Now that 3D printing is becoming more common place, it’s amazing to see what kind of artwork is being made with these awesome printing devices! From custom pieces for G.I.Joe and Transformers toys, to much more complex offerings on an industrial scale, it’s safe to say that 3D printing is here to stay.
3D printing or additive manufacturing (AM) is any of various processes for making a three-dimensional object of almost any shape from a 3D model or other electronic data source primarily through additive processes in which successive layers of material are laid down under computer control. A 3D printer is a type of industrial robot.
Even the “big boys” are embracing this new technology, as noted last month when we made you aware of Hasbros collaboration with Shapeways in order to sell 3D printed artwork. Ever wish you could try this out yourself, but have been worried about the results? Well don’t worry, as Hisstank.com Moderator and Customizer Extraordinaire has you covered!
Phantro has put together a series of 3D tutorials that are sure to help launch your 3D printing dreams in to reality! Here’s a breakdown of the series –
3D Printing Lesson 0 – Software Selection and use
3D Printing Lessons 1 and 2 – Zooming Tools and Orbiting Tools
3D Printing Lessons 3 and 4 – Camera Pans and Angles and Creating a Printable Model
3D Printing Lesson 5 – The importance of Closed or “Water tight” models.
So, what are you waiting for? Check out the tutorials, then join us after the break to share your questions and/or comments with Phantro himself!
phantro says
Hey guys, I finally had some time to work on this project.
I am by no means a 3D expert but wanted to share what little I may know with the community and see what you guys can come up with. I will be updating this periodically so keep checking back. Thanks for viewing.
The first topic will be about the 3D software Google Sketchup and where to find it.
Lesson 0
lardman says
Do you have a printer?
I'd be interested to see some finished Joe-related demo designs and the 3D printed product too.
HUNMARINE says
A-W-S-O-M-E!!!
Big thx to you Phantro!!!...Can't wait to see the next lesson! =)
hahoo3 says
Great idea! I'll be getting mine in Feb '15 from a KS. I'm going to start off by making crates, sand bags and other small dio accessories. Hopefully everyone on here that gets one will be able to share files with one another. I'm excited.
Slave01 says
nice job, cant wait for part 2
CrackerJacks says
Thank you so much Phantro!
SoCalKid says
YESSSSSS. Thanks for putting this together, bud. I'm definitely looking forward to your tutorials!
phantro says
Hey my pleasure guys!
I know a lot of us have an interest in applying 3D printing to our customizing so I decided to share what little I know. Maybe if we all band together we can learn as a group and share files or at least tricks we learn as we tackle project.
I currently do not own a printer but I believe I supported the same kickstarter Hahoo3 did. The printer is called "The Micro" and it is due to arrive Februrary if there are no setbacks.
Even if you do not have a printer there are a few options to still get your stuff made. I will discuss that in further tutorials.
For the time being I want to finish the 3D software side of things and I believe sketchup is the easiest most user friendly software to date. and I will spend some considerable time on the basics of that before we go to the printing side of things.
I sincerely hope this helps the artists that are interested
I would like to add this if possible to the Tutorials library?
I do not want to just edit it in myself because I do not know if there is a system or order for it.
I will ask around.
JoeMama says
love this idea, think in 5-10 years this will be commoditized
lardman says
Another interesting aspect would be looking at how to automatically generate data from existing objects, e.g. using structured light or stereoscopic photography.
From a quick Google search I can see that some 3D scanners exist, but I've no idea which is the best bet in terms of cost/accuracy/etc. and indeed whether one could DIY one using software to brute force the alignment from multiple shots rather than requiring an accurate rotational raster stage.
Keep reading: 3D printing basics tutorial - Page 2
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