3D Printing Details

Briefly, these are the steps needed to produce a 3D-printed object, called a "model."

1. Dream-up the item you want
2. Find a suitable item online, or design one in a CAD program
3. Prepare the CAD file for printing
4. Print the object on a 3D printer

Let's take a quick look at each of these steps.

1. Dream-up the item you want

Not long ago, if you needed something that was unavailable, your options were limited. Maybe you could make it from wood or metal if you had the tools, but often you were lefts thinking, "if only...."

Today, it's literally, "if you can dream it, you can make it." you can perform every step in the process from design to printing using free software on your personal computer.

2. Find an item to download or design one yourself

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It's likely you're not the only person in the world you needs a "widget" for some purpose. Many times, you can find just what you need on Thingiverse, or similar 3D file-sharing site. Create an account and browse the offerings. When you find one, download it and move on to step 3 below.

If you can't find what you need on Thingiverse or other sites, you can design it yourself using free CAD software. DesignSpark offers subscriptions to design software. The Explorer package includes three programs, but we're interested in Mechanical, a free program that runs on Windows PCs.

3. Prepare the CAD file for printing

Whether you download a ready-made file or design the part yourself, you'll end with what is known as an STL file. This intermediate file must next be processed by another program called a "slicer" to produce a G-code file that your printer reads to produce the model.

Slicers are free, and usually one comes with every 3D printer. Follow the included instructions to install and use it on your PC.

4. Print the object

An entry-level 3D printer costs about $250, and reads a G-code file to produce the model. Printing time can be long, and varies greatly depending on the size and complexity of the model. Fortunately, you don't need to sit and watch. Start it, and let it run – even overnight if necessary.