more well known tools. Most have a free 30 day trial so you can figure out which one works best for you
. If you are looking at these, then you know what you are doing from a CAD perspective. My guess is most OGF members won't look at these.
www.sketchup.com/ - they have premium downloadable software options.
www.autodesk.com/products/autocad (this is the most expensive and professional level option)
In terms of doing the design, well, you just need to experiment. CAD is about geometry, math and experimenting. Just start experimenting, take your time and be patient. Send me a note if you have specific questions.
Tips and Tricks
For this lesson, simply watch this video. This is a video I found a couple of years ago and it helped me a lot. Much of these tips (especially tip 6) may not connect with you if you are brand new to 3D printing. Have no fear, just book mark this video for future reference. Believe me, it will come in handy.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sqh3FM12KVg
Next lesson I will break down the printing process from file downloading to slicing to printing. In other words, I will show you how the sausage is made. I plan to include photos and maybe some video.
