How to paint on 3d printed objects

How to Prime and Paint 3D Printed Parts (With Video)

Primer

Primer is a special type of paint that adheres strongly to the part and provides a uniform surface for paint to bond with. Different primers have different uses. A spray-on primer is the best way to paint your printed parts because it quickly covers a surface with an even coating. Brush-on primers are available, but they are tricky to work with and better for fine touch ups. For best results, choose a primer and paint that are plastic compatible and from the same brand. We like Krylon and Montana (though both are thick formulas), but nothing really compares to Tamiya brand model paint - it goes on extremely thinly and evenly, preserving delicate surface details.

Rotary Tool

Because sometimes you want to sand fast. With interchangeable bits, rotary tools offer a variety of options for sanding and polishing parts. Drum sanding bits quickly sand down supports, while steel wire brushes smooth surface marks. Rotary tools are rough, so you will still need sandpaper for a smooth finish. There are plenty of great brands: Dremel and Craftsman are popular in the states, Proxxon in Europe. To avoid scorching your part, turn down the RPMs to the minimum (usually 500-1000) and use a light touch.

Hand Files

Not as clumsy or as random as a palm sander. A more elegant tool…for a more civilized age.

One of the most simple yet effective tools, a hand file removes supports and sands down surfaces. Using a firm grip, you can remove marks with more control than with a rotary tool. Keep a wire brush on hand and clean the file’s teeth often (otherwise plastic and resin will gum up teeth). Like a rotary tool, a hand file will leave a rough surface, so it’s best for removing the larger support marks.

Sand Paper

The most unglamourous tool in the shop, sandpaper has come light years in the last decade with the release of flexible sanding sheets. Available at home improvement stores, flexible sanding sheets last 15 times longer than paper ones. They don’t curl, puncture or crease.., and they hey can be used wet, which reduces dust and prevents buildup in the sanding tooth. Because they flex, they can easily reach small interior spaces and rounded surfaces.

Dust Removal

Even after wet sanding, some dust will remain. Remove buildup with water and a soft scrub brush (an old toothbrush works). For serious cleanup, an inexpensive sonicator can quickly remove fine particles caught in corners and cracks of a surface. If you work in an area with hard water, using deionized or distilled water will prevent spotting between painting.

Tack Cloth

Tack cloth is a soft, slightly sticky cotton cloth designed to remove remaining dust and leave a clean surface for painting. Let your model dry before using the tack cloth — the waxy surface does not work well with water.

Painting Block, Dowels & Drill

This simple trick will save you grief in the spray booth (we were excited when we saw this technique in a modelmaking how-to video by Adam Savage). By mounting your 3D print on a dowel (often you can use a preexisting hole in the part), you can quickly maneuver while spraying, allowing you to get to all sides and into the nooks and crannies of the part without creating any fingerprints. When you want to add an even coat to all sides of your model, this is pretty essential. We recommend ordering a variety of size of dowels. To minimize the hole size on a part, start with a small size and work your way up until the model feels firmly seated. Drill a corresponding hole in a block of wood or MDF and insert the part with the dowel - now you can keep the model hands free while spraying.

Safety Equipment

Spraypainting means working with airborne particulates and solvents, both of which pose health hazards. Remember to use a NIOSH approved respirator and work in a well ventilated workspace. While painting, wear nitrile gloves to avoid spraying paint on your hands and and also protect your model from fingerprints.

Ultimate Guide to Painting 3D Prints

Download the full Guide

as a PDF!

The simple post-processing techniques presented in this guide are an excellent way for professionals to create low-cost silicone molds, threaded inserts for enclosures, vacuum formed parts, and more.

If you’re an engineer or product designer creating concept models, a prop or set designer, artist, or an educator looking to add incorporate a bit more creativity into your classroom 3D printing activities, painting your models can be a great solution.

In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to create a nearly automotive quality paint job on any of your 3D printed objects.

Working time will vary depending on your model. Including drying time, the process shown took us about 6 hours from start to finish.

SUPPLIES

3D Print

Rubbing alcohol

Paper towels

Spray primer/filler

Spray paint

Hanging cord

80, 120, 240, 220, 1000 grit sandpaper

Needlenose pliers

Bondo

Sanding block & sandpaper

Gloves

Eye protection

Respiratory Mask

Need some of these products? We've curated an Amazon wish list for you.

STEP 1: PREPARE & PRINT MODEL

When preparing models for painting in MakerBot Print, keep in mind how your print settings will affect the quality of your paint job.

Consider: Print settings, print orientation, number of build plates

Surfaces printed in the Z axis will have the smoothest surface finish.

Printing models in 100 micron layer resolution will result in a slightly smoother surface finish, but will take significantly longer.

If possible, avoid placing support material in places you intend to paint as they will require more post processing to remove completely.

Supplies used: Needle-nose pliers or flush cutters

After you remove your print from the build plate of your printer, you will need to remove any raft or support material.

A. Remove prints from the build plate

B. Remove rafts

C. Remove large pieces of support

D. Approach smaller pieces and fine details

Supplies used: Sanding block, electric sander, 80,120, 240, 400, & 1000 grit sandpaper, Cyanoacrylate glue (super glue), Bondo

For the highest quality paint surface, an optional next step is to sand your model.

Make sure to wear eye protection, gloves, and a respiratory mask.

A. Dry sand the model using 80-240 grit sandpaper

B. Wet sand the model using 400 & 1000 grit sandpaper

C. Glue the parts of your model together

D. Apply filler to any gaps or blemish in your model and sand once dry

Find more detailed information here on gluing and sanding.

The 2021 Guide to 3D Printing Materials

Learn about polymers, composites, and metals all available for 3D Printing!

Supplies used: Hanging cord

Once your model is ready for painting - hang it in an open, dust free space with plenty of ventilation. This will allow you to paint all surfaces evenly without having to handle the model while paint is drying.

A. Tie hanging cord around the model

B. Hang the model in an open room with a tarp

STEP 5: PRIMER/FILLER

Whether you have chosen to sand your model and apply filler or you are simply painting a rough PLA model printed at high resolution, a few layers of primer/filler will fill any small surface imperfections before painting.

Primer filler is a high build spray filler that comes in aerosol form and can be purchased at most local hardware stores.

Before spraying remember to wear gloves, eye protection, and a respiratory mask.

BE SURE TO:

Shake well before use
Use wide strokes beginning and ending in space outside of the model
Hold the can 10-12 inches from the model
Paint in thin layers using a misting technique

AVOID:

Painting in thick layers
Holding the can in any spot for a long time
Holding the can too close to the model

Once you’ve sprayed 2-3 layers of primer/filler, allow your model to dry for 30-40 minutes.

STEP 7: SAND

A. Lightly sand your model with 1000 grit sandpaper (dry). This will smooth the surface of the model as the primer filler tends to create a rough surface texture similar to sandpaper.

B. Evaluate for quality.

C. If there are still surface imperfections you would like to smooth, continue to apply consecutive layers of primer/filler, and sand.

Once you are happy with the model surface, move on to painting.

STEP 8: PAINT

When choosing paint, you typically have a large degree of freedom as to which color and type of paint you use. Make sure to pick something that adheres well to plastic.

A. Choose a paint

B. Test for color in an inconspicuous location before painting the entire model

C. Let the paint sit overnight to cure

TIP:

Typically the paint will be dry to touch within an hour or so, and ready to polish within 24-48 hours.

If you’d like to protect the surface of your painted model, you can also apply a thin clear coat at this point.

In the end, you’re left with a beautiful painted model ready for approval presentation, enhanced for sets or galleries, optimized for better classroom learning, or simply improved for better innovation.

Here you can see just how far we have come.

Visit one of our other applications pages for tips on how to take your print even further.

We recommend that you visit our pages on:

Gluing
Sanding
Inserts

Last but not least, remember to share your work with us on Thingiverse and social media @MakerBot.

We can’t wait to see what you make!

Hair Dryer Shell
Ferro
10/2/2015
https://grabcad.com/library/hair-dryer-shell-1

Printing 3D Objects in Photoshop

User's Guide Cancel

Last update Dec 13, 2021 08:23:10 PM GMT

Photoshop
Introduction to Photoshop
1. Dream about it. Do it.
2. What's New in Photoshop
3. Editing the first photo
4. Create documents
5. Photoshop | FAQ
6. Photoshop
7. Transferring presets, operations and settings
8. Introduction to Photoshop
Photoshop and other Adobe products and services
1. Working with Illustrator artwork in Photoshop
2. Working with Photoshop files in InDesign
3. Substance 3D Materials for Photoshop
4. Photoshop and Adobe Stock
5. Working with the built-in Capture extension in Photoshop
6. Creative Cloud Libraries in Photoshop
7. Working in Photoshop using the Touch Bar
8. Net and guides
9. Create transactions
10. Cancellation and transaction history
Photoshop on iPad
1. Photoshop on iPad | General questions
2. Introduction to the working environment
3. System requirements | Photoshop on iPad
4. Create, open and export documents
5. Adding photos
6. Working with layers
7. Drawing and painting with brushes
8. Selecting areas and adding masks
9. Retouch compositions
10. Working with Adjustment Layers
11. Adjusting the key of a composition using the Curves layer
12. Applying transform operations
13. Trim and rotate compositions
14. Rotate, pan, zoom and restore canvas
15. Working with Photoshop and Lightroom
16. Getting missing fonts in Photoshop on iPad
17. Japanese text in Photoshop on iPad
18. Application parameter management
19. Touch shortcuts and gestures
20. Key combinations
21. Image resizing
22. Live stream your creative process in Photoshop on iPad
23. Fix imperfections with Healing Brush
24. Creating brushes in Capture and using them in Photoshop
25. Working with Camera Raw files
26. Creating and using smart objects
27. Adjusting the exposure of images with the Dodge and Burn tools
Photoshop Web Application Beta
1. Frequently Asked Questions | Photoshop Web App Beta
2. Working environment overview
3. System requirements | Photoshop 9 Web App Beta0010
4. Keyboard shortcuts | Photoshop Web Application Beta
5. Supported file formats | Photoshop Web Application Beta
6. Opening and working with cloud documents
7. Collaboration with stakeholders
8. Limited editing options for cloud documents
Cloud Documents
1. Photoshop Cloud Documents | Frequently Asked Questions
2. Photoshop Cloud Documents | Workflow Questions
3. Work with and manage cloud documents in Photoshop
4. Cloud storage update for Photoshop
5. Unable to create or save cloud document
6. Troubleshooting Photoshop cloud documents
7. Collection of cloud document synchronization logs
8. Sharing and editing cloud documents
9. File sharing and commenting in the application
Working environment
1. Working environment basics
2. Learn faster with the What's New panel in Photoshop
3. Create documents
4. Working in Photoshop using the Touch Bar
5. Tool gallery
6. Performance settings
7. Using tools
8. Touch gestures
9. Touch gestures and customizable workspaces
10. Technology overview versions
11. Metadata and comments
12. Default key combinations
13. Touch gestures and customizable workspaces
14. Putting Photoshop images into other applications
15. Installations
16. Default key combinations
17. Rulers
18. Show or hide non-printing auxiliaries
19. Specifying columns for the image
20. Cancellation and transaction history
21. Panels and menus
22. File storage
23. Positioning of elements with referencing
24. Positioning with the ruler tool
25. Setting sets
26. Customizing keyboard shortcuts
27. Net and guides
Web, screen and application content development
1. Photoshop for design
2. Artboards
3. View on device
4. Copy CSS from layers
5. Splitting web pages into fragments
6. HTML options for snippets
7. Changing the arrangement of fragments
8. Working with web graphics
9. Create web photo galleries
Understanding images and working with color
1. Resizing images
2. Working with raster and vector images
3. Image size and resolution
4. Importing images from cameras and scanners
5. Creating, opening and importing images
6. Image viewer
7. "Invalid JPEG marker" error | Opening images
8. Viewing multiple images
9. Customize color palettes and color swatches
10. HDR images
11. Image color matching
12. Converting between color modes
13. Color modes
14. Erase sub-images
15. Blend Modes
16. Choice of colors
17. Making changes to indexed color tables
18. Image information
19. Distortion filters not available
20. Color details
21. Color and monochrome corrections with channels
22. Selecting colors in the Color and Swatches panels
23. Sample
24. Color mode (or picture mode)
25. Shade
26. Add color mode change to operation
27. Add swatches from HTML CSS and SVG files
28. Bit depth and settings
Layers
1. Understanding Layers
2. Reversible editing
3. Create and manage layers and groups
4. Selecting, grouping and linking layers
5. Putting images into frames
6. Opacity and layering
7. Layer masks
8. Application of smart filters
9. Layer compositions
10. Move, arrange and lock layers
11. Layer masking with vector masks
12. Manage layers and groups
13. Effects and Layer Styles
14. Editing layer masks
15. Extract resources
16. Display layers with clipping masks
17. Generation of graphic resources from layers
18. Working with Smart Objects
19. Blend Modes
20. Combining several fragments into one image
21. Combining images with Auto Layer
22. Alignment and distribution of layers
23. Copy CSS from layers
24. Load selections based on layer boundaries or layer masks
25. See-through to show the contents of other layers
26. Layer
27. Mixing
28. Composite images
29. Background
Selections
1. Select and Mask workspace
2. Quick area selection
3. Getting Started with Selections
4. Selecting with the Marquee Toolbox
5. Selection with the Lasso tools
6. Selecting a color range in the image
7. Pixel highlight setting
8. Convert between contours and selection boundaries
9. Channel Basics
10. Moving, copying and deleting selected pixels
11. Creating a temporary quick mask
12. Save selections and alpha channel masks
13. Selecting focus areas in an image
14. Duplication, splitting and merging of channels
15. Channel calculation
16. Extraction
17. Bounding box
Image corrections
1. Perspective distortion
2. Blur reduction due to camera movement
3. Healing Brush Tool Examples
4. Export color lookup tables
5. Image sharpening and blurring
6. Introduction to color grading
7. Applying the Brightness/Contrast setting
8. Shadow and Highlight Detail Correction
9. "Levels" correction
10. Hue and saturation correction
11. Juiciness correction
12. Adjusting the color saturation in image areas
13. Quick tone correction
14. Applying special color effects to images
15. Image enhancement with color balance correction
16. HDR images
17. View histograms and pixel values
18. Image color matching
19. Crop and straighten photographs
20. Converting a color image to black and white
21. Adjustment and fill layers
22. Curves correction
23. Blend Modes
24. Target Imaging for Press
25. Color and tone correction with Levels and Curves eyedroppers
26. HDR Exposure and Toning Compensation
27. Filter
28. Blur
29. Lighten or darken image areas
30. Selective color correction
31. Changing object colors
Adobe Camera Raw
1. Camera Raw
2. What's New in Camera Raw
3. Introduction to Camera Raw
4. Creating panoramas
5. Supported lenses
6. Camera Raw 9 Vignetting, Grain, and Haze Removal0010
7. Default key combinations
8. Automatic perspective correction in Camera Raw
9. Reversible editing in Camera Raw
10. Camera Raw Radial Filter Tool
11. Manage Camera Raw Settings
12. Processing, saving and opening images in Camera Raw
13. Improving Images with Camera Raw's Improved Spot Remover
14. Rotating, cropping and modifying images
15. Function overview | Adobe Camera Raw | Issues for 2018
16. Overview of new features
17. Processing versions in Camera Raw
18. Making local adjustments in Camera Raw
Fixing and restoring images
1. Removing objects from photos using Content-Aware Fill
2. Content-aware patching and relocation
3. Retouching and fixing photos
4. Image Distortion and Noise Correction
5. Basic troubleshooting steps to solve most problems
Image transformation
1. Object transformation
2. Crop, rotate and canvas adjustment
3. Crop and straighten photographs
4. Creating and editing panoramic images
5. Deforming images, shapes and contours
6. Perspective
7. Using the Liquify filter
8. Content-aware scale
9. Transforming images, shapes and paths
10. Deformation
11. Transformation
12. Panorama
Drawing and painting
1. Drawing symmetrical ornaments
2. Options for drawing a rectangle and changing the stroke
3. Drawing details
4. Drawing and editing shapes
5. Paint tools
6. Creating and modifying brushes
7. Blend Modes
8. Adding color to contours
9. Edit contours
10. Painting with mix brush
11. Brush Presets
12. Gradients
13. Gradient interpolation
14. Fill and stroke selections, layers, and paths
15. Drawing with the pen tool group
16. Making patterns
17. Creating a pattern with the Pattern Builder filter
18. Loop control
19. Managing pattern libraries and presets
20. Drawing with pen tablet
21. Creating textured brushes
22. Adding dynamic elements to brushes
23. Gradient
24. Draw stylized strokes with the Artistic Archive Brush
25. Drawing with pattern
26. Synchronizing presets across multiple devices
Text
1. Adding and editing text
2. Universal text editor
3. Working with OpenType SVG Fonts
4. Character formatting
5. Paragraph formatting
6. Creating text effects
7. Text editing
8. Leading and letter spacing
9. Font for Arabic and Hebrew
10. Fonts
11. Troubleshooting fonts
12. Asian text
13. Create text
Video and animation
1. Video editing in Photoshop
2. Editing video and animation layers
3. Introduction to video and animation
4. Video and animation preview
5. Drawing frames in video layers
6. Import video files and image sequences
7. Create frame animations
8. Creative Cloud 3D Animation (Preview)
9. Create timeline animations
10. Creating images for videos
Filters and effects
1. Using the Liquify filter
2. Using Blur Gallery group effects
3. Filter basics
4. Filter effects guide
5. Adding lighting effects
6. Using the Adaptive Wide Angle filter
7. Oil Paint Filter
8. Effects and Layer Styles
9. Application of specific filters
10. Image area feathering
Saving and exporting
1. Saving files in Photoshop
2. Export files to Photoshop
3. Supported file formats
4. Saving files in other graphic formats
5. Moving projects between Photoshop and Illustrator
6. Saving and exporting video and animation
7. Saving PDF files
Printing
1. Printing 3D objects
2. Printing with Photoshop
3. Printing and color management
4. Checklists and PDF presentations
5. Print photos in a new image layout
6. Spot color printing
7. Duplexes
8. Printing images on a printing press
9. Photoshop Color Enhancement
10. Printing troubleshooting | Photoshop
Automation
1. Create activities
2. Creation of data-driven images
3. Scenarios
4. File batch processing
5. Operation playback and management
6. Adding conditional operations
7. About actions and the Actions panel
8. Recording tools in operations
9. Add color mode change to operation
10. Photoshop UI Development Kit for Plugins and Scripts
Color Management
1. Understanding Color Management
2. Accurate color assurance
3. Color settings
4. Working with color profiles
5. Color management of documents for viewing on the web
6. Color management for printing documents
7. Color management of imported images
8. Perform proofing
Content authenticity
1. Learn more about content credentials
2. Identity and origin of NFT tokens
3. Connecting accounts for creative attribution
3D objects and technical images
1. 3D in Photoshop | Common questions about deprecated 3D features
2. Creative Cloud 3D Animation (Preview)
3. Printing 3D objects
4. 3D drawing
5. 3D Panel Enhancement | Photoshop
6. 3D Concepts and Tools
7. Rendering and saving 3D objects
8. Creating 3D objects and animations
9. Image stacks
10. 3D graphics workflow
11. Measurements
12. DICOM files
13. Photoshop and MATLAB
14. Image object count
15. Combining and transforming 3D objects
16. Editing 3D textures
17. HDR Exposure and Toning Compensation
18. 3D panel settings

Photoshop allows you to print any compatible 3D model without worrying about the limitations of a 3D printer. When preparing to print, Photoshop automatically renders 3D models impenetrable. Photoshop also generates the necessary support structures—platforms and bases—to help you achieve successful 3D printing results.

Preparing 3D objects for printing

Select the menu item Window > Workspace > 3D to switch to 3D mode. nine0010
Open the 3D model in Photoshop. If necessary, resize the 3D model while opening the file.
Select menu item 3D > 3D Print Settings.

3D Printing Preferences

In the 3D Printing Preferences panel, choose whether to use a printer connected to your computer via USB (local printer) or online 3D printing services such as Shapeways.com or Sculpteo.

You can now print 3D models as 3MF (3D Manufacturing Format) files. When specifying 3D printing options, select 9 for option0848 Print to is set to Local and Printer is set to 3MF File. When you send a 3D object to print, Photoshop creates a 3MF file. On Windows computers, Photoshop also launches the Microsoft 3D Builder application to further process the 3MF file.

To update the list of supported printers or online profiles, select Get Latest Printers from the Send to Print To pop-up menu.

Select a local printer or Shapeways.com print profile. nine0010

View estimated prices for printing 3D models using available Shapeways.com profiles by selecting Printer > Estimated Price.

Select the print volume units from inches, centimeters, millimeters, or pixels. This unit will serve to measure the dimensions of the volume of the printer as well as the dimensions of the printing plate.

A. 3D model B. Printing plate C. Printer volume overlay nine0003

Select the 3D Printing Detail Level—Low, Medium, or Fine. The time it takes to print a 3D object depends on the level of detail selected.
If you do not want to see the bounds of the 3D model's print volume, clear the Show Printer Volume Overlay check box.

Set the Scene Size options to the appropriate size for the 3D printed object. When you change one value (X, Y, or Z), the other two values are scaled proportionally. When resizing the Stage Volume, notice that the print plate under the 3D model resizes accordingly. nine0010

You can scroll through the Scene Volume settings by clicking the size label (X, Y, or Z) and dragging the cursor left or right. By holding down the Shift key, you can scroll through the values faster.

Select Scale by printer volume if you want to automatically resize the 3D model so that it takes up the entire available printer volume on the selected printer.
If the 3D model includes normal maps, bump maps, or transparency maps, you can ignore these types of maps when printing the model. Notice how the 3D model changes in real time as you change the Surface Detail settings. nine0010
Optionally, you can exclude the support structures of the 3D object (platforms and bases) from printing. Use this option with caution as printing a 3D model without the necessary support structures may produce unsatisfactory results.
If your printer supports multiple materials, select the material you want to use to print this 3D object.

(Experimental) Enable multitone printing for the MakerBot Replicator 2x 9 printer0036

You can enable an experimental feature that allows you to print continuous tones with your MakerBot Replicator 2x 3D printer.

Requirement: Enable experimental Photoshop features

Experimental features must be enabled in Photoshop before using multitone printing:

Select Preferences > Experimental Features.
Select the Enable multitone printing check box. nine0010
Click OK.
Restart Photoshop.

Experimental features not yet fully tested. They should be used with caution.

Choose a multi-tone surface material

Select the MakerBot Replicator 2x printer in the 3D Printing Settings panel.
In the Material field, select Multitone Surface. If you don't see this option, make sure the experimental Multitone 3D Printing feature is enabled. nine0010

Set other parameters according to the generated 3D model.
To view and print a 3D object, select 3D > 3D Print.

Preview and print 3D object

After setting the 3D printing options, follow these steps.

Click the Start Print icon () or select the menu item 3D > 3D Print. Photoshop will combine the 3D elements of the scene and prepare it for the printing process. nine0036
If you choose to print with a Shapeways.com profile, Photoshop will display a message that the actual print cost may differ from the estimated cost displayed. Click OK.
In the preview window that opens, you can use the 3D camera tools to rotate, scale, or move the 3D object.
Rotate the 3D camera.

3D camera rotation.

Move the 3D camera.

3D camera slide. nine0003
Return to the home position of the 3D camera.

3D print preview; pay attention to the support structures

If necessary, select the Show restoration check box. Photoshop displays various restoration colors such as Original mesh, Thickened walls, and Hole closed.

Preview with "Show Repair" setting

You can also turn on Ray Tracing Preview. Viewing ray tracing allows you to more accurately reproduce the printed material. nine0010

Ray Tracing Preview

If you want to export the 3D printing settings to an STL file, click the Export button and save the file to the desired folder on your computer. This STL file can be sent to a network service server or moved to an SD card for printing with your own printer.
View a summary of the 3D print object and click the Print button.

You can cancel the current 3D printing process using the menu item 3D > Cancel 3D printing. nine0036

3D printing utilities

Photoshop provides interactive step-by-step utilities that you can use to set up, calibrate, and maintain your 3D printer. These utilities can only be used when the 3D printer is turned on and connected to a computer.

Select the menu item 3D > 3D Printer Utilities.
Select the utilities you want to run.

Print plate calibration nine0003

Helps in leveling the printing plate. This utility includes the following general steps:

Requires you to remove all residual print materials from the 3D printer.
Initializes the print head.
Allows you to adjust the amount of gap between the platen and the printhead at nine nozzle positions.

You can use this utility in wizard mode or manual mode.

Download Thread nine0003

Helps load filament into a Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printer. To facilitate filament loading, Photoshop starts the head heating process and the filament loading mechanism.

Remove thread

Helps remove the filament from the FDM 3D printer. To facilitate the removal of the filament, Photoshop starts the head heating process and the filament loading mechanism.

Replace thread nine0003

Helps to replace the old filament in the FDM 3D printer with a new one. To make changing filament easier, Photoshop starts the head heating process and the filament loading mechanism.

Follow the instructions on the screen.

Pack objects on the base plane

Sometimes you may want to print multiple instances of an object on the same panel. Do the following.

Select the required objects in the 3D panel.
Start printing objects.

FAQ

Photoshop currently supports the following 3D printers:

MakerBot Replicator 2
MakerBot Replicator 2x
ZCorp Full Color
Mcor Iris
MakerBot Replicator 5th Generation

Photoshop also supports several Shapeways.com and Sculpteo profiles. nine0003

The MakerBot Replicator 5th Generation Printer Profile does not yet support USB direct printing. You can export files to a USB drive and print them to a local printer.

Yes. Before printing, you can set a cross section to cut off part of the 3D model. Follow these general steps.

Select the menu item Window > Workspace > 3D to switch to 3D mode.
Open the 3D object you want to print. nine0010
Select Scene in the 3D panel.
On the Properties panel, select Cross Section.
Specify the cross section parameters in the Properties panel.
Select the menu item 3D > Apply Cross Section to Scene.
Print the 3D scene.

The desired cross section must be dried before printing.

Clipping off a portion of a sphere before printing.

Yes. Follow these general steps. nine0003

Select a material in the Stage panel.
In the Properties panel, click the folder icon () next to Emboss/Transparency/Normals and load the texture. You can also specify a new texture to apply to the 3D model.
When specifying a new texture, save this texture. The texture is applied to the 3D model as a bump map or transparency.
Print a 3D model.

Applying a bump map to a 3D model before printing Applying a transparency map to a 3D model before printing. nine0002 If your 3D printer has two heads, you can print 3D models in two colors.

Pop-up menus for additional heads available are displayed in the Print Properties panel. In the 3D workspace and in the 3D Print Preview window, the model appears in two colors.

Printing a 3D model in two colors

From a printing point of view, each layer of a 3D model is treated as a separate 3D object. You can optionally merge two or more layers (3D > Merge 3D Layers). nine0036

FDM 3D printing guide for beginners. Understanding Basic Terms

Getting started with 3D printers doesn't have to be intimidating. We have created this simple 3D printing guide for beginners to help all beginners understand the basic terms. nine0003

3D printing is a very general term. The media, especially mainstream marketing, portray 3D printing as the magical technology of the future, capable of reproducing complex objects.

But this approach makes it difficult to understand what 3D printing is from a technical point of view.

In reality, there are many different 3D printing technologies, but the most common for beginners is layer-by-layer modeling (FDM or FFF), which is the focus of this article. nine0003

Ender 3 V2 is one of the most popular hobbyist 3D printers.

FDM prints parts using thermoplastic, which is basically a filament of material that can melt, cool, and solidify. Details are built by stacking layers on top of each other.

This technology was created because people needed a way to quickly prototype parts. Even today, rapid prototyping is one of the biggest advantages of FDM and 3D printing in general. Not surprisingly, 3D printing is also gradually becoming a powerful manufacturing solution. nine0003

Before we get into the details of how FDM works, there is one more thing worth mentioning. If you have done some research on FDM, you may have noticed that some sources use the term "FFF" instead of FDM when referring to the technology. This is because FDM is a term originally patented by Stratasys and FFF is a non-proprietary generic abbreviation. Remember, this is the same technology, only the names are different. Today, most people use the term FDM. nine0003

FDM 3D printing. How it works?

3D printing plastic (filament)
Extruder
Hotend (hot end)
Fan (cooler)
Print platform (table)
3D printing

The easiest way to understand how FDM works is to study the details of an FDM 3D printer. However, before we get into the specifics, it's worth mentioning that most 3D printers can move in three axes: X, Y, and Z. The X and Y axes are responsible for moving left, right, forward, and backward, while the Z is responsible for vertical movement. nine0003

Now let's look at the main components of a 3D printer:

Control interface : Some modern 3D printers have a touch screen that is used to control the 3D printer. On older printers, a simple LCD with physical scrolling and a click wheel may be present instead of a touch interface. Depending on the model, an SD card slot and a USB port may also be present.

Print Bed : The bed or table of a 3D printer is essentially the surface on which parts are made. Platforms are most often made with heating to improve the adhesion of the part, but more on that later. nine0003

Extruder(s) : The extruder is the component responsible for melting and progressively depositing the plastic filament to build the model.

The extruder actually consists of two subcomponents: hot and cold. The hot end or hot end contains a heater and nozzle that actually melts the filament, while the cold end consists of a motor, drive gears and other small components that push the filament into the hot end to melt. nine0003

There is a heatsink and a fan between the hot and cold ends because it is necessary that the cold end stays cold to avoid jamming.

In addition to the heatsink fan, there is usually at least one other fan designed to cool the molten filament after it exits the extruder - this is commonly referred to as the parts cooling fan.

Print head : one or more extruders are installed on the print head (standard 3D printers have one extruder). At the top of the print head is a tube that feeds filament into the print head. nine0003

How a 3D printer prints.

The process starts when you send the 3D model file to the printer. After starting a print job, the nozzle starts to heat up. When the nozzle reaches the temperature required to melt the filament, the extruder draws the filament into the hot end in preparation for deposition modeling.

The printer is now ready to 3D print the part. The print head descends onto the build surface (platform) and begins to fuse the filament, which cools and solidifies shortly after exiting the nozzle thanks to the part cooling fans. nine0003

Plastic is applied one layer at a time, and after one layer is completed, the printhead moves up the Z-axis a short distance and the process is repeated until the part is completed.

Create, download and purchase 3D models.

Naturally, if you want to 3D print a part, you must have a 3D model of that part. 3D models are created using 3D modeling software commonly referred to as CAD (computer-aided design) software. Here are some examples of popular 3D modeling software:

Autodesk's Fusion 360 (Free for non-commercial use)
Blender (free of charge)
ZBrush (paid, but free trial available)

However, most newcomers to 3D printing do not have the skills required to use such software. If so, don't worry because there are other solutions.

First, there are simpler CAD software options like Tinkercad, a program that almost anyone can use without any prior experience. This is an online application developed by Autodesk, one of the leading developers of CAD software. nine0003

File downloads

With so many people having access to 3D printers in recent years, several sites have become repositories for 3D models.

Some of the most popular are:

Thingiverse (free)
MyMiniFactory (many free, some paid)
Cults3D (free and paid)
CGTrader (some free and most paid)
PrusaPrinters (all free)

So anyone can get their hands on a model without any modeling skills.

Model preparation.

3D models must be prepared for 3D printing using special software that translates the model into machine instructions. This is done using slicing software, also called a slicer. 3D models are imported into a slicer, which then actually "cuts" the model into layers. The resulting files consist of a G-code, which is essentially a long list of instructions that a 3D printer follows to build a model. nine0003

G-code is the "language" of 3D printers and CNC machines. These files contain important parameters needed to create a model, such as print speed and temperature, wall thickness, infill percentage, layer height, and many others. In other words, 3D printing is impossible without G-code files!

Supports (support structures)

Another of the main functions of the slicer is the generation of support structures (supports). In particular, supports are needed for parts with attachments.

Printer preparation.

Before you start printing on a 3D printer, there are a few mandatory steps to take:

Plastic loading: The extruder must be ready to extrude the filament before printing begins. The loading process begins with heating the hot end to the melt temperature, and then the filament is directly loaded into the heated extruder. nine0003

Platform Leveling: In order for the printer to successfully print an object, the table must be as level as possible.

Depending on the printer, platform calibration can be performed manually, semi-automatically or automatically.

Platform leveling is very important because, for example, if the nozzle is too far from the table, the first and most important layer will not adhere to the surface, resulting in you not being able to print your object.

Materials for FDM 3D printing. nine0833

As we already mentioned, FDM 3D printers use spools of plastic as part material. Filament is basically a thermoplastic specifically designed to melt and cool while maintaining its structural integrity.

3D printing filaments usually come in two diameters: 1.75mm and 3mm (or 2.85mm). Most 3D printers use 1.75 diameter plastic, which is why the variety of types and shades of 1.75 filament significantly exceeds 2.85. nine0003

We recommend that before you buy a 3D printer, be sure to clarify which filament it works with.

Converting the extruder from 2.85 to 1.75 is possible, but requires fiddling, time and additional accessories.

One of the best things about FDM 3D printers is that they can handle a wide range of plastics.

Here are just a few of the different types that are used in FDM 3D printing:

Standard:

PLA
ABS
PETG

Engineering:

Flexible (TPU, TPE)
Nylon
With additives (wood, metal, etc.)
Polycarbonate (PC)

For supports:

HIPS
PVA

Among other things, FDM filament is one of the cheapest materials used in the world of 3D printing.

Post-processing of printed products.

Post-processing is the final steps you must take to complete your object. nine0003

Below we have listed some of the post-processing steps for a 3D printed part. You don't necessarily need to complete each of these steps.

Most often, post-processing is completed at the stage of removal of supports.

Support Removal : After printing, the support structures are mechanically removed by simply breaking them off. As a result, you can see marks left on the surface of the part.

If you have bought a 3D printer with two extruders, you can use special soluble plastics to print supports. In this case, you just need to place the object in water if you printed with PLA+PVA or in limonene if you printed with ABS+HIPS. nine0003

Sanding : Your part may have imperfections (for example, after removing supports). In this case, grinding comes into play. Light sanding of 3D printed parts can make the surface smoother.

Coloring : You will often print in one color. To add more colors, details or protection, you can paint your model!

Polishing or Smoothing : Epoxy is one way to smooth the surface of a printed part. For ABS, an acetone steam bath is often used. Under the influence of acetone vapors, ABS begins to dissolve and, if this process is stopped in time, you will get a smooth and glossy part. nine0003

Gluing : If you want to print a large 3D model that won't fit in your printer's build chamber, you can print the part in two or more parts and then glue them together.

Common 3D printer problems.

Let's discuss some of the most common problems beginners may encounter when using a 3D printer.

Warp : This problem occurs due to temperature differences during the 3D printing process. 3D Print Delamination - 5 Tips and Tricks to Avoid Delamination. nine0003

Plastic bleed (snot) : Thin extra filaments of plastic on your model may be caused by incorrect temperature or retraction settings. Some types of plastic, such as PETG, are more prone to free flow from the nozzle.

Nozzle Clog : Nozzle clogging is one of the most annoying problems of FDM 3D printers.