What is 3D Printing?
3D printing or rapid prototyping is a process of making three-dimensional solid objects from a digital file. The creation of a 3D printed object is achieved using additive processes. This is when an object is created by laying down successive layers of material. Each of these layers can be seen as a thinly sliced horizontal cross-section of the eventual object.
Getting Started
Why create using the 3D printer?
- Create physical objects
- Research goals: develop or reconstruct objects, such as pottery, tools or sculptures.
- Pedagogical goals: enable students to handle sensitive artifacts or see internal structures of an object without taking it apart.
- Rapid prototyping staging
- Research goals: Design and print staged prototypes to see if construction will works before final development.
- Pedagogical goals: learn project management and develop the abilities to discuss, evaluate, and present on project process.
Available Software
- 3D printing relies heavily on 3D rendering and CAD packages.
- TinkerCAD
- 123D-Catch
- 3Ds Max
- AutoCAD
- Inventor
More Info
- There is considerable documentation for how to get started with 3D printing.
Note: If you’re new to 3D modeling and 3D printing, then 123D-Catch is the quickest and easiest way to start learning how the method works and get good results.
Questions
Please contact Randy Hoffner for more information.