There are differences between designing for 3D printing, versus designing for other types of manufacturing. 3D printing has specific needs and constraints, and if you understand them, you'll get the best results.
Many of our makerspace clients have worked hard to make 3D printing more accessible for everyone. You can even 3D print on a Chromebook using 3DPrinterOS now, so it’s easier than ever to start creating. Tools like Tinkercad are integrated right in with the 3DPrinterOS platform, which makes for a very user-friendly experience.
Following is how to design something for 3D printing.
Every 3D printer has its own set of capabilities and limitations. Some of it will be obvious: your 3D printer’s maximum build volume, resolution, and the materials it can use. Some printers can create very high-resolution parts, while others might have a bigger build volume for larger projects, but not do as well on detail. The basic idea is to make sure you understand what your printer can and can’t do before you start designing.
Overhangs are parts of your design that extend outwards and are not supported underneath. If an overhang is too steep, it will need support structures to print correctly. These supports can be removed later, but they add extra work. Try to design overhangs that are less than 45 degrees so you don’t need as many supports. If you absolutely do need to incorporate supports into your design, make sure you design ones that are easily removable.
Both the strength and print time of your project will be affected by the thickness of the walls in your design. If walls are too thin, of course, they might break too easily - but walls that are too thick can waste material and take longer to print. A good rule of thumb is to aim for walls at least 1-2mm thick for small parts, and 3-4mm thick for larger ones. You want it to be strong enough without being inefficient.
Sharp corners can create stress points in your prints that make them more likely to break. Instead, use chamfers (angled cuts) or fillets (rounded edges) to reduce stress concentrations. This simple change can significantly improve the strength and durability of your designs. In Tinkercad, adding chamfers and fillets is straightforward and can make your parts look more professional.
When you’re new to 3D printing, you might be surprised to learn that even the orientation of your design during printing can impact its strength. 3D printers build objects layer by layer, and the bond between those layers can be a weak point. It's important to design your parts so that the layers are oriented in a way that maximizes strength. For example, if a part will experience stress in a particular direction, align the layers to handle that stress better.
When designing parts that will fit together, it’s important to account for the tolerances of your printer. This means leaving a little extra space between parts that need to fit together to ensure they can be assembled easily. In Tinkercad, you can use the ruler tool to measure and adjust your designs to make sure there’s enough clearance.
Using honeycomb or lattice structures inside your solid parts can save material and reduce weight while maintaining strength. These structures create a lightweight but strong interior that can be particularly useful for large prints. Many design software programs offer tools to create these patterns automatically.
For hollow parts, it’s important to include ventilation or drainage holes to prevent trapped air or resin, which can cause print failures. These holes allow air to escape and resin to drain out, meaning your prints come out perfectly. Make sure these drainage holes are part of your design from the start.
Post-processing is the work you do after the print is finished, such as sanding, painting, or assembling parts. Design your prints with post-processing in mind to make these steps easier. For example, adding extra material where parts will be sanded can help you achieve a smooth finish without compromising the design.
Advanced design tools offer features that can make designing for 3D printing easier. Tinkercad is a great tool for beginners, offering simple ways to add supports, preview slices, and optimize designs. 3DPrinterOS enhances the experience by providing cloud-based management, making it possible to print directly from a laptop or even a Chromebook and manage your print jobs efficiently.
If your design includes moving parts, it’s often better to print them separately and assemble them afterward. This ensures that each part prints correctly and fits together well. Designing with assembly in mind from the start can save a lot of headaches later.
Different materials have different properties, and choosing the right one for your project is key. Some materials have flexibility as their main benefit, others have strength, and some are easier to print than others. Think about what you need from your printed part and choose a material that meets those needs - as you're getting started, “easy to print” is probably high on the requirements!
Designing for 3D printing needs careful planning and understanding of the process. By following the above tips, you can create designs that look great, are strong enough for your needs, and are more likely to be successful. With 3DPrinterOS it’s easier than ever to start designing and printing, even on a Chromebook.
We’re in makerspaces all the time, and would be glad to help you with your one. Book a demo to see how you can connect all your 3D printers, users, and print files, and make it easier and more efficient than you have ever imagined.
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