Hi,
Im looking for someone who could print or advise me on the model I’ve attached.
Its quite small… (I’m not sure why the part volume is 0.1 and not 2cm3??)
2.3 x 1.6 x 2 cm (Modeled using cm)
Part Volume: 0.1 cm3, it could be made larger (no larger then 3cm3)
I would need between 15-30 of them printed and posted before thursday.
Any takers?? / Advice on how to create it another way?
(total newbie here sorry!)
3d model of shape
module to print.stl (20 MB)
Hey @Robin3D, can you have a look at the file, see if there’s anything wrong with it?
@frankiecheska if all is good with the file, upload it here, fill in your location and then choose a Hub that can get them ready by Thursday: Online 3D Printing Service | Instant 3D Printing Quotes | Hubs
Hi Frankiecheska,
Looks like it could be a scaling problem to me and the model is coming out in mm rather than cm.
If I do a x10 upscaling on it on all axes I end up with a model that is 22.6 x 19.7 x 15.6 mm dimensions (see attached screenshot). I take it that’s more like what you were expecting?
Let me know if I can help further.
Mike
Hey Mike, Yeah thats exactly what I was after! thank you. Do you print?
Hi,
Yes, I do print, but whether or not I will be able to do this successfully, I’m not sure. What material/colours do you need these in?
I’m just having a quick play with the file you sent me on my machine in white ABS, but it’s so small and delicate, at least in these dimensions that I’m not sure it is printable, at least using FFF methods. You might need something more specialised, or someone with better kit than me.
Can I ask what the application is? Is there room to manoeuvre on sizing etc? I’m just playing with a larger version now to see what happens.
Mike
Hi,
I’ve attached a Jpeg to give you an idea of what I’m trying to achieve (the full model) - I’m making a much smaller prototype/exhibiton model. The seating part is around 45cm at its longest length across so the modules need to be ‘around’ the right size so there is bit of leeway.
how much bigger were you thinking?
Francesca
Hi Francesca,
I can see where you’re going with this now. Thanks for the info.
I’ve been playing with various options and orientations of your file, but I can’t achieve what you need with my filament printer I’m afraid. Even with the different support material options, I’m really struggling to get a model with sufficient integrity to print. I’d be happy to show you the nature of the issues if you’re around this way (Ross-on-Wye) but it’s largely due to the oblique angles involved and the fine structure that means the support material is denser than the finished article.
I think realistically you need either someone with a lot more skill at the modelling and structural support skills than me, or you’d need to look at a different print process than what I can offer (FFF/FDM) where each of the ‘beams’ of the structure are not directly extruded but are made up of slices of sections, especially as there are such ‘overhangs’ involved…
It could be that using a different print method such as resin printing or ones such as SLS where the support material is lower density and less integral to the print would work better for you. I suspect most local hubs will be using FFF/FDM printers however…
An odd thought - have you seen what can be achieved with the 3doodler pen? This might be a low-cost way of getting what you need, as you could effectively use a ‘point-to-point’ extrusion method to create your model. Of course, getting the precise angles and repeatability of the units could be tricky, but maybe worth an experiment. Unfortunately I don’t have one of these pens, much as I would like one!
You could try widening your enquiry to outside of the /Gloucester talk for other input from the wider community of course!
Sorry I can’t be of more help!
Mike
Hello Frankiecheska, how is your print going ?..i could have a go at it this week, or see if its doable in a powder printer.
let me know if it,s stil needed
greetz Alf
stil needed ? or already done ?
greetz KCt
hey!
yeah i haven’t managed to have this printed yet but the problem is i would need it by Thursday?
you’re welcome to have a go if this timescale is do-able for you!!
Hi!
I haven’t managed to have it done yet but did you read Mikes comment below?
He had a go and theres quite a lot of problems with it in terms of needing a lot of support etc & also timescale… if this is okay for you then we can talk!!!
Hi Mike,
Thank you so much for your time and advice!! I really appreciate it
I’ve had a play with one of those pens before and unfortunately they are extremely tricky/ should be left to the professionals 
Francesca
Hey,
I’m in Coventry !
oops…i,m located in the netherlands…if id seen it sooner…
but won,t be able to get it there before thursday…
How about you @Marco_16 @ are you able to help Francesca with her print? Cheers
Hi I’m also in Coventry! I’m currently downloading the model and will get back to you if I can print it!
George
I’m down near Coventry and most likely could get them printed if they are able to be printed on fdm machines and posted to you by Wednesday/ Thursday.
Ok I will try one now at 2500% original scale which is slightly over 4.5cm3 but will give us an indication. My gut instinct is that the poles may need to be thicker. I’ll see though.
okay, there is leeway with the pole thickness also if that helps.
Yes okay that probably would help as there would be less drooping on the overhangs. Also does this have to be finished up to a high standard or is it just a prototype?
Its a model for an exhibition so a relatively high standard would be preferred. It depends what you mean by a high standard?
Ok, well the thing is because my printer extrudes plastic it often struggles with overhangs as do all fdm printers. Therefore I would need to put in lots of support material for it to build onto, this is often hard to get rid of and can leave a rough surface. Anyway Ill see how this goes and get back to you.
Ah okay ! thank you!
Hi I’ve tried the print and unfortunately bad news. As feared the poles have lots of droop on them and are very week as they aren’t thick enough. Also some of the poles weren’t able to print as the overhang was too great with out support. I would recommend trying a resin printer. But if you must have it fdm printed you will need to make the poles thicker by at least 2-3mm I would think and add support in cad on pretty much all the overhangs. I will attach a picture of the failed print.
Ah thats a shame, I wouldn’t be able to make the pole thicknesses thicker quickly as it was a long process making the original model and I’m no expert in CAD! Thank you for the advice.
I suppose you could ask some people on here. There are some actual experts on here!
I’ve tried a much simpler CAD version - would this work??
Module - thicker.stl (14.3 MB)
yes this one looks better, ill have a g at printing it tomorrow if you like.
Yes thank you, that would be brilliant.
Hi gabriela3D, unfortunatly i was the 1st person to let francesca down! i current have about 30-40hrs works cued up on my machine and was unable to get a new job going untill the end of the week!
