Questions tagged [3d-printing]
The process of creating three-dimensional objects out of plastic or other materials using a device similar to a printer.
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Mechanism for turning a thumbwheel potentiometer
I am trying to devise a method (3d printing or injection molding) in order to turn a potentiometer via a thumbwheel mechanism.
Take a look at this picture, from an old commercial product that I am ...
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I'm wondering if the parts I have ordered to be vacuum casted and made have instead been made using 3D printing
The reason why I'm asking this in the first place is that I have observed striations on the parts I have received.
I was under the impression that vacuum casted parts would not have striations that ...
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Solidworks - The protrusion disappears when I enter into sketch mode? What am I doing wrong?
I am fairly new to Solidworks but know basics of it (basic only). The have made a shape (which I have 3D printed as well), but I need to change the dimension of the protrusion now. Here is the design
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How should I split this part into two?
I’ve attached an image of a part I manufacture using 3d printing. I start with gold filament before switching to black mid-way. I’m hoping to simplify production by printing this as two pieces instead ...
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XL timing belt missing Dimension!
I'm trying to design and 3d print a XL pulley. I think there is a missing dimension that I can't find in the spec tables.
we've got pitch circle, teeth height, belt thickness... but I can't find ...
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Polypropylene material characterization
I'm trying to make an evaluation of the available 3D printing options of polypropylene and I'm having difficulties comprehending material characteristics that make PP PP-like.
I realize this sounds a ...
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Drilling PCB 3d printer bed
I need a heated surface for a project and was thinking of using one of these PCB heater beds. But I'd need to drill a few holes in it - can I do this without stopping it working? Thanks
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Feasibility of additively manufacturing large metal objects in microgravity/high vacuum (space)
This a somewhat speculative question; I would like to know whether it is feasible to additively manufacture large (>100m) metal objects - from for example aluminum alloys - in a space environment.
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Could stepper motor lose torque because of overheating?
I have a stepper motor on a 3D printer that heats up very bad because of the heated extruder (it is actually controlling the extruder). When this system starts, it works fine at the beginning, while ...
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What surface to use for 3D printer?
I'm mechanical engineering student who want to construct 3D printer. I have a problem choosing right and cheap material for bed. Bed will be big for a 3D printer, around 700mm x 500mm. I want to print ...
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Dimensions on a STL model
I have an STL file, all I want is to be able to measure dimension from point A to point B on the model in the file. How can I do this? I do have access to Solidworks but don't know if that the best ...
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Is it likely that a 3d printer will ever be able to print a copy of itself? [closed]
3d printers are still at a relatively basic stage and currently not capable of printing entire complex machines that require multiple materials. Is it possible that they will ever be capable of ...
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General purpose automated assembly?
I've been using 3d printers for prototyping for a long time, and I'll admit it's incredibly convenient to be able to throw together a CAD model, send it to the printer, and have it ready to assemble ...
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Why does the Ultimaker 3D Printer has a Heater + Heater transfer plate (aluminium) + Glass?
Why does the Ultimaker 3D Printer has a Heater + Heater transfer plate (aluminium) + Glass?
I wonder why a glass plate, and if is possible to remove the glass and print directly in the aluminium ...
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Thickness of a 3d print general purpose plastic/PLA 230 V ~ isolator?
I'd like to design a minimal thin light switch which holds an illuminant with standardized socket, e.g. E14, E27, and has itself such a socket to be screwed in a support and a switch which will be ...
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How do I "subtract" sketches in CAD?
I am using 123D Design to build a model for 3D printing. What I want to build is a large 2D rectangle with several smaller rectangles inside. Then, I want to extrude the larger rectangle, but leave ...
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SOLIDWORKS: Is there a way to convert a Section View into a new part?
I hope this is the correct place for this question.
BLUF: is there a way in SOLIDWORKS to convert a Section View of a part into its own new part; alternatively, which features/tools of SOLIDWORKS ...
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Can you heat the air in a box to heat plastic inside box?
I am working on a project where I need to heat the air inside a box to heat up a 3d print inside it. As of now, I am using a heat gun to heat up the air.
I was wondering two things:
How can I add hot ...
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Ideal way to create internal thread for 3d prints
I created a two piece case for an electronics project.
The pieces are joined with M3 screws. The screw enters a 3d printed cylinder.
In order for the screw to secure itself, it connects to a nut I ...
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How to model this object?
I'm trying to make a 3d model of this showerhead holder
I did this STL file using cadquery:
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Tolerances in the manufacture of mechanical parts (plastic)
It is necessary to make an adapter ring for connecting the smartphone to the microscope eyepiece (turn from ABS on a lathe, or 3D printing). Microscope eyepiece diameter is 33mm.
What should be the ...
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Stuck Allen bolt in e3d hotend
I was having bed leveling issues, so I wanted to make sure I had my x axis level. I moved the z axis right to the top so it would align itself. But in the process, I must have ripped the cable clean ...
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How to design a gear decoupling system?
I'd like to convert my stupid door lock into a smart one.
I already have a gear for the lock knob. Now I'd like to design a gear decoupling system that will be connected between the knob and the motor ...
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When should a bolt and hole be tapped at an angle, if ever, from a structural/strength standpoint?
Assuming the head of a bolt makes proper contact with its surface and clamps properly, and tapping an angled hole is not an issue, when would an angled bolt and hole (relative to the primary surface) ...
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Why sometimes it is very difficult to tighten the screws when threaded inserts are used?
I designed a part using CAD software to combine it with a mechanical component which already has holes on it. The locations are correct as I have the CAD file for that component from the manufacturer.
...
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Building CAD Models for simulations and 3D Printing
Is there a tool that allows you to make changes to models so that they can be used for both 3D printing and static simulations in SolidWorks. For example, I want to have a part printed and to deal ...
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For a given a molten metal (say copper), how do you determine the best material for a 3D printer flatbed? What about circuit board?
Suppose we had a 3D printer that can spew molten metal out of a 0.1mm hot nozzle and that we can control the heat at the last 5mm of the Tungsten hot nozzle's tip.
I'm wondering then how would you get ...
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How are 2D views from a 3D CAD Model stored in STEP-File with Boundary Representation generate for engineers to define details? And why?
I am new in this topic and need some help. There are 3D CAD models (stored as STEP Files with the boundary representation) and some engineers need 2D views of these models for further processing. With ...
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Does this CNC machine exist?
About ten years ago I had an idea for a cnc machine that was meant to basically use multiple axis to airbrush finished milled or printed 3d objects. I still have my detail drawings i worked up for it.
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Is there any cost effective static stress simulation for rapid prototyping (FDM / 3D-printing)?
I've been using the static stress simulation (computed locally) which, until recently, has been free with the Personal licence of Fusion 360. Is there a reasonable alternative?
The cost that Autodesk ...
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Sizing a spring
I am attempting to 3D print my own Quad lock mount and require a spring. I've taken some measurements but don't know how to search for where I can buy more springs. Dimensions:
12mm height, 20mm OD. ...
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Calculating Gearing Ratio from Constrained Rotational Linear Arc and Horizontally Opposed Rotation
I'm 3D printing an aircraft throttle unit as a POC and am trying to calculate the gearing ratios that are required in order transfer the full range of linear motion into a directionally opposed sensor ...
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Recommendation of different materials for 3D printing flexible parts
I am planning to 3D print this part from solidworks.
I am hoping to achieve a good level of flexibility with the clasps in this part.
Thin circular arc in the Top drawing.
and
Wider circular arc in ...
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How to use mesh as a reference object in Solidworks?
Suppose I want to design some device against a scanned 3D model like eyeglasses. I have imported STL model and drew a reference plane by three points of it.
I can ...
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3D printer printing out cotton-candy like material after repeated use
I recently purchased a JGMaker Magic 3D printer. It worked well for about 3 months [first picture], but now it is having a lot of trouble.
As you can see in the images below, when printing new pieces, ...
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3D Printing Models exported to DWG from STL using 3DS Max have missing surfaces
I want to edit some STL projects with Inventor. According Autodesk documentation, since Inventor is not able to edit mesh models, the most practical way without installing other software in my ...
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Could 3D printing be done at a distance e.g. by pointing laser?
Could 3D objects be printed from a distance? Say, by pointing a laser at a stone wall?
I'm not concerned with whether the requisite technology already exists or would be difficult to build, but ...
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Cutting lego "+" cross-axle holes, lego knobs?
In short, I'm looking for ways to reasonably precisely machine a "+"-axle hole, Lego compatible sockets, Lego compatible knobs, Lego compatible round peg/axle holes, and other cutouts for Lego-...
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Stability of lattice or mesh supports for printing
Support structures like lattice supports, tree supports or wire supports are being widely used in metal printing or FDM as they minimise the wastage of material and power consumption. In addition, ...
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Cad file for turnstile mechanism/ one-way clutch/ one-way rotation?
I am writing my first 3D cad-file and I want to place into it a turnstile mechanism (a mechanism that allows a fixed axis to rotate only one way, and not in the opposite). Are there cad-templates for ...
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What is the tolerance on gear pitch?
I'm trying to make a gear to mesh with a motor shaft that I bought online, but it doesn't give any information about the pitch or diameter. When I measured the diameter and pitch of the motor shaft, ...
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How do you create a mounting device for a PCB if the PCB's mounting hole positions aren't documented?
I'm trying to create a place for these PCBS to mount onto:
https://www.amazon.com/ELEGOO-Prototype-Soldering-Compatible-Arduino/dp/B072Z7Y19F/ref=pd_cart_vw_crc_1_2/133-3052301-7665733?_encoding=UTF8&...
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Is it possible to grayscale a MPO file (3D camera) for a CNC carving
I had/have a 3D camera back in the day, and I gotten a few pictures. I kinda stopped using it since there wasn't anything I could do with the MPO files. However, the camera might gain a new life if I ...
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What does stress analysis of 3D printed parts reveal vs their normal counterparts?
I have seen videos or heard about 3D printed buildings, 3D printed space shuttle parts and more. There seems to be a lot of craze developing around 3D printed manufacturing.
I have never heard anyone ...
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Is the construction of a high-speed 3D printer (replicator from Star Trek) possible? [closed]
Yesterday I asked this questions on physics part of stackexchange, but I was redirected to engineering side of the force ;-). We all know about the rapidly developing technology of 3D printing. ...
