Getting a 3D printer file created.
Discussion
I want to prototype a component and the obvious way to do it would be to get it 3D printed. To do that I need an STL file of the design.
I thought about learning CAD basics, but there really is no point as it's likely to be a one off with maybe a few refinements
Is there a site like "my builder" for technical stuff like CAD? The component I want is reasonably simple. It's basically a small motorised auger with a couple of threaded or flanged connections. I could easily knock up a 2D cross section.
On the same subject what's the best (cheapest!) way of getting a one off printed?
This is just a one off home project so not looking at big bucks.....but that said it started as a random thought this morning, and by lunchtime I was looking at what it would cost to buy a 3D printer
I have looked on thingiverse (3D printing resource) and while there is similar stuff nothing quite fits what I want.
I thought about learning CAD basics, but there really is no point as it's likely to be a one off with maybe a few refinements
Is there a site like "my builder" for technical stuff like CAD? The component I want is reasonably simple. It's basically a small motorised auger with a couple of threaded or flanged connections. I could easily knock up a 2D cross section.
On the same subject what's the best (cheapest!) way of getting a one off printed?
This is just a one off home project so not looking at big bucks.....but that said it started as a random thought this morning, and by lunchtime I was looking at what it would cost to buy a 3D printer
I have looked on thingiverse (3D printing resource) and while there is similar stuff nothing quite fits what I want.
Try this company. They printed a shelf for my MX5 after I found a file on-line.
https://www.desktop3dprinter.com/
https://www.desktop3dprinter.com/
gr1340 said:
I got a 3D printer for my birthday this year (an Ender 3) and have been using tinkercad to design things.
I haven’t done anything complicated but it’s very easy to put something together in a very short space of time.
I'll take a look. If I could create my own files I might be able to justify buying one I haven’t done anything complicated but it’s very easy to put something together in a very short space of time.
I used 3dhubs (https://www.3dhubs.com/) to print things - if this link works it’s a 2” quad frame printed in nylon - was MUCH cheaper than I was expecting:
https://imgur.com/a/iFqHpkb
If you can generate the stl files it’s pretty cost effective if you don’t have a printer
https://imgur.com/a/iFqHpkb
If you can generate the stl files it’s pretty cost effective if you don’t have a printer
same as above, buy an ender 3 for £150 and youtube tutorials will help you draw the part. I have two Ender 3 printers i bought for work making jigs for printing flexible phone cases.
I cant really help with drawing the part as im not geat with it yet but check fiverr.com for a freelancer who will do it for cheap.
I cant really help with drawing the part as im not geat with it yet but check fiverr.com for a freelancer who will do it for cheap.
My workflow for this sort of thing is;
Fusion 360 - If you can do a 2D sketch it will be easy to convert to 3D and export as an STL within Fusion. There are options for free licensing for makers/students/trial.
Slicer - Slic3r/Cura/Simplyfi3D, I use all 3 depending on what I'm printing. Simplyfi costs a bit to buy so probably not worth it for a one off.
Printer - CR10S, most of the Creality stuff is pretty good now. Print quality is great out the box.
If you can produce a 2D sketch I could model it in Fusion and print it free of charge. Always looking for projects to improve my ability.
Fusion 360 - If you can do a 2D sketch it will be easy to convert to 3D and export as an STL within Fusion. There are options for free licensing for makers/students/trial.
Slicer - Slic3r/Cura/Simplyfi3D, I use all 3 depending on what I'm printing. Simplyfi costs a bit to buy so probably not worth it for a one off.
Printer - CR10S, most of the Creality stuff is pretty good now. Print quality is great out the box.
If you can produce a 2D sketch I could model it in Fusion and print it free of charge. Always looking for projects to improve my ability.
Edited by Spragnut on Tuesday 28th May 23:33
Spragnut said:
My workflow for this sort of thing is;
Fusion 360 - If you can do a 2D sketch it will be easy to convert to 3D and export as an STL within Fusion. There are options for free licensing for makers/students/trial.
Slicer - Slic3r/Cura/Simplyfi3D, I use all 3 depending on what I'm printing. Simplyfi costs a bit to buy so probably not worth it for a one off.
Printer - CR10S, most of the Creality stuff is pretty good now. Print quality is great out the box.
If you can produce a 2D sketch I could model it in Fusion and print it free of charge. Always looking for projects to improve my ability.
Thanks for the offer!Fusion 360 - If you can do a 2D sketch it will be easy to convert to 3D and export as an STL within Fusion. There are options for free licensing for makers/students/trial.
Slicer - Slic3r/Cura/Simplyfi3D, I use all 3 depending on what I'm printing. Simplyfi costs a bit to buy so probably not worth it for a one off.
Printer - CR10S, most of the Creality stuff is pretty good now. Print quality is great out the box.
If you can produce a 2D sketch I could model it in Fusion and print it free of charge. Always looking for projects to improve my ability.
Edited by Spragnut on Tuesday 28th May 23:33
I've ordered the components I need (motor, gearbox, controller etc) so I'm going to mock it up first to make sure that it works before building a housing.
I'm not sure of the best way to drive the motor yet. There are various PWM or timer options. Basically I need a simple 24hr period with a single short run, or continuous low speed operation.
Depending on the motor your using, you could look at the h-bridge drivers that are controlled with PWM, there's a few on Amazon. You could then drive this with an Arduino which would cover your PWM and timer needs. You could even go as far as hooking up a DS3231 to the Arduino which would give you full real time clock control.
Another option would be turning the auger with a 360° servo, these are really easy to drive from an Arduino and save the need for a motor driver.
I'm not that up on programming yet, I can cobble together firmware and work my way through it, fortunately there are plenty of sample sketches available for the Arduino environment.
Sounds like an interesting little project!
Another option would be turning the auger with a 360° servo, these are really easy to drive from an Arduino and save the need for a motor driver.
I'm not that up on programming yet, I can cobble together firmware and work my way through it, fortunately there are plenty of sample sketches available for the Arduino environment.
Sounds like an interesting little project!
98elise said:
I want to prototype a component and the obvious way to do it would be to get it 3D printed. To do that I need an STL file of the design.
I thought about learning CAD basics, but there really is no point as it's likely to be a one off with maybe a few refinements
Is there a site like "my builder" for technical stuff like CAD? The component I want is reasonably simple. It's basically a small motorised auger with a couple of threaded or flanged connections. I could easily knock up a 2D cross section.
On the same subject what's the best (cheapest!) way of getting a one off printed?
This is just a one off home project so not looking at big bucks.....but that said it started as a random thought this morning, and by lunchtime I was looking at what it would cost to buy a 3D printer
I have looked on thingiverse (3D printing resource) and while there is similar stuff nothing quite fits what I want.
Send me a sketch with some Dimensions, I'll knock it up in Solidworks and send it back to you as an STL.I thought about learning CAD basics, but there really is no point as it's likely to be a one off with maybe a few refinements
Is there a site like "my builder" for technical stuff like CAD? The component I want is reasonably simple. It's basically a small motorised auger with a couple of threaded or flanged connections. I could easily knock up a 2D cross section.
On the same subject what's the best (cheapest!) way of getting a one off printed?
This is just a one off home project so not looking at big bucks.....but that said it started as a random thought this morning, and by lunchtime I was looking at what it would cost to buy a 3D printer
I have looked on thingiverse (3D printing resource) and while there is similar stuff nothing quite fits what I want.
gr1340 said:
I got a 3D printer for my birthday this year (an Ender 3) and have been using tinkercad to design things.
I haven’t done anything complicated but it’s very easy to put something together in a very short space of time.
Friend recommends Tinkercad as well. Looks easy to useI haven’t done anything complicated but it’s very easy to put something together in a very short space of time.
I've hit on a slight scale issue with my parts!
The motor and gearbox is tiny, and the makeshift auger, a drill bit with a hex shaft, is not the standard hex size for screw drivers.
I need to rethink the drivetrain.
Thanks for all the offers to create the file. I'll get back when I've got it running on the bench and know the dimensions for the working parts.
Edited to add....
I've just realised that I've not said what I'm building....it's an automated fish pond feeder for when we're on holiday. I have a one I bought a few years ago but it's poorly made and unreliable.
The motor and gearbox is tiny, and the makeshift auger, a drill bit with a hex shaft, is not the standard hex size for screw drivers.
I need to rethink the drivetrain.
Thanks for all the offers to create the file. I'll get back when I've got it running on the bench and know the dimensions for the working parts.
Edited to add....
I've just realised that I've not said what I'm building....it's an automated fish pond feeder for when we're on holiday. I have a one I bought a few years ago but it's poorly made and unreliable.
Edited by 98elise on Friday 31st May 15:30
If you don't need a massive amount of torque a stepper motor would be the other choice. Would have a ~6mm shaft and there are plenty of couplings available for them. Easy to mount as well. Look for something like a NEMA17, simple stepper driver and an Arduino would have it turning.
What sort of diameter and length is the auger going to be?
If you need more torque you could get some gears and also sort a 3D printed gearbox to house them.
Sounds like you need something like this....
3D Printed Auger
or this
Another 3D Printed Auger
What sort of diameter and length is the auger going to be?
If you need more torque you could get some gears and also sort a 3D printed gearbox to house them.
Sounds like you need something like this....
3D Printed Auger
or this
Another 3D Printed Auger
Edited by Spragnut on Friday 31st May 16:41
Spragnut said:
If you don't need a massive amount of torque a stepper motor would be the other choice. Would have a ~6mm shaft and there are plenty of couplings available for them. Easy to mount as well. Look for something like a NEMA17, simple stepper driver and an Arduino would have it turning.
What sort of diameter and length is the auger going to be?
If you need more torque you could get some gears and also sort a 3D printed gearbox to house them.
Sounds like you need something like this....
3D Printed Auger
or this
Another 3D Printed Auger
Yes I saw those. I want to avoid having a computer controlled device though. I want something that can live outside and run off batteries if needs be.What sort of diameter and length is the auger going to be?
If you need more torque you could get some gears and also sort a 3D printed gearbox to house them.
Sounds like you need something like this....
3D Printed Auger
or this
Another 3D Printed Auger
Edited by Spragnut on Friday 31st May 16:41
I"m actually now thinking that an auger might be the wrong solution. I could use a small servo or solenoid to operate a slide/draw mechanism. A simple timer can pulse the soleniod as many times as I want during the day.
The feed is 3mm dry pellets so doesn't provide much resistance.
Have a look at my project
https://www.instructables.com/id/Automatic-Arduino...
However. Do not underestimate how much torque an auger needs, and the complexity of feeding it. If you get the food size to auger size ratio wrong it will jam in a heartbeat. I tried both a servo motor, and a stepper, and both had issues. The servo won.
Your auger has to have the power to be able to totally crush the food, or it will jam.
p.s. Fusion 360 - I just watched some tutorials. OMFG - now I realise all my frustrations with Sketchup were time wasted. I'll be trying fusion asap!
https://www.instructables.com/id/Automatic-Arduino...
However. Do not underestimate how much torque an auger needs, and the complexity of feeding it. If you get the food size to auger size ratio wrong it will jam in a heartbeat. I tried both a servo motor, and a stepper, and both had issues. The servo won.
Your auger has to have the power to be able to totally crush the food, or it will jam.
p.s. Fusion 360 - I just watched some tutorials. OMFG - now I realise all my frustrations with Sketchup were time wasted. I'll be trying fusion asap!
RogerDodger said:
Have a look at my project
https://www.instructables.com/id/Automatic-Arduino...
However. Do not underestimate how much torque an auger needs, and the complexity of feeding it. If you get the food size to auger size ratio wrong it will jam in a heartbeat. I tried both a servo motor, and a stepper, and both had issues. The servo won.
Your auger has to have the power to be able to totally crush the food, or it will jam.
p.s. Fusion 360 - I just watched some tutorials. OMFG - now I realise all my frustrations with Sketchup were time wasted. I'll be trying fusion asap!
Many thanks. That shows me that it's not going to be as easy as I though. The current motor gearbox I have runs at 4rpm so I'm hoping that it can produce the torque I need.https://www.instructables.com/id/Automatic-Arduino...
However. Do not underestimate how much torque an auger needs, and the complexity of feeding it. If you get the food size to auger size ratio wrong it will jam in a heartbeat. I tried both a servo motor, and a stepper, and both had issues. The servo won.
Your auger has to have the power to be able to totally crush the food, or it will jam.
p.s. Fusion 360 - I just watched some tutorials. OMFG - now I realise all my frustrations with Sketchup were time wasted. I'll be trying fusion asap!
Your frustration with commercial feeders (in your project) echos mine. I want something reliable.
RogerDodger said:
Have a look at my project
https://www.instructables.com/id/Automatic-Arduino...
However. Do not underestimate how much torque an auger needs, and the complexity of feeding it. If you get the food size to auger size ratio wrong it will jam in a heartbeat. I tried both a servo motor, and a stepper, and both had issues. The servo won.
Your auger has to have the power to be able to totally crush the food, or it will jam.
p.s. Fusion 360 - I just watched some tutorials. OMFG - now I realise all my frustrations with Sketchup were time wasted. I'll be trying fusion asap!
There's a guy called Lars Christensen on YouTube, he's got some really excellent guides.https://www.instructables.com/id/Automatic-Arduino...
However. Do not underestimate how much torque an auger needs, and the complexity of feeding it. If you get the food size to auger size ratio wrong it will jam in a heartbeat. I tried both a servo motor, and a stepper, and both had issues. The servo won.
Your auger has to have the power to be able to totally crush the food, or it will jam.
p.s. Fusion 360 - I just watched some tutorials. OMFG - now I realise all my frustrations with Sketchup were time wasted. I'll be trying fusion asap!
I think he has some tutorials on starting projects and utilising the history bar, which is key to smooth running designs.
I've gone back to SketchUp a couple of times for woodwork stuff, mainly to use the cutting list plug in, frustration got the better of me after 5 minutes before I was back in Fusion!
One thing I learnt is if there's something you want to achieve then google to see if there's a way to do it. I've been working on an aluminium die cast enclosure for my employer, 3D design isn't my main role I'm definitely still learning! I was banging my head against a wall trying to sketch the draft angle that was required on a projected plane, spent a while trying to figure it out, ended up heading over to the forums and quickly discovered there was a button for it!
Likewise holes, place a point on a sketch and then click the hole button and you can enter all the criteria required. If you need to change that hole find it it the history bar, edit it and it computes all the necessary changes to the whole model.
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