Print a Printer Project

thingiverse

In this project, students will be asked to make a small replica of a 3D printer. Each student should choose a different 3D printer to draw. Alternatively, they could draw a printer that is not an exact replica of one currently on the market, and instead design their own. In this example, I drew up a printer loosely based upon a Makerbot Replicator. How I Designed This I designed this model in Fusion360. I started with a cube with and cut out the insides of each face. I then rounded off all of the corners. I then drew all of the other parts of the printer such as the build plate and print head off to side and then moved them into position. Next, I combined all of the shapes to get rid of any hidden geometry. To finish it off, I used the pipe tool to create the cable around the back. Project: Print a 3D Printer Objectives Each student should create a small scaled-down replica of a 3D printer. Students will learn the basics of working in a 3D CAD program. Audiences This project is targeted at beginner thru intermediate skill level students. Preparation Students should look up pictures of the printer upon which they want to base their design. Students will require access to a 3D CAD program and a 3D printer to print out their finished model. Steps -find images of the printer you will design -if you are making your own design, sketch it out -make the shell of your design in a 3D CAD program -add all the smaller components of the printer to the model -evaluate the model to figure out the best print settings -print out the model Results Each student should end up with a small replica of a 3D printer. Grading will be based upon ambition and detail of the finished model.