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How to make things for 3d printer
New 3D printer? Here's how to create your own printables
Recently I got the chance to spend some time with a Micro 3D Printer, my first foray into the world of turning a spool of plastic filament into, well, just about anything.
I had lots of fun downloading existing designs from sites like Pinshape and Thingiverse, but eventually I wanted to create objects of my own. Unfortunately, I don't have a degree in CAD or access to any kind of 3D-design software.
Good news: Turns out you don't need either one. Autodesk's Tinkercad is a free Web-based design tool that enables you to create 3D objects, then download those creations in a printer-friendly format. Here's how to get started.
Step 1: Head to Tinkercad and sign up for a free account using Facebook, Twitter or your e-mail address.
Step 2: The service will immediately walk you through a lesson to help you learn basic navigation, followed by another lesson that teaches camera controls, and so on. It's a good idea to go through all of these, just to familiarize yourself with the environment.
Step 3: When you're ready to create your own object, return to the Tinkercad dashboard, then click Create New Design. The tool will immediately send you to the design page, complete with a randomly assigned (and often amusing, like Tremendous Snaget-Fulffy) name for your project. You can change the name by clicking Design > Properties, though this can happen at any point along the way.
Step 4: Now it's time to start assembling your object. The toolbar on the right side is home to a wide assortment of prefab shapes you can drag to the workplane and modify as needed. (You can also import existing SVG (2D) or STL (3D) shapes if you have any.) For purposes of our tutorial, click Geometric, then drag the Hexagonal Prism to your workplane.
Step 5: Notice that the shape has five white "handles": one at each corner and one in the center at the top. When you mouse over any of them, you'll see corresponding measurements appear. Click and drag any of the corners to resize the prism in that direction; click and drag and center one to adjust the height. (The thing that looks like a black teardrop above the center handle is used to raise and lower the object relative to the workplane.)
Enlarge Image Screenshot by Rick Broida/CNETStep 6: As you add and modify more objects, remember the size of your 3D printer's print bed and build accordingly. When you're done, click Design > Download for 3D Printing and you'll immediately get an STL file you can load into your printer.
(As you'll see, Tinkercad also has options for Minecraft versions, ordering 3D prints and uploading to Thingiverse.)
And that's all there is to it. This is a great place to start creating 3D objects to print.
Before you get back to it, here are some quick tips for the Tinkercad beginner:
- Use your mouse wheel to quickly zoom in and out.
- Click and hold the right mouse button, then move your mouse to change the viewing angle.
- After selecting an option, you'll see an Inspector window. Click the Hole option to make that shape "pass through" any solid shape. That's how you would, for example, create a cylindrical hole down the center of your prism.
- To make finer adjustments to object placement, click the Snap grid pull-down and choose a number smaller than the 1.0 default.
Have you found another good tool for creating 3D printer-ready designs? Name it in the comments!
What software to use for 3D printing: The complete guide
David Roberson13 May 2021
Guide
Before starting to 3D print, you will need to make sure you have gathered all the necessary software “ingredients” that will guide you through the printing process, from preparing your 3D model to managing printers themselves.
These include:
CAD software to create a 3D model (you can also use an existing 3D model, if you do not wish or need to design one)
Slicing software
Software to operate your printer remotely (this is optional, but can be convenient)
This article will go through each of these ingredients, and will also touch on how the Ultimaker platform creates a seamless end-to-end flow between hardware, software, and materials, empowering you to unlock the magic of 3D printing and make innovation happen.
What is a “slicer”?
A 3D printing slicer – also known as slicing or print preparation software – is a program that converts a 3D model into a language your 3D printer understands.
Slicing software, such as Ultimaker Cura, digitally cuts a model into flat layers, which your printer can then print one by one. With the Ultimaker platform, however, slicing software is not always needed, thanks to integrations that allow you to print directly from CAD or the Ultimaker Digital Library.
Preparing a 3D print using Ultimaker Cura software
What is the best CAD software to design 3D prints?CAD, or computer-aided design, software enables you to design a 3D model from the ground, up. There are many types of CAD software, each with its own benefits. AutoCAD, created by Autodesk, is perhaps the best-known among them since it was one of the first CAD software programs available for personal computers when released in 1982. Other CAD platforms include:
Fusion360 – great for designing and creating efficient mechanical parts
3ds Max – used in all types of 3D model creation, including video game design, architecture, and 3D printing
TinkerCAD – A free, browser-based CAD tool that allows users to build 3D models out of various shapes. Popular with CAD novices and for STEAM education
Blender – free, open-source 3D model creation software
Siemens NX – for designing and creating advanced 3D models
Solidworks – for designing and creating professional parts for industrial use
Catia – Advanced design software used for creating surfaces and engineering systems
Before you begin 3D printing, be sure to do your research and pick the CAD software that’s right for your use case.
This way, you’ll get the most out of the model you choose to design and print.
Also check which file types your slicing software is compatible with, so you can make your 3D designs into 3D prints.
A design in CAD software (left screen), slicing software (right), and the finished print
How to design parts for 3D printing?
When designing for 3D printing, there are best practices to help you get the best results from your 3D printer and the parts it creates. Design parts optimized for 3D printing will improve print success rates, reduce costs through lower wastage, and boost the speed of your product development cycle.
Consider build volume. Your 3D prints can only be as large as your printer’s build volume. Be sure to know its dimensions, then create a part that can either be printed within those dimensions in one go, or plan to use modularity (printing then combining separate parts).
Decide orientation early. Because FFF prints layer by layer, determining the print orientation early in the process helps drive design choices, text alignment, and snap features.
Evaluate overhang support requirements. FFF printed parts are self-supporting up to 45 degrees. Overhangs below 45 degrees must be supported from below with support material.
Follow bridging support guidelines. For most basic filaments, FFF printing does not need support when bridging materials within a 10 mm gap.
Pay attention to nozzle size. When designing small features, you should consider height, wall thickness, and nozzle size. Larger nozzles will print faster than smaller nozzles, but at a cost of increased minimum thickness and height for your models.
Design with hole diameters in mind. Generally, 3D printed hole features should not be smaller than 2 mm. If accurate holes are required, it is recommended to design the holes smaller than intended and post-process with a drilling operation.
Avoid sharp corners. Sharp corners can be modelled in CAD, but the print may warp. Increasing the area of the surface in contact with the bed will decrease the likelihood of the warpage.
For a deep dive into these factors and more, check out our blog on design for 3D printing.
What software do I need to start a 3D print?
This depends on how much of the 3D printing workflow you need to perform.
As long as you already have access to a 3D model, you will typically need software that can slice that model, so your printer can get to work. Once you have started to print, you can also use software to manager your 3D printer (or printers) remotely.
But as we saw earlier, the slicing step can be avoided if you have a 3D printer integration installed in your CAD tool. If you already have access to a 3D printable file (such as a G-code on a USB stick) you can also go ahead and print without the need for any slicing software, as your digital file is already ready to print.
Controlling 3D printers remotely with Ultimaker Digital Factory software
Managing 3D printers remotely
Ultimaker S-line printers, the Ultimaker 2+ Connect, and the Ultimaker 3 can make use of a network connection to access cloud-based services on Ultimaker Digital Factory.
By linking a printer to your Ultimaker account, your printer can then be controlled remotely, from outside of its local area network.
Want to learn more about 3D printing software?
Download our free white paper, “Important 3D printing software features,” which will help you determine the best 3D printing software for your business needs, as well as examine settings, print profiles, and other features that can help you get the most out of your printing experience.
Get the white paper
50 Cool Things to 3D Print / Sudo Null IT News
No ideas for 3D printing? Tired of worthless trinkets? Here is a list of 50 cool really useful things for 3D printing.
Like us, you're excited about the possibilities of 3D printing. But, unfortunately, the horizon is littered with trinkets, trinkets and other unnecessary things. We are in danger of being buried under a heap of useless rubbish.
Throw off the shackles of mediocrity! Let's create really useful things! Here is a list of cool things that you can make on a 3D printer right now.
Prove to your family and loved ones that this wonderful technology can be used daily and in practice.
No access to 3D printer? No problem. Just upload your files to our 3D printing price comparison system and choose the best price, ONLINE!
You can change the pattern of the inner pallet if you wish. 
Print it out and give it to your grandmother. She will appreciate this gesture. 
" Do you have such a business card? Find her a pair in the form of this business card holder, printed in its entirety (yes, already with a hinged lid). Instructions for adding a custom logo are included. 
It is especially suitable for kitchen plants. The next time you buy fresh herbs for cooking, transplant them into this neat device and they'll stay fresh all week long. 
It’s great if you have water limits set in the height of summer. 
28: Protection for disk Download from Myminifactory
Cool thing for 3D printing No. 29: Form for Snegles
Download from ThingiVerse
Cool 3D Printable Item #30: Wine Bottle Protector
Download from MyMiniFactory170004
Cool thing for 3D printing No. 31: Pocket ashtray
download from Myminifactory
Cool Press No. 32: Rodist Roll for a glass 9000 9000 9000 9000 download from MYMINIFACTORY
3D Printable Cool Item #33: Apple Remote Stand
Download from MyMiniFactory
3D Printable Cool Item #34: Key Holder
Download with Myminifactory
Cool thing for 3D printing No. 35: Holder of the cutlery for people with disabilities
Download from Myminifactory
Current Passing No. 36: Cover wine bottle
Download from MyMiniFactory
Cool thing for 3D printing #37: Paper cup holder
download from Myminifactory
Cool thing for 3D printing No.
38: Case for blades
download from Myminifactory
Cool thing for 3D printing No. 39: Holder for a children from MyMiniFactory
3D Printable Cool Item #40: Towel Rack
Download from MyMiniFactory
3D Printable Cool Item #41: Holder for a glass
Download with Myminifactory
Cool thing for 3D Press No. 42: Holder for a phone in the shower
download from Myminifactory
Twisting thing for 3D printing No. 43: Holder No. 43: Holder No. 43: for beer glasses
Download from MyMiniFactory
Cool thing for 3D printing #44: MacBook Pro stand
download from Myminifactory
Cool thing for 3D printing No. 45: Protection for SD-Cart
download from Myminifactory
Cool thing No. 46: BATERIOUS 9000
Download from MyMiniFactory
3D Printable Cool Item #47: Ice Cream Cone Holder
Download from MyMiniFactory
Printable Cool Item #40016 shower set
download from Myminifactory
Cool Spring No.
49: Evacal separator
download from Myminifactory
Cool Press No. 50 for 3D:
Download from MyMiniFactory
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50 3D Printing Ideas
It looks like we're about to start drowning in useless stuff made for 3D printing projects. But you can do something that will really be useful! If you're running out of ideas, here's a list of 50 3D printable items you're unlikely to throw away.
Bag clip with screw cap
Now the bag clip will have a new feature - a hole with a lid for quick access, as in the photo. This clip is easy to print and convenient to use. Strange that no one thought of this before.
Author: Minkix
Where to download: Thingiverse
Modular furniture connector
This connector allows you to quickly assemble modular furniture.
The default model is designed for 17×17 mm wood, but the size and material can be changed to suit your needs using a parametric file for customization.
Author: LeFabShop
Where to download: Cults
Sealant cap
No more throwing open sealant tubes away. The screw cap for the nozzle presses the o-ring tightly against the body of the tube and closes the access of air to the solvents inside.
Author: The-Mechanic
Where to download: Thingiverse
Laptop niche
Now the laptop will always be at hand, but hidden from prying eyes in a special niche that is attached to the bottom of any coffee table.
Author: Too Snide
Download: Thingiverse
Phone holder - Candice
Elegant and simple, perhaps the easiest thing you can print on a 3D printer.
Author: Clem.C2
Where to download: Cults
Polypanels
The idea for Polypanels came from Devin Montes.
A polypanel is a series of three-dimensional building blocks. The individual elements of a Polypanel look simple, but if you print a lot of them and different types, you can create all sorts of complex designs. Something like LEGO where you can design each brick.
Author: MakeAnything
Where to download: MyMiniFactory
Clothes hook
This clothes hook is designed as an E3D attachment and can be printed enough times to fit all your clothes.
Author: Filar3D
Where to download: Cults
Plant Pot
This anatomical brain flower pot is easier to print than it looks, creator DrFemPop says. For assembly, it is only necessary to glue the parts after printing. It turns out an original house for plants.
Author: DrFemPop
Where to download: Cults
Door Holder
This is a simple solution for holding a door. Double-sided adhesive tape is sufficient for surface mounting.
Author: Akiraraiser
Download: Thingiverse
Piggy bank
A simple piggy bank for beginners, no complicated settings.
Author: lecaramel
Where to download: Thingiverse
Cable ties
This tie is perhaps the simplest and most ingenious of all devices. Clips are printed as a whole sheet at once, and then the required amount can be cut off from it.
Author: Sunshine
Where to download: Cults
Roller ruler
An indispensable device if you need to measure the length of something non-linear: a piece of rope, a curved line, a perimeter with bends, etc. The ruler is called Geneva and has step 5 mm.
Author: MechEngineerMike
Where to download: Thingiverse
Tongs
This small solid piece of plastic can replace your pliers/pliers. These forceps take the force to the handles and redistribute it at the end of the grip. It's definitely pliers. Just smarter.
Author: BYU CMR
Where to download: Thingiverse
Cylindrical textured box
Beautiful tube from Syboulette decorated with hexagons.
Well suited as a kitchen utensil for storing oatmeal, rice and other crumbly substances.
Author: Syboulette
Where to download: Cults
Door Stop
This stop is modeled after the Guyer Anderson cat statue in the British Museum. The design is hollow, which allows you to fill the limiter with something for additional weight.
Author: Duaneindeed
Download: Cults
Plague Doctor Mask
Not exactly the most useful item on the list since bubonic plague is a thing of the past. But a mask can come in handy, for example, when you need to clean up after your pet. And you can also go to the carnival in it.
Author: Odrivious
Download: Cults
Universal Spool Holder
This adjustable spool holder uses a spring and an adjustable rewind clutch. It's the perfect place to store those pesky wires.
Who made it: Vincent Goenhuis
Where to download: Thingiverse
Sturdy waterproof box
This tight-fitting box will keep things from getting wet.
Print it in PLA or PETG, add a flexible TPU seal and M3 screws for the spring hinge, and you're done.
Author: ZX82
Where to download: Cults
Dice
This dice is suitable for flat 3D printing and has a face size of 16mm.
Author: Devin Montes (MakeAnything)
Where to download: MyMiniFactory
Collapsible Coat Rack
Really cool coat rack. That's all there is to say about her.
Author: Komaru
Where to download: Thingiverse
Business Card Holder
Perfect for showing off your new business cards to your Wall Street friends. What could be more delightful than this Zippo card holder with flip-top lid.
Author: PentlandDesigns
Where to download: Cults
Pencil and pen holder
Iceberg or melting beehive? Be that as it may, this is a handy pen and pencil holder that is cheaper to print than to buy.
Author: BeeVeryCreative
Where to download: Cults
Groovi Monster Audio Amplifier
This is a passive smartphone audio amplifier that looks stylish and does the job well.
It's called Groovi Monster for a reason.
Author: 3DShook
Where to download: Cults
Cup holder
Can be used not only as a cup holder, but also as a coaster for hot dishes. The dimensions of the template are easily adjusted to suit any size cookware.
Author: jmdbcool
Where to download: Thingiverse
Clamp
Designed to hold different materials, including the ends of the wire in the coil. Also great as a clothespin replacement.
Author: Med
Where to download: Cults
Pencil Box
Suitable for storing all your desk trivia and trinkets (memory cards, rubber bands, pencils, paper clips, etc.).
Author: Monkey3D
Where to download: Cults
Headphone holder
This is a duck. Yes, you can hang headphones on it.
Author: Toshi_TNE
Download: Thingiverse
Polyhedral Succulent Pot
Unusual geometric pots for your growing succulent collection.
These small pots can be configured to be connected together.
Author: PrintFutura
Where to download: Cults
Survival whistle
This is a survival whistle with original design. It is durable, easy to make and very loud (118 dB is more than enough to be heard in an emergency).
Author: Joe Zisa
Where to download: Thingiverse
Measuring cube
A simple and original measuring cube for the kitchen. On each side there are recesses for measuring the volume of ingredients (in cups - according to the American system, and in metric units for everyone else). It is best to print with PETG material, it is the safest for products.
Author: iomaa
Download: Thingiverse
Hinge
This is a parametric hinge that can be sized to fit your needs.
Written by Rohin Gosling
Download: Thingiverse
Car Eyeglass Holder
Attaches to your car's sun visor.
Glasses will always be at hand.
Author: Trevor Long
Download: Thingiverse
Opener
The simplest things are usually the most useful. Convenient and easy to print opener. Covers the sharp edges of the cork as much as possible, protecting you from injury.
Author: Jeremy Peterson
Download: Thingiverse
Superhero Keychains
Sometimes you need to remind yourself of your hidden superpowers. Stylish and cool keyrings are well suited as a small gift.
Author: Formbyte
Where to download: Cults
Headphone stand
Will be useful for music lovers and gamers who use headphones a lot and often. After all, now they will no longer roll around anywhere.
Author: MakerBot
Download: Thingiverse
Bag Clip
The model consists of two printed parts. Allows you to keep packages closed and keep food fresh longer.
Author: Walter Hsiao
Download: Thingiverse
Plastic wrench
Handy wrench, but don't choose soft plastic to make it.
Author: Daniel Noree
Where to download: Cults
Sliding Decal
No more worrying about whether cups are clean or dirty right now in the dishwasher! With the help of a special mechanism, the slider easily changes the inscription on the plate.
Who made it: MiddleFingerBoss
Download: Thingiverse
Collapsible basket
Cool picnic item. A folding square basket with five sections is printed from several parts and then glued together. For product safety, it is recommended to use PETG plastic.
Author: PatternToPrint
Where to download: Cults
Self-watering plant pot
Houseplants are dying from your forgetfulness? This will not happen again! This pot will water them by itself, and your conscience will be clear.
Author: Parallel Goods
Where to download: Cults
Maze Gift Box
Cash is not the most original gift. But if you present them in such a gift box, your friend will surely like it.
The lucky recipient will have to work hard to get to the prize, because there is only one right way.
Author: Robert
Download: Thingiverse
Wired headphone holder
The headphones will now be protected from tangles and breakage.
Author: Robert
Where to download: Thingiverse
Tube Squeezer
Helps squeeze out the contents of the tube to the last drop. Wide enough to fit most tubes on the market. Printed in three separate parts.
Author: Justin Otten
Where to download: Thingiverse
Webcam Shutter
The best thing for the paranoid and just for those who are uncomfortable being under the gun of a webcam. Instead of sticking tape or sticky tape over the lens, attach a slider shutter to the body and open it when you need a video call.
Author: Horizon Lab
Where to download: Cults
Hexagonal Prefabricated Drawers
Useful to free the table from the noodles of cables, wires and just every little thing.
The design can be easily expanded if necessary.
Author: Dan O'Connell
Where to download: Cults
Wall Mounted Phone Shelf
Attach the shelf to a power outlet and place your phone on it while charging. The model also has a corner slot that holds your smartphone or tablet upright for watching videos.
Author: Tosh Sayama
Where to download: Cults
Card Shuffle Machine
Awesome item for poker lovers. This device will help to shuffle the cards and deal them during the game.
Author: LarsRb
Where to download: MyMiniFactory
Box with a secret lock
Box for storing things in a place inaccessible to prying eyes with a secret multi-stage opening mechanism.
Author: 3DPrintingWorld
Where to download: Thingiverse
Digital Sundial
Yes, your eyes don't deceive you. This is a digital sundial and it really works. They are designed to pass only the right beams at the right time and at the right angle to display the actual time in 20-minute intervals.
