3D Printing
Table of Contents
What Are 3D Printers?
In short, 3D printers use CAD (Computer-Aided Design) to create 3D objects from a variety of materials, like molten plastic or powders. 3D printers can come in a variety of shapes and sizes ranging from equipment that can fit on a desk to large construction models used in the making of 3D-printed houses. (“3D Printing: What It Is, How It Works and Examples | Built In”)
In our context, Fused Deposition Modeling is the type of 3D printer used at UNIS Hanoi. Watch the video to see how it works!
3D print v1.2.mp4
Dive deeper:
Are 3D printers a sustainable way to produce materials?
Yes and no...
Yes, because "3D printing allows for a reduced carbon footprint due to the ability to create products locally. A carbon footprint is defined as the total greenhouse gas emissions expressed as a CO2 equivalent. As of 2020, transportation makes up 27 % of the greenhouse gas emissions. If you cut out the need to transport a product across an ocean or continent, the carbon footprint of that product decreases significantly. (“3D Printing: Eco-Friendly & Sustainable? (Not Quite) | Perch Energy”)
No, because "like nearly all manufacturing industries, 3D printing has yet to become eco-friendly. The technology uses larger amounts of energy than milling and drilling machines. And to produce an object of the same weight, the 3D printing process may require 50 to 100 times more electrical energy than standard machines, thereby causing more emissions. Similarly, there is heavy reliance on plastic materials and plastic is not an environmentally friendly material." (“3D Printing: Eco-Friendly & Sustainable? (Not Quite) | Perch Energy”)
However, UNIS Hanoi uses PLA (Polylactic Acid) Filament, which is "one of the most popular materials used in desktop 3D printing. It is the default filament of choice for most extrusion-based 3D printers because it can be printed at a low temperature and does not require a heated bed. PLA is a great first material to use as you are learning about 3D printing because it is easy to print, very inexpensive, and creates parts that can be used for a wide variety of applications. It is also one of the most environmentally friendly filaments on the market today. Derived from crops such as corn and sugarcane, PLA is renewable and most importantly biodegradable. (“Ultimate Materials Guide - Tips for 3D Printing with PLA”)
Tutorials
Marble Maze (single part)
Fidget Spinner (multiple parts)
Clock Hand CAD Instructions
Clock hands for printing - these dimensions work and MUST be used
You can design the arms to whatever length suits your design and possibly add other features?
Creating Clock Hands.mov
How to Install Software & Print
Troubleshooting
Common printing issues (in pictures)
Common printing issues
(in videos)
CAD (OnShape) to 3D Printing
Saving the file from OnShape
FlashPrint Settings to print