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3D printing with RepRap Cookbook
3D printing with RepRap Cookbook

3D printing with RepRap Cookbook: Over 80 fast-paced recipes to help you create and print 3D models

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3D printing with RepRap Cookbook

Chapter 2. Optimizing the Printing Process

In this chapter, we will cover the following recipes:

  • Inspecting the model with Meshmixer
  • Plane alignment with Meshmixer
  • Scaling the model with Meshmixer
  • Leveling the model with Meshmixer
  • Removing scanning artifacts with Meshmixer
  • Shaping the model with Meshmixer
  • Optimizing infill with Slic3r
  • Optimizing infill with Skeinforge
  • Printing without fill with Skeinforge
  • Tweaking shells and surface layers with Skeinforge

Introduction

In this chapter, we're going to take the models that we scanned with 123D Catch and make them better. We'll do this by using another free program offered by Autodesk called Meshmixer. It's a 3D modeling program that offers a variety of sculpting tools that manipulate the surface mesh of a 3D model. It also offers a series of tools that are geared to optimize a model for 3D printing.

We'll also take a look inside the model. There's a lot that can happen in the interior, which can affect both the structural integrity and surface quality. We'll see how infill options in both Slic3r and Skeinforge can be adjusted for different uses.

Inspecting the model with Meshmixer

In this recipe, we'll get familiar with Meshmixer by using the Inspector tool. This tool analyzes defects in the model's mesh and provides options for repairing it manually or automatically. We'll see how well it works by repairing the models that we made in 123D Catch.

Before we get started, let's get acquainted with the basic navigation controls. Meshmixer has an easy user interface called a Hotbox. It can be seen in the following image:

Inspecting the model with Meshmixer

The navigation control buttons are in the Camera section. Experiment with them. While keeping the Space bar key pressed on the keyboard, click, hold, and move the mouse on each button. The first button will rotate the model along the axes. The second button will pan the model across the screen. The third button will zoom in and out on the object, and the fourth button will re-center the image.

There are two other buttons in the far left corner that will help in orienting your model precisely. The Snap...

Plane alignment with Meshmixer

In a 3D software program, we have to be able to orient ourselves in this virtual space to be able to work in it. This is typically achieved by modeling on a plane in the workspace. Meshmixer generates a grid plane and a model is then positioned somewhere on or within it. We can see this illustrated in the following image:

Plane alignment with Meshmixer

Meshmixer imports the rabbit sitting on the plane and imports the sphere with the plane bisecting it. Depending on how a model is positioned in the Cartesian space of another 3D program, the positioning, when importing into Meshmixer, can be anywhere in relation to this plane.

Meshmixer orients the y axis going up from the surface of the plane. You'll find that the other programs in this book will not have this configuration. The z axis will travel up from the plane. This isn't a problem when sculpting the model in Meshmixer, but it does make a difference when using a modification tool, which depends on the plane for orientation.

In...

Scaling the model with Meshmixer

Measurement in the virtual space can be considered arbitrary; what matters is the relative scale. When a model is created by 123D Catch, the size of the object is measured in an arbitrary scale of units. These units can then be interpolated by other 3D modeling programs using metric or imperial units of measurement. We can see how Meshmixer interpolates the size of the pyramid in the following image:

Scaling the model with Meshmixer

The pyramid measures roughly 23 x 17 x 33 millimeters. In reality, the pyramid is more than 4 meters high. What is important for us is a scale that will print on our 3D printer.

In this recipe, we'll learn how to scale our model for printing with Meshmixer.

Getting ready

You'll need the models that you created with 123D Catch.

How to do it...

We will proceed as follows:

  1. Select Import+ to import a model into Meshmixer.
  2. Go to Analysis. From the pop-up window, choose Units/Scale.
  3. In the Units/Scale properties window, enter the measurement that you want for your...

Leveling the model with Meshmixer

Sometimes, we'll have a model that has an uneven bottom that needs to be leveled. The pyramid is a good example of this. When it was 3D scanned, its positioning on a slope concealed part of its base. This can be seen in the following image:

Leveling the model with Meshmixer

In this recipe, we'll learn how to fix this kind of problem by using a plane cut in Meshmixer.

Getting ready

You'll need to load one of your models in Meshmixer. Choose one that has an issue, which is similar to the example model.

How to do it…

We will proceed as follows:

  1. Select Import+ to import the model into Meshmixer.
  2. Go to Edit. From the pop-up window, choose Plane Cut. The following image illustrates the cutting plane and colored axes controls:
    How to do it…
  3. Click, hold, and drag and move the appropriate axis (it's the arc shape). In this case, it's the green axis that will lower the cut plane parallel with the base. It should look like the following image:
    How to do it…
  4. Now, click, hold, and drag the z axis arrow down...

Removing scanning artifacts with Meshmixer

Sometimes, we'll find odd distortions in our 3D scanned models. These are digital artifacts that are generated from glares, poorly focused photos, and other degraded information, which the scanning program processes. In this recipe, we'll learn how to remove these artifacts from the model.

Getting ready

You'll need to open a model in Meshmixer that has similar defects as shown in the following image:

Getting ready

How to do it...

We will proceed as follows:

  1. Zoom in on the artifact. Choose Select. From the pop-up toolbox, we'll use the default brush tool. Adjust its size by using the size slider and then select the end of the artifact. The pop-up toolbox will change and provide more options.
  2. Go to the toolbox and select Modify. Scroll down the cascaded window and select Expand Ring. The selection will grow slightly larger.
  3. We can also use the keyboard shortcut (Shift + >). This will also expand the ring. Continue using the keyboard shortcut until...

Shaping the model with Meshmixer

In this recipe, we'll improve the surface of a model by working with its mesh. Meshmixer was designed to provide a modeling interface that frees the user from working directly with the geometry of the mesh. In most cases, the intent of the program succeeds, but in some cases, it's good to see how the underlying mesh works.

We'll use some brush tools to make one of our models better, thereby taking a look at how this affects the mesh structure.

Getting ready

We'll need the toy block that we scanned with 123D Catch.

How to do it...

We will proceed as follows:

  1. Let's take a look at the model's mesh by positioning the model with a visible large surface. Go to the menu and select View. Scroll down and select Toggle Wireframe (W).
  2. Choose Sculpt. From the pop-up toolbox, choose Brushes. Go to the menu and select ShrinkSmooth. Adjust your settings in the Properties section. Keep the size as 60 and its strength as 25. Use the smooth tool slowly...

Introduction


In this chapter, we're going to take the models that we scanned with 123D Catch and make them better. We'll do this by using another free program offered by Autodesk called Meshmixer. It's a 3D modeling program that offers a variety of sculpting tools that manipulate the surface mesh of a 3D model. It also offers a series of tools that are geared to optimize a model for 3D printing.

We'll also take a look inside the model. There's a lot that can happen in the interior, which can affect both the structural integrity and surface quality. We'll see how infill options in both Slic3r and Skeinforge can be adjusted for different uses.

Inspecting the model with Meshmixer


In this recipe, we'll get familiar with Meshmixer by using the Inspector tool. This tool analyzes defects in the model's mesh and provides options for repairing it manually or automatically. We'll see how well it works by repairing the models that we made in 123D Catch.

Before we get started, let's get acquainted with the basic navigation controls. Meshmixer has an easy user interface called a Hotbox. It can be seen in the following image:

The navigation control buttons are in the Camera section. Experiment with them. While keeping the Space bar key pressed on the keyboard, click, hold, and move the mouse on each button. The first button will rotate the model along the axes. The second button will pan the model across the screen. The third button will zoom in and out on the object, and the fourth button will re-center the image.

There are two other buttons in the far left corner that will help in orienting your model precisely. The Snap button will keep your...

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Description

A systematic guide consisting of over 100 recipes which focus on helping you understand the process of 3D printing using RepRap machines. The book aims at providing professionals with a series of working recipes to help make their fuzzy notions into real, saleable projects/objects using 3D printing technology. This book is for novice designers and artists who own a RepRap-based 3D printer, have fundamental knowledge of its working, and who desire to gain better mastery of the printing process. For the more experienced user, it will provide a handy visual resource, with side-by-side comparisons of the two most popular slicers, Skeinforge and Slic3r. A basic understanding of designing and modeling principles and elementary knowledge of digital modeling would be a plus.

Who is this book for?

This book is for novice designers and artists who own a RepRap-based 3D printer, have fundamental knowledge of its working, and who desire to gain better mastery of the printing process. For the more experienced user, it will provide a handy visual resource, with side-by-side comparisons of the two most popular slicers, Skeinforge and Slic3r. A basic understanding of designing and modeling principles and elementary knowledge of digital modeling would be a plus.

What you will learn

  • Use the 123D Catch program to 3D scan common objects of almost any size for 3D printing
  • Manipulate the surface mesh of a 3D model using Meshmixer v9001, the 3D modeling program
  • Clean up your scans and stitch them together to make a solid model using MeshLab v1.3.2
  • Calibrate 3D models using SketchUp v13, a 3D CAD program for precision fabrication
  • Master the controls of the two most popular slicers, Skeinforge and Slic3r
  • Learn how to add textures to your models and avoid undesirable texture through calibration
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Table of Contents

13 Chapters
1. Getting Started with 3D Printing Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
2. Optimizing the Printing Process Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
3. Scanning and Printing with a Higher Resolution Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
4. Modeling and Printing with Precision Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
5. Manipulating Meshes and Bridges Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
6. Making the Impossible Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
7. Texture – the Good and the Bad Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
8. Troubleshooting Issues in 3D Modeling Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
9. Troubleshooting Issues in 3D Printing Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
A. Understanding and Editing Firmware Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
B. Taking a Closer Look at G-code Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
C. Filament Options for RepRap Printers Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Index Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Customer reviews

Rating distribution
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Half star icon 4.3
(4 Ratings)
5 star 25%
4 star 75%
3 star 0%
2 star 0%
1 star 0%
JDC Dec 25, 2016
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
Pretty good.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Chief Blogger Sep 10, 2014
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Empty star icon 4
I agree that this book is a super collection of practical experience. Richard has compiled an easy to use and "get to the point" series of recipes on many aspects of RepRap and 3D printing. He has made valuable use of detailed photographs depicting before and after effects of tweaking parameters to get your printing process really cooking (no pun intended). See more detail at http://tpmtech.wordpress.com/2014/09/10/3d-printing-with-reprap-cookbook-a-new-way-for-serving-gourmet-3d-parts/
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Crawford Smith Sep 11, 2014
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Empty star icon 4
For those who got a 3D printer and then thought "now what?" - this book is for you.This is a great introduction to creating really great content for 3D printing. The book offers numerous detailed exercise to familiarize the reader with some of the tools that can be used for creating 3D models for printing. Best of all - most of these tools are absolutely free. The exercises are detailed and easy to understand, even for a techie novice. Great way to get up and running with your 3D printer.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
3D Printing Professor Oct 10, 2014
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Empty star icon 4
RepRap Cookbook is not, as the title might suggest, about building a RepRap styled printer. It is abouty using a repRap styped 3D printer. It starts with creating a 3D model using 123D Catch and then cleaning up, fixing, optimizing for 3D printing, and then printing a model using a variety of software. The range of software covered is impressive. It's a comprehensive snapshot of the tools and techniques that 3D printing hobbyists are using these days and an excellent place to start if you're a beginner. It's especially relevant if you're using an Ardunio based RepRap styled printer like a Lulzbot or any of the kickstarters out there, but it's also relevant for other machines as well.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
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All orders received before 5 PM U.K time would start printing from the next business day. So the estimated delivery times start from the next day as well. Orders received after 5 PM U.K time (in our internal systems) on a business day or anytime on the weekend will begin printing the second to next business day. For example, an order placed at 11 AM today will begin printing tomorrow, whereas an order placed at 9 PM tonight will begin printing the day after tomorrow.


Unfortunately, due to several restrictions, we are unable to ship to the following countries:

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  4. Brunei Darussalam
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  8. Guinea-bissau
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  10. Lebanon
  11. Libiya Arab Jamahriya
  12. Somalia
  13. Sudan
  14. Russian Federation
  15. Syrian Arab Republic
  16. Ukraine
  17. Venezuela