Next step, the 3d design software

As fun as slicing and printing various pre-designed object is, the real reason for having your own 3D machine is to design and make your own parts. And for that, I have started to download and install various opensource/freeware 3D cad softwares, for testing and evaluation. I have decided to test these three first.


First of them is Google Sketchup . I have met this software before, and have been occasionally using older versions. It's development began of making 3D buildings at Google Earth, since then it's been grown more versatile software and it can be used to make many kind of objects. Negative side is the lack of direct .STL exporting, but there are at least 3 different export modules available for free. Positive side is that it's well maintained, has plenty of manuals and tutorials so learning goes fast.

Secondly is OpenSCAD . It's a bit strange program for anyone expecting typical Cad-package, since all objects are made buy defining the shapes on text scripting. Good part is direct STL support and wide acceptance on RepRap community. For example source files of the Emaker Huxley printer I have are released on OpenScad format. I'm not saying it's a bad program, but just warning that at the first time it may feel a bit odd, since the approach is more like programming than3D designing.

Third on I have installed is FreeCAD   This is totally unknown program for me at the moment, so it's likely be the last of these three to test. Can't really tell much of it at the moment, but I know some people do use it for 3d object making.


Other free software I could install include Blender, but it's so big and I'm trying to find something relatively simple and nimble program.  There are also lot's of commercial 3D cad/cam packages (like Soldworks, Mastercam etc), but none of those are within reasonable budget for me. I have also found some potentially interesting free-to-use cloud based 3d tools, but so far none of them had what I wanted.

As a last note I'll add one pic, a partial collection of items I printed but have not shown before. All of these item's are either part of the Huxley or freely downloadable from Thingverse.

Printing a snowflake, video #3

A friend of mine wanted to see a video of the 3d printer building a real usable object. Since most complex objects print a long time I'd chosen quite simple snowflake design for the subject of this video. It's only 2 layers high and has nice complex shape. Total printing time is about 7 minutes, and the video includes removal of the finished object at the end.

As I'm quite sure none of recipients are likely to read this blog before x-mas, I can tell my plan for these printed snowflakes this early. I'm planing to use these as a part of my home made x-mas cards, and I'll post a update with pictures of making.

As a footnote. You may notice that this video looks quite different from #2. It's partially due me using new video camera (Kodak Zi10, using 720p/60 mode), but the biggest visible difference comes from the editing software. This camera is bundled with minimalistic software (media impression), and I do have to admit it indeed is quite easy as long as one is happy with the limited options available.
 

Print a Whistle

Normally they talk about whistle blowing, but in this case it's all about whistle printing. It's my first (semi) complex 3D printed object. It looks quite good and I'm in progress on cleaning up the internal support needed for printing.

At this hour I don't dare to blow it, I'm sure my neighbours would not like sound. Ah well, I'll clean it up and then use it later. This whistle even has 3d printed pebble in..

 Another picture of some items I printed yesterday.. Just trying to get to know the software, settings and to learn what this thing can do.

Sometime soon I'd need to start making my own designs and print them. But at this point it's easier for me to use premade STL files.

Things I'd need to do are: Easier adjustment for Z-height. Some kind of filament holder (wheel?) and then start to make spare parts for this machine for possible need and/or selling them to someone wanting to make similar machine.

First Post

 ... and also first lame joke.. :-)

So, today is 11.11.11... I was supposed to start this blog couple days ago with an introduction video, but after spending hours with video editing software I decided that the material I shot at 9th november was definitely not good enough for any serious release. Perhaps I'll let you see it in some distant future at Blooper-reel, but not now.

What is this DIYTao and why it perhaps deserves a blog? Important quesiton I know, and I'm not sure if I even have any decent answer. Somehow the idea of this blog started while watching videos of EEVBlog, and thinking of ideas and projects I might share amongst other people. And since I also become interested on 3D printing (especially RepRap systems) and 3d object design I've decided that I might try to make some kind of publicly available lab notes of my projects.

Starting with RepRap.. I'm in middle of building my own printer, it's Huxley type (yet unnamed) machine, that I purchased via IndieGoGo. I have got most of mechanics and printing system in place, next project is to solder the micro controller board and do final system wiring and testing. I hope to get first usable prints (and videos) done within a week.

Besides 3D printing, I'm likely to talk/write will be hobby electronics, some board design tricks/trips, photography, some reverse engineering and hacking. Home made DIY fixes and frugal projects with various materials, recycling, repairing and renevation.

Links:
EEVblog
Indiegogo_eMAKER-Huxley