Help in creating 3D models required

[kascejus]

Hi All, just recently joined the community and started exploring the 3D printing world. Currently operating with Felix 3.0 printer. I was able to make some simple prints using web based solutions. My wife is a baker and in a need of random Cookie Cutters. I’m having a hard time to show her the usefulness of 3D printer I purchased Therefore, I’m looking for HELP in creating .STL files using blender/maya/3dmax software’s. Have no knowledge with these programs, really difficult to start over. Yesterday spent 6 hours just to get started with blender, no luck Could anybody ASSIST/HELP/TEACH/SELL 3D models required by me. I would supply a 2D photo, dimensions needed and would look for ending .STL file. Looking forward to any information or contacts who could help with this matter! Many Thanks in advance! I live in San Jose, CA.

[Nikki]

Hi @kascejus, welcome to the community!
@SMS_PCBA @hachu & @Mayasari are you able to offer some help and advice?

[SMS_PCBA]

I can try and help. Just send a picture of what you want to print and I can generate a 3d model and then an .stl file.

You can email me the file at rorosz@smspcba.com

Ryan

[3Dscaleworks]

why don’t you start with Sketchupmake , it’s free and with an stl plugin you can also transform your file in stl!

John

[kascejus]

Thanks for quick responses and comments. Will try to see how sketchupmake works. Have not used it before. Will post back on my progress. Thanks again!

[barryschulte]

Hi,

why don’t you try shapeways app 2d to 3d convertor… it’s not perfect but can save you a lot off time.

Tip: If you use it try to use an image that’s as sharp as possible on the edges for better result.

Shapeways | 2D Design to 3D Print Creator

good luck!

[Andreas_CH]

For someone like me having more of an engineers background it was a lot easyer to use software that was initially designed for mechanical CAD. Maybe try your luck with some free CAD tools from the autodesk 123d apps (123d design), designspark mechanical or something like that to see if these tools better suit your way of designing. With blender/maya/3dmax you usually work directly with the surface facets of a 3d model while in CAD solutions you usually work with a solid model that gets represented in facets once you export it into the STL format for printing. The differences are not huge, but it’s a different way of looking at the same stuff that might help you get started…

[Pot8oSH3D]

Hey there,

Have you tried http://www.cookiecaster.com for cookie cutters?

Also, you may find Tinkercad easier for other designs. Give it a go. It’s easy as pie.

Cheers!

Andy

[hachu]

Hi there! I’m not that experienced in making STL files, but here goes.

For a cookie cutter, the easiest thing I can think of would be:

1) On paper, draw out the sort of cuts you want to make

2) download Autodesk’s 123D Design

3) Using their sketch feature, draw out that shape on the ground plane

4) Use the extrude tool (might be called pull tool) and, well extrude all of it upwards in the z-axis.

5) Then if you have parts which arn’t exactly touching the outside wall of the cookie cutter, make some bars that join these together. (don’t forget to use the union tool)

This should get you a decent STL to try. I’ve only made simple STL files myself using 123D Design, but watching some tutorials has helped quite a bit.

Another thing to mention; If you’ve made a lot of cross bars joining itty bitty pieces, you might want to consider grouping the whole model together, and turning it upside down before exporting the STL. This way, those thick bars will be supported during printing by the bed, as opposed to being joined in mid air as you print. It also means you might be able to get thinner walls on your cookie cutter “blade” edge.

If you send me a 2d drawing, I could give it a shot. But just warning you, I’m pretty new to this stuff too

[Faktuu]

had the same problem at the start (Not with wife though) and i tryed blender something with CAD in name and only sketchup go me started.

it`s free, has houndreds of plugins and loads of youtube toutorials

[chrisblanchard]

Congrats on the Felix, I have one and it is hands down the best FDM printer out there for ABS.

Sketchup is the easiest way for you to get drawing. from there move to Autocad or similar.

[kascejus]

Thanks All for comments and guidance, really appreciate that!

[James_2]

@kascejus really really really do it yourself in design software - you will get better and better after a really short time. Sketchup is a good place to start but the output can be buggy (not so good at producing manifold stls, but 123d will get you into the grove quicker and is great at stl output - have a loook at what people like James brunton do tih it in his ironaman cosplay on Youtube. For cookie cutters you needs a thick rim at the base (3-4mm thick) and then the wall as thin as you can get it - 1 or 2 wall thicknessess and fairly short as it is thin!

Ideally use XT or other ‘food grade’ plastic, and/or you ca throw it away, but XT is ok in a dishwasher. Start simple - do some stars of different sizes - and gradually work up in complexity. Recently I did a Llama for a party cracker

But the more you do yourself the faster you will get.

James

[3DPrintingNinja]

I teach classes where I have everyone make a cookie cutter. And it turns out that I just made a post that explains how to. It won’t be published until the end of the week, but here is the link: https://3dprintingninja.blogspot.com/2014/12/how-to-make-3d-model-from-image.html

[kascejus]

Ninja, thanks for reply. Really interested in your upcoming post, will be waiting for it to become available. A question for you: where and when do you teach the classess on 3D printing? I would be interested in participating and learning. Do you do your classess online? Thanks!

[3DPrintingNinja]

The post is up! I teach in Provo, Utah. Otherwise I will be making video tutorials in the near future. They will be on my blog: http://3dprintingninja.blogspot.com

[acapito]

Ciao

I’ve just found yowlab.com. I don’t know it works well, but could be usefull for you.