How to create a model for a 3d printer: learning to work with a 3D printer

Modern technologies are actively developing, being introduced into various spheres of human activity and becoming a common occurrence in every home. They do not cease to amaze and amaze users. Relatively recently, a printer was invented that was able to create ready-made figures in a three-dimensional format. This has taken science and industry one step further in development.

Since we are not talking about a flat (two-dimensional) display of files and documents, but about working in volume, special sketches or models are required for its implementation. This creates some difficulties in working with equipment. Using ready-made models, the printer recognizes the future image of the product and creates it from special polymer materials. In our article, we will consider possible ways to create and use ready-made models for printing.

IMPORTANT: For beginners in the early stages of operation, one should learn to work with blanks. To create your own figures you need computer knowledge and work with various programming languages.

How to create a model for a 3D printer?

If such a device has appeared in your home, or your professional activity is related to work in this area, you should learn how to use and correctly use the equipment. Without special software, drivers and applications, work will not be carried out. The use of sketches, without which the printer will not perform its functions, also plays an important role. You can make them as follows:

1. Start the computer and connect the printer. At first use, you must download the software installation package. It is located on the disk that comes with the equipment.
2. After successful pairing, you should install one of the applications with a set of voluminous layouts (a list of applications and programs is presented below). You can download it from the official website or purchase a starter kit for 3D printers.
3. Launch the application, if necessary, register. After this, it is recommended that you take a basic modeling training. It does not take much time, and you will learn basic skills in creating designs of any shape and size.
4. After passing the training lessons, return to the main menu, open the dashboard inside the application. Locate and click on the button that says "create a new project", the program will automatically come up with a name, and then start a project to create a new layout.
5. Use the toolbar and a set of finished parts, move them to the working field. Using the arrows and adjustment points, you can change the size and position of the figure in space.
6. After completing work on the project, go to the line “design” and select the action “download for 3D printer”. The application will create a file with the desired resolution and send it for printing. Check the condition of your equipment, and then start printing.

If all the actions are performed correctly, you should get a finished volumetric product on the equipment desktop.

TIP: To quickly change the volume of the figure, use the mouse wheel, and to easily change the angle of inclination, hold the right mouse button and move the cursor in the desired direction.

What applications / services to use?

To implement the functioning of the system, use ready-made layouts and create your own ideas in modeling, it is recommended to use special services:

• Blender
• Google sketchup
• Openscad

You can also use work sites in a browser to create a model online (for example, https://tinkercad.com/).

Try to use various services and choose the best one. Improve your skills to create your own developments and bring them to life.

Even conventional printers use special materials and dyes to create prints. Since 3D parts consist of various materials, it is necessary to use special raw materials to create them. The most popular are the following samples: PLA, ABS, PVAL. All of them are natural or artificial polymers with different characteristics and properties. You can learn more about them on the Internet in more detail.