3D Printing

 

WHAT IS 3D PRINTING?

3D printing is a additive manufacturing, a method that creates a 3 dimensional object layer-by-layer using a computer aided design (CAD). Meaning you can model an object on a software and translate it to a real object through the 3D printer!

After much consideration, I decided to make a Vase (Voronoi). Initially, I wanted to make a voronoi vase, but what does voronoi mean? Click here  to find out more!

When I was designing the model, I realised that making a voronoi pattern would be an issue as I did not have the software which has to be purchase through autodesk (the brand that Fusion 360 is under). Fusion 360 is the software used to create the vase!

Here's how I designed my vase!

1. Create a sketch on the Top View

2. Create 2 rectangles. One in another.

3. Double click on one of the inner square lines to select the entire inner square and right click to select move.

4. Move up by 100mm.

5. Next, click on the line and click on where the cursor is at in the picture.

6. Connect the 2 corners using the line created.

7. Do that for the other corners to create a cross like feature.

8. Click finish sketch upon completing the line connections.

9. Click on loft (under create) and click on the 2 blue parts. Ensure that it is profile that is being selected.

10. Click on the lines that were created before (look like a X) (ensure that you have selected rails).

11. Click on all 4 of the lines and click ok.

12. Click on all 4 lines and fillet it.

13. Click on the top and select shell. Input 2.

14. Select base and click construct set at 5.

15. Select construct and click on the top. Set at -5 to bring it down.

16. Select split body (under modify) and click on the surface.

17. Next, click on splitting tool on the right side of the pop up window. Click on the top and bottom plane.

18. Rename the body names, Body 1= Bottom, Body 2= Top, Body 3= Middle.

19. Click on hide construction.

20. Click on one of the middle pieces and select loft. Ensure that the inside and outside piece has been selected. Next click on new body under the operation drop down bar.

21. Do that for all 4 pieces.

22. Rename: body 4= Side 1, body 5= side 2, body 6= side 3, body 7= side 4

23. Click on combine under modify. Combine Middle, Side 1-4. Select cut (under operation), and keep tools. [Note that the Target Body should be ‘Middle’]

24. Click on Bottom and select combine, tool bodies, select Top, Middle, Middle (1)-(3). Change operation to Join and do not keep tools.

25. Rename ‘Bottom’ to Frame.

26. Lastly, base on the size you want you can show only sketches and change the dimensions accordingly.

Here's the reference video:)

Here's the embedded link for the Fusion 360 model:

 

Here's how it looks like on Cura:

Here's how it looks like in real life!

(cutie keke)

Reflection:
After this experience of 3D printing. After my past experiences of using Fusion 360, I am learning to enjoy creating 3D models. Seeing what I imagine come to real life really makes me amused by what technology can do. At first I was uncertain if my model would printable or not since it was my first time and I was told that certain hanging angles cannot be printed and I was not sure if my design was readable by the printer. However, after printing it, I realise that i really looks exactly like how I pictured it to be and I am satisfied with the results. 

A take away from this was that although I did not have the voronoi software, I would get a picture (voronoi diagram from google) and paste in on all 4 sides of the vase and make a hole. I do see myself making more design and printing it since it is free to use as long as nobody is using it XD. 

Thank you for reading my blog. Have a great week ahead!