3D Printing a Part

3D Fabrication
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See pic below. I have a part I’m wondering how easy or difficult it would be to 3D print on plastic? Is it just a matter of measuring each dimension and laying out in a dxf, importing to a printer and knocking it out? I need to reproduce the piece on the right. The one on the left is where the tip broke off.

IMG_0151.JPG1936×2592 1.08 MB

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Yes, it is that easy.

http://www.birdsonggregory.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/charlotte_marketing_agency.jpg

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No its not. DXF = 2d layout. Printers need a 3d model in stl format. Requires a couple of more steps.

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To add to that, if you don’t have an existing DXF, I would skip the DXF and start with a constrained sketch in a parametric CAD program of your choice.

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5

Ok great - Thx. I’ll need to take the 3D class now.

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No I don’t have a dxf, but could knock one out quickly. I’d rather handle it in the most simplest fashion. Thx

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Send me a sketch with dimensions and I create a stl file for you.

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Oh, c’mon. Just Extrude … :slight_smile:

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You are required to take a 3D printer training class prior to using the PolyPrinters.
Just to be clear, most of the 3D printer classes cover basics of how to use the printers and covers 3D Fab rules, etc… However, they usually do not go into detail on 3D modeling. From time to time, there are beginner and more advanced 3D modeling classes - which is great! But, I wanted to be sure to set you expectations - as the instructors don’t usually have much extra time to go into depth on how to create a file that is ready to be 3D printed during the 3D printer training classes.

In most cases, I don’t believe starting with a DXF file would be the best option - an exception possibly is if the file only needs to be simply extruded (as mentioned earlier)… Basically, you can take a flat 2d .dxf file and ‘extrude’ it to give it height. Doing that is relatively easy. However, if you need it to have bevels, curves, bends, etc… beyond just pulling it up to give it a dimension of height, then you might be better off using other options.

Here’s a couple of links that might be helpful:

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