3D Printing: Build Your Own 3D Printer and Print Your Own 3D Objects

by James Kelly

Overview

Want something? Print it–with your own 3D printer!

 

Right now, you can print practically any 3D object you can imagine–from toys to gadgets to replacement parts, and beyond! All you need is a 3D printer…and they’re simpler and cheaper than you ever imagined. This full-color, step-by-step guide will get you started–and if you want, it’ll even walk you through building your own 3D printer from an inexpensive kit.

 

Packed with colorful photos and screenshots, it explains all the crucial details other books skip. You’ll walk through choosing and assembling your new 3D printer kit…brainstorming and designing new objects with free software…and then printing them on your brand-new 3D printer.

 

3D printing is today’s hottest new technological revolution, and this book takes you right to the cutting edge!

 

• Discover how 3D printers work and what you can do with them
• Compare and choose your first 3D printer–either pre-built or kit
• Assemble Printrbot Simple, one of the world’s easiest 3D printer kits
• Install and configure software that tells your 3D printer what to do
• Print your first 3D project from an existing object file
• Use free Tinkercad software to create your own original 3D models
• Explore AutoDesk’s free software for 3D printing
• Use Print-It-For-You services for projects your home printer can’t handle
• Find great 3D printing projects and models on the Web
• Imagine creative new uses for your 3D printer

 

 

 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780133553406
Publisher:	Pearson Education
Publication date:	10/25/2013
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	99998
File size:	64 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

James Floyd Kelly is a technology writer with degrees in English and Industrial Engineering. James has written on a wide variety of topics, including programming for kids, LEGO robotics, open-source software, and building 3D printers. James is a DIYer—a tinkerer and a maker who enjoys learning new skills whenever possible. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife and two young boys.

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

Chapter 1 The Big Question—What Is 3D Printing? 3

    What Is a 3D Printer? 3

        Say Hello to Plastic! 6

        Solid to Liquid 8

        A Different Type of Motor 10

        3D Objects Require Three Axes 12

        A Few Other Items 16

Chapter 2 Find Yourself a 3D Printer 17

    3D Printer Options to Consider 17

        Initial Cost 18

        Ease of Assembly and Tech Support 23

        Operating System Compatibility 24

        Cost and Type of Filament 25

        Resolution/Nozzle Diameter 26

        Print Bed Size and Leveling 27

    Do Your Homework 28

Chapter 3 Assembly Assistance for the Printrbot Simple 29

    Printrbot Simple Assembly Part I 30

        Early Assembly Observations 32

        Midway Through Assembly Observations 38

        End of Assembly Observations 43

        Connecting All Wires 48

    Finishing Thoughts 50

Chapter 4 Configuring the Software 53

    Types of 3D Printing Software 54

    Downloading the Repetier Software 55

        Repetier Settings 56

        Slic3r 60

Chapter 5 First Print with the Simple 65

    Downloading an STL 66

    Connecting the Simple to Repetier 68

    Get the Hot End Up to Proper Temperature 70

    Slice Your Object into Layers 71

    Home the Hot End 73

    Print! 77

    Upgrades! 82

Chapter 6 Free 3D Modeling Software 83

    Tinkercad 84

    Examining Tinkercad 85

    Wrapping Up Tinkercad 104

Chapter 7 Creating a 3D Model with Tinkercad 105

    Hello World 105

    Printing a Sketch or Simple Image 122

Chapter 8 More 3D Modeling Tools 129

    123D Family of Apps 129

        123D Design 133

        123D Creature 135

        123D Sculpt 136

        123D Make 138

        123D Catch 139

        Having Fun 141

Chapter 9 Further Explorations 143

    Go Bake Some Cookies 143

    Don’t Forget the Youngest 3D Fans 146

    Around the House 147

    Showing Off 147

    OpenSCAD 148

Chapter 10 Alternatives to the Printrbot Simple 151

    Build Your Own 3D Printer 151

    Consider 3D Printer Kits 154

    Kickstarter and 3D Printers 156

    Print-It-for-You Services 159

    CNC and Laser Cutters 160

    Scanning Objects 162

Chapter 11 Where Do I Go From Here? 165

    CNC Machine 166

    Laser Cutter 169

    Plasma Cutter 171

    The Workshop of the Future 172

Appendix A 3D Printer and Modeling Resources 173

TOC, 9780789752352, 10/7/2013