September 2016 – Digital Fabs

Science and Math 3D prints

We’ve used the 3D printer to make all sorts of things but the bulk of what we’ve made has something to do with science or math.

An older post discussed 3d printed meissner tetrahedra and I’ve made more of them but smaller and in blue filament. The first photo shows them as they’re being built. You can see how the printer deals fills internal space of a solid object with a certain amount of infill. You can set the infill from 0% (open space) to 100% (solid plastic). This is about 40% infill.

Tetrahedra under construction. You can see the raft they're sitting on and the infill filling the void inside the shapes. — Tetrahedra under construction. You can see the raft they’re sitting on and the infill filling the void inside the shapes.

Continue reading “Science and Math 3D prints”

Sources for 3D Printer Files

Many of the parts we’ve made on the 3D printer so far have been ones we’ve downloaded, not drawn ourselves. Given the huge number of 3D printer files available online it’s always good idea to check a few sites first to see if someone’s already gone to the trouble to make up a file for the part you want to make so you don’t have to draw it up yourself.

Here are a few of the many sites where you can find files to use with 3D printers. Since the 3D printers we have use .stl files look for that type of file first but it’s possible to convert other solid model file types (like files from Fusion 360 or Solidworks) into .stl files fairly easily.

Thingverse – I always check here first. Models usually work great on our printer.
GrabCAD – most models won’t be in .stl format but there are many more engineering-type models here than on Thingverse
Turbosquid – never used it but appears to have lots of models, lots aren’t free though
stlfinder – search engine for .stl files, uses above sites plus others
yeggi – another .stl search engine

Feel free to send me links to other sites you’ve used to find .stl files.

Fall 2016 Update

After a long hiatus in blog writing we’re back. This year I plan on getting more information online about what type of equipment is available for use and how one might get started using it.

Recently we acquired a Makerbot Replicator 5th Generation 3D printer from a faculty member who is on sabbatical. We’re babysitting his printer while he’s away and he’s generously allowed us to put it to work.

In addition we’ll soon be getting an older Makerbot Replicator Dual Extrusion 3D printer from the Art department. Once it’s all set up both Makerbots will be available for use.