4 – 3D Printing Process and Modelling – 3D Print Learning Platform

3D Print Course 4 – 3D Printing Process and Modelling

3D-Printing Process

The first part of Lesson #4 covers the basic 3D printing process; starting from the conception of an idea or product design to the development of the 3D model and program / plan for 3D printing of the product. The lesson also covers discussion on the 3D modelling (drawing of the product), and the techniques call “Slicing” of the model. This is then followed by an introduction the next stages in the development of the 3D printing process; including preparation of the 3D printer, monitoring the print, finishing the print and then the “post-processing” stage (for further details, please watch the first video of the lesson).

The second part of the lesson covers the Software used the 3D Modelling of the product to be manufactured by 3D printing using Computer Aided Design (CAD) approach. The main software used for creating the CAD (Computer Aided Design) model of the product is introduced; and the important guidance and techniques for 3D modelling are covered in details (for further information, please watch the second video of the lesson). The tutorial examples provided to help facilitate learning and mastering the CAD 3D modelling process can be found in the next lesson (please see Lesson #5, CAD 3D Modelling for 3D Printing).

Slicing is the next step of 3D printing process after modelling. Slicing converts, the 3D model of an product/object into several individual layers (as 2D model); and is then used as the input to the CAD software for generating the “G-code”; which is used for printing the layers upon layers required to fabricate the 3D object/product. For further information on the main slicing software; and the setting for slicing; and the introduction to the G-code used for 3D printing, please see the third video of this lesson.