3D modeling is the first step towards 3D printing any intended object. You can design a 3D model in any one of the several available advanced CAD software programs, print in different materials, and use different printing technologies. The fact that there are so many options available only add to our confusion, and we face great difficulties when 3D modeling for 3D printing. If you could avoid these 5 mistakes, you can create an accurate 3D design model for 3D printing.
Avoiding Material Guidelines
The image used for illustration purpose. Zeal3Dprinting is not the owner or creator of the image.
Every 3D printing material possesses different properties. You need to know whether the printing material is brittle or strong, smooth or rough, light or heavy, flexible or solid, and so on. So design 3D model based on the properties of materials. Let’s say you want to print a 3D model in ceramics. So when designing, you need to consider how the material is going to support the structure when there are overhanging parts, and rounded corner involved in the design. The best way to avoid this mistake is to refer design guidelines before starting with the model. If you are not sure, take help of 3D Printing Service in Australia from a reputed engineering firm.
Neglecting Printing Technology
3D printing technology has different types that are suitable only for printing with specific materials. What this means is, you cannot use one material with another printing technology when it is suited for something different. For example, to print interlocking parts, you can use polymeric and aluminum-based materials such as ABS plastics that are porous and can endure a high temperature when heated or melted. Another option for printing is in flexible and durable rubber-like material, or thermoplastic polyurethane. Printing interlocking parts is not possible in gold, silver, bronze, and resin.
The image used for illustration purpose. Zeal3Dprinting is not the owner or creator of the image.
So, for ABS, use filament-based printing technology or Fused Deposition Modeling. For polyamide, alumide, and rubber-like material, use Laser Sintering or powder-based technology, and for resin, Stereolithography or liquid-polymer-based technology.
Overlooking wall thickness
Most of the printing errors occur due to the difference in wall thickness in 3D models. It is necessary for the model to have a minimum wall thickness. If this vital parameter is not maintained, it is difficult for the 3D printers to print the small parts. Also, if the thickness is too much, the model could crack or break because of internal stress. Therefore, refer to rules of 3D printing Australia for generating appropriate wall thickness.
Disregarding File Resolution
Just like the wall thickness, perfect resolution of your 3D file is important too. If the resolution is low, the print quality will be pixelated or poor. Even the surface of the printed object won’t be smooth. Whereas in high-resolution file, the 3D printer won’t be able to print acute details. Moreover, the file size will be too big and can create problem during exporting. So when exporting the 3D file to STL format, it is important to maintain perfect distance between the original shape and the ST mesh. It is called “tolerance” in 3D printing parlance. But here too, the tolerance shouldn’t be smaller or bigger than 0.01 mm.
Paying No Attention to Software Guidelines
While different software are being used for creating 3D models, you shouldn’t miss out on their core function and capabilities. Some software can automatically adjust wall thickness whereas in others manual application is needed.
There are many other mistakes you need to avoid when designing 3D models for 3D printing that are not possible for all. So for 3D printing in Melbourne, contact Zeal 3D Printing Services. They provide professional, economical, and quality digital manufacturing solutions to various industries in Australia.
